🌳 A win for conservation, recreation, and regional water quality in the Triangle.

Jun 17, 2026 | News

A new 65-acre nature preserve has officially opened near Wake Forest, transforming land that was once slated for residential development into permanently protected open space.

📍 Old Creedmoor Nature Preserve Highlights:

• 65 acres of protected forest, streams, and natural habitat
• Nearly 4 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
• Connections to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail near Falls Lake
• Preservation of critical watershed land in the Upper Neuse River Basin
• Protection of streams that feed Falls Lake, a drinking water source for more than 500,000 residents

💧 One quote from the article stood out:

“A wooded forested area is the original treatment plant.”

As the Triangle continues to grow, projects like this highlight the balancing act between development and conservation. Preserving key watershed areas not only creates recreational opportunities but also helps protect long-term water quality and regional infrastructure.

📈 Growth isn’t just about adding rooftops and square footage. It’s also about preserving the natural assets that make our communities attractive places to live, work, and invest.

#WakeForestNC #RaleighNC #TriangleNC #EconomicDevelopment #LandUse #Conservation #WakeCounty #QualityOfLife #CommercialRealEstate #GrowthManagement #OutdoorRecreation #NorthCarolina

https://www.wral.com/news/local/new-nature-preserve-opens-raleigh-hiking-mountain-biking-may-2026

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.