News

We’re spotlighting our Swim Guide sites this summer, so you can get more info on the places we sample, and maybe find a new place to explore! First up:

Rolling View Boat Ramp at Falls Lake, Raleigh

During the warmer months, you will see many people enjoying the Rolling View boat ramp, trail, and picnic areas in Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Rolling View provides the perfect location for fisherman, hikers, bikers, and boaters to recreate and enjoy the peaceful natural area. At the end of the dock next to the boat ramp, weekly samples are collected and tested by Sound Rivers for E. coli. This bacteria is a good indicator of fecal contamination and at high levels may have negative effects on our health. Every Friday beginning Memorial Day and ending Labor Day, the results are reported online so patrons are aware of the water quality at this recreational site and ten others in the Upper Neuse watershed. This location passed the EPA water quality standards every week during the 2019 season, and I am happy to report that the Rolling View boat ramp has continued to pass with flying colors this year! Stop by to enjoy a day on the water or a hike through the pine forest surrounding Falls Lake!

-Nicole

Town Common, Greenville

The Town Common is located in the heart of Uptown Greenville. The space features lots of green areas for picnicking, walkways, an amphitheater, and a gorgeous view of the Tar River. It also is the Northwest trailhead of the South Tar River Greenway, which is perfect for bike riders and pedestrians. The Town Common is the western-most sampling site in the Pamlico-Tar River Basin and is included as a site due to its central location in Greenville and because it is a popular launch place for paddlers and for fishing. Since 2018, the Town Common site has only failed an E. coli test for the Swim Guide twice, making it a great site to consider for recreation!

-Amelia

LAWSON CREEK PARK, NEW BERN

The Lawson Creek Park site is popular among anglers, paddlers, and boaters. Located off US-70, the park has two fishing piers, two boat launches, restrooms, and handicap accessibility features. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic area, soccer fields, and a walking trail within the 140-acre park. Mike Sagaser, an avid kayak paddler and frequent visitor of the park, has been volunteering to collect water samples there for the Swim Guide program. He volunteers as a “small way to help protect the beautiful area.” Fecal indicator testing for the site has been improving each year and we hope to see that continued trend. If you are in the New Bern area for July 4^th, you can visit this site to enjoy fireworks, family friendly activities, live music, and plenty of food!

-Caitlin