What was once the site of the original path of the Reedy River is now home to the newest section of Unity Park: The Reedy River Wetlands Preserve.

Welcome to the preserve | Photo by GVLtoday

A look back

At the preserve’s ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, Mayor Knox White alluded to the creek that flows through the preserve. The creek is actually the Reedy River’s original path. City engineers diverted the river to where it flows through Unity Park today in the 1930s.

The restoration process

Restorations on the eight acres of wetlands, located along the northern perimeter of Unity Park (think: behind The Commons parking lot), began ~11 months ago. Tasks to restore the wetlands included:

Removing of invasive species
Removing of wood-boring beetle-affected ash trees
Planting 100+ native trees
Planting 200+ native shrubs

Donations supporting the project’s completion include $1.25 million from BMW Manufacturing, a $500,000 grant from Duke Energy, and $100,000 from the C. Dan Joyner Family.

Can you find these marsh animals? Photo by GVLtoday

The preserve today

Today, the preserve serves not only as a home to native plant and animal species (like the Silky Dogwood and snapping turtles), but it’s also a classroom. Along the ADA-accessible boardwalks you’ll find informational signs on the preserve’s inhabitants that overlook different sections of the wetlands.

Duke Energy Outdoor Classroom | Photo by GVLtoday

The Duke Energy Outdoor Classroom is located at the preserve’s center and serves as a space to educate on the wetlands’ environmental contributions. You can’t miss the classroom’s cover — a canopy of 72 pieces of wood and twisted steel created by The Heirloom Companies.

“These wetlands create a healthier river system, improve habitat, mitigates flood risk, and a beautiful scenic and educational amenity for our community,” said Mayor Knox White.

Access The Reedy River Wetlands Preserve from three different entrances from 5 a.m.-11 p.m.