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Project Boosts Sustainability at Lake Raleigh

A project is afoot to enhance the hiking trails and health of the lake at Lake Raleigh Woods on NC State’s Centennial Campus.

The Lake Raleigh Trails Improvement Project is coordinated by NC State Wellness and Recreation through an NC State Sustainability Fund grant. The project’s goal is to restore and rebuild more than six miles of hiking and multi-use trails, which are one of the few hiking and mountain biking areas near the university. This restoration will also improve the ecology of the trails, making them less susceptible to soil erosion.

Along with trail improvements, the project will add signage about the trail system and sustainability issues, such as stormwater runoff and invasive plant species.

Community and student engagement is vital, and already several volunteer events have helped clean up the lake and surrounding trails. The day before Earth Day, volunteers converged at Lake Raleigh, where they removed invasive plant species from the trail while also collecting 76 pounds of trash and nearly 40 pounds of recyclables. These efforts help preserve the lake’s ecosystem while also improving habitat for wildlife.

Partners in this ongoing project include the NC State Stewards, Adventure Club, Cycling Club, Wellness and Recreation – Outdoor Adventures, Grounds and Building Services, Forestry and Environmental Resources, Health and Exercise Studies and Parks, and Recreation and Tourism Management.