The Big Creek GreenwayJeff

ADA Compliant Restrooms and Parking Spaces Coming to Forsyth Greenway

Jeff — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:41:59 +0000

Forsyth County Website - Big Creek Greenway Restroom Bid

Forsyth County has opened up bidding for contractors on building restrooms and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant parking spaces at the Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway Trailheads. It is not clear from the bidding site which parking lots will include these amenities, but most likely the McFarland and Bethelview Parkway parking lots will be included with this.

There are not currently any dates listed on when the project would start or be completed. We will keep you up to date when we find out more details.

Signs of a Black Bear Seen Near Highway 9

Jeff — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:25:03 +0000

Black Bear

We received an e-mail yesterday that someone had spotted Black Bear Skat (droppings) near Highway 9 on the Forsyth Big Creek Greenway. We haven’t verified the sighting, nor have we received any notifications of bear sightings in the area. That being said, black bears are indigenous to the region. They are generally shy, and will likely stay away from the area when people are around.

Here is a site with some safety techniques to remember should you encounter a bear. If you encounter one, please don’t try to interact, feed, or get closer to the bear. Also, never get between a bear and it’s cub.

Pictures of Green Heron Nests Added

Jeff — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:44:58 +0000

Green Heron Staring Down

I was able to get out on the Greenway Tuesday with my camera to get some pictures of the Green Heron nests just South of Haynes Bridge. There were fewer in the nests than the day before, though that could have been attributed to the heat of the day. Enjoy the pictures!

Green Heron Nests South of Haynes Bridge

Jeff — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:15:06 +0000

Thanks to Robert for the tip. I received an e-mail from him over the weekend that mentioned two sets of bird nests just south of Haynes Bridge Road where the trail splits. The nests are filled with Green Herons, that look as though they are about to leave the nests. Today I saw roughly a dozen birds remaining. You will easily notice the nests if you head south from the Haynes Bridge parking lot and watch for the large sections of droppings covering the trail on both sides when the trail splits.

When I walked that portion of the trail to verify the nests today, I didn’t have my camera. I will head back out tomorrow to try and get some good shots of the herons before they leave their nests.

On another note, I was lucky to see a young deer along the trail today heading to the birds nest. It is fairly common on the Alpharetta trail to see deer. If you have any tips on animal sightings, or would like to report seeing any animals, post an article to our new Community Forums.

Alpharetta Closing Webb Bridge Road to Extend Greenway

Jeff — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:54:49 +0000

Alpharetta will be closing Webb Bridge Road through August 2nd in order to extend the Big Creek Greenway to Marconi Drive. The closure will help in installing a new pedestrian culvert and to move underground utilities.

Section of Greenway Closed for Repair

Jeff — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:50:27 +0000

According to the Forsyth County website, a section of the Big Creek Greenway from McFarland Parkway to Union Hill Road will be closed on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 for repairs. The section should re-open on Friday, June 4th.

Big Creek Greenway Bird Walk Event

Jeff — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:13:53 +0000

Big Creek Greenway Bird Walk

Big Creek Greenway Bird Walk
Saturday, May 29; 8 to 9 a.m.; ages 6 and up*

Join a naturalist on a guided hike along the Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County to greet spring migration. Field guides and binoculars are recommended, and a few pairs will be available to borrow. Meet at the Bethelview Road trail head for the Big Creek Greenway, located at 5120 Bethelview Road. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Click Here for More Details on the event.

Big Creek Greenway Car Thieves Caught

Jeff — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:11:30 +0000

Forsyth County Sheriff's Patch

There recently has been a rash of car break-ins along the Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway, particularly on McFarland Parkway. According to NorthFulton.com, on April 30th, two men were arrested by Forsyth County Deputies while breaking into a car along the Greenway. The police had been able to analyze data from prior thefts and setup a stakeout to catch the thieves in action.

Portions of Alpharetta Greenway Under Water

Jeff — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:57:49 +0000

Though both greenways remain open today after the heavy rains last night, the Alpharetta website has a warning posted that portions of the trail are under water. Please do not try and cross these portions as the trail can become slick and the water may be moving swift. It may also not be possible to see if submerged portions of the trail have been washed out. No reports of washed out sections have been received though.

Enjoy a beautiful day out on the trails after the rainy Saturday!

Carpooling and Locking Your Car

Jeff — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:25:18 +0000

With the exception of the pollen count, we’ve had wonderful weather lately. With the abundance of sunny skies and moderate temperatures, the number of people utilizing the greenways has greatly increased. Here are just a few tips to help keep the parking lots from over flowing, and for protecting your belongings while on the greenway.

When possible, carpool to the parking lots.
If you are within walking distance of the greenways, consider riding your bike or walking to the greenway as opposed to driving.
There are no lines in most of the parking lots, so be sure not to take up more space than needed when parking. Leave enough room for your neighbor to get in and out of their car too.
Be sure to store any valuables out of sight. There has been an increase in break-ins around the greenway parking lots with the increase in use.
Make sure you lock your vehicle while using the trail.
Be courteous to everyone on the greenway during these high use months. If on a bike, yield to those on foot. If traveling by foot, leave space on your left for passing.

Enjoy the weather and have fun on the trails, the hot summer months are right around the corner and who knows when the rainy season will return!

Remember to Lock Your Car Doors!