The History of Walnut Creek Wetland Park: A Community Success Story

What used to be called “just a swamp” in Southeast Raleigh is now one of the most powerful symbols of environmental justice in the region. Walnut Creek Wetland Park is more than just a nature preserve — it’s the result of decades of community-led advocacy, persistence, and pride.

Today, it protects nearby neighborhoods from flooding, supports local wildlife, and offers residents a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. But that transformation didn’t happen overnight.

Forgotten by the City, Flooded by the Creek

In the mid-20th century, Southeast Raleigh’s Rochester Heights and Biltmore Hills neighborhoods were among the few places where Black families could buy homes. These communities were close-knit, rooted in faith, and proud of their heritage — but they were built near a neglected waterway: Walnut Creek.

For decades, this creek flooded homes, carried trash and pollutants, and received little attention from city leaders. Residents learned to brace for storms and clean up without help. When Hurricane Fran hit in 1996, more than 90% of the homes in Rochester Heights flooded. Yet, federal aid bypassed the neighborhood, and the systemic neglect continued.

It was a breaking point — and a beginning.

The Birth of a Movement

In the late 1990s, a small but determined group of Southeast Raleigh residents, church leaders, and scientists came together. Leading the way was Dr. Norman Camp, a local physician and passionate advocate for community health and justice. Alongside local churches like St. Ambrose Episcopal and neighbors who were tired of being ignored, they began cleaning up the creek themselves — removing debris, organizing meetings, and calling for change.

From those efforts, Partners for Environmental Justice (PEJ) was born. The vision: not just to restore the wetland, but to ensure Southeast Raleigh residents had a seat at the table in decisions about their environment.

Turning Trash into a Treasure

Over the next several years, PEJ worked hand-in-hand with the City of Raleigh, state agencies, and other nonprofits to push for official recognition and restoration of Walnut Creek. The community’s advocacy led to a turning point: the City began investing in the land, and plans emerged to transform the area into a true park and learning space.

In 2009, the Norman and Betty Camp Education Center opened its doors, anchoring what would become Walnut Creek Wetland Park. With new trails, boardwalks, and restored ecosystems, the park became both a sanctuary for wildlife and a hub for environmental education.

What once was a dumping ground became a destination.

A Park With Purpose

Walnut Creek Wetland Park isn’t just beautiful — it’s functional. It serves as:

• A natural sponge that reduces flooding in surrounding neighborhoods

• A filter for stormwater runoff, improving water quality downstream

• A refuge for birds, turtles, frogs, and native plants

• A gathering place for volunteers, schoolchildren, and families

• A living classroom where local residents learn about sustainability and resilience

In 2023, the park earned national recognition as the 21st Urban Waters Federal Partnership site, connecting Walnut Creek to a broader network of communities working for cleaner, more just waterways.

That designation affirms what Southeast Raleigh residents knew all along — this place matters.

The Power of Local Voices

None of this progress happened because someone in city hall handed the neighborhood a solution. It happened because local people organized, spoke up, and never gave up.

It happened because Dr. Camp and others believed that nature belongs to everyone — not just those who can afford to live near green space.

It happened because a community turned frustration into action, and in doing so, reshaped their future.

Looking Ahead

The work is far from done. Walnut Creek still faces challenges: unchecked development, climate change, and unequal investment in green infrastructure. But now, the community is better equipped — and better connected — than ever before.

Through programs like the Watershed Learning Network, PEJ continues to train and empower residents to speak out, monitor conditions, and shape policies that affect their neighborhoods. The legacy of Walnut Creek is growing every day, fueled by education, advocacy, and collective care.

Come See the Change for Yourself

Whether you live nearby or are new to the Raleigh area, visiting Walnut Creek Wetland Park is an experience that connects past, present, and future. It’s a chance to witness how community action can reshape the land — and transform lives.

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Want to learn more about the history of Walnut Creek or get involved in the next chapter of this story? Reach out to our team , sign up for a volunteer day , or just come visit the park and see what’s possible when a community stands together.