Overview
This small nature preserve runs along the banks of Ellerbe Creek for just under half a mile. A paved trail follows the creek's southern bank and connects with Indian Trail Park and Westover Park. Another half mile of unpaved nature trails take you through the nearby floodplain forest.
Informative markers are found throughout the preserve. The preserve, managed by the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, is a building block in a larger plan to eventually protect this entire creek and connect to a network of greenway trails.
The best access is via Indian Trail Park (see map below). Park in the parking lot and take West Ellerbe Creek Trail just 0.2 mile to 17 Acre Wood.
Trails
West Ellerbe Creek Trail (0.36 mile, easy)
This paved trail runs along the southern bank of Ellerbe Creek. About a third of a mile of the trail is within the preserve. The trail's total length is 0.55 mile, with short segments extending into nearby Indian Trail Park and Westover Park. A proposed extension would connect it to the North/South Greenway by Stadium Drive. Accessible to bikes, wheelchairs, and strollers.
Nature Trails (0.54 mile, easy)
This short network of nature trails explores the floodplain forest. Though small, this area is home to diverse plant life. Many ID markers help to identify important local species.
Nature Trail - North Bank (0 mile, overgrown)
This trail is accessible from Carolina Avenue on the creek's north bank. The trail is only about 0.2 mile in length, but is underutilized and badly in need of maintenance. As of November 2010 it is very difficult to follow. The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association plans to connect this trail to the rest of the park via a bridge.
Wildlife
Ellerbe Creek runs through heavily populated areas of north Durham, and serves as an important refuge for wildlife. Birds are especially notable. Owl, kingfisher, great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, American crow, and wild turkey can be seen, as well as many species of songbirds. Other animals passing through the preserve include beaver, muskrat, turtle, deer, and fox.
Plant Life
At this small preserve the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association has supplemented the existing plant life with "native plants rescued from development sites elsewhere in the watershed."
Trees found at the preserve include river birch, red maple, silver maple, sourwood, hawthorn, red cedar, sweetgum, sassafras, and winged elm. Other prominent plants include common yucca, river oats, blue-eyed grass, hearts-a-burstin', swamp rose, and common milkweed. Several species of sunflower are found throughout the preserve.
Landmarks
Ellerbe Creek
External Links 
Official Site
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