~Come Explore the Nature of Banner Elk~
Located at 3,700+ feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, there’s plenty to explore in Banner Elk.
To experience the nature of the area, explore Banner Elk’s town park, Tate-Evans Park. Here, you’ll find a variety of gardens, a Greenway Trail, playground areas, picnic tables, and the lovely Shawneehaw Creek, which runs through the park.
About Shawneehaw Creek:
Shawneehaw Creek originates on the southeastern slopes of Beech Mountain and flows into the Elk River. This tributary is home to a variety of trout, including the native Appalachian brook trout, as well as other fish, many stream insects and arthropods, and even beavers and ducks.
Here are some simple ways to enjoy our park stream, stay safe, and keep Shawneehaw Creek healthy for years to come:
- Please don’t move the rocks – Rocks serve as hiding places and homes for many animals, including macro-invertebrates, mollusks and salamanders.
- Keep stream habitat intact – Native streamside vegetation,
including grasses, shrubs and trees, provide good habitat for wildlife, as well as a nutrient source for stream animals. Vegetation also helps prevent erosion. - Do not approach snakes you might see in the water. The park is home to several NON-VENOMOUS species of snakes, including the northern watersnake. While it might take on a “scary” appearance, it is not poisonous. However, any snake that feels threatened may bite. Please co-exist with our local watersnakes by keeping your distance.
- Safely pick up litter – Trash that breaks down in the water may be eaten by fish and other wildlife, and could possibly alter the water chemistry. Stream litter can also travel all the way to the ocean!
- Report any activities that may harm a stream, such as dumping garbage.
- Clean up after your pets – Be sure to keep pet waste out of the streams, and all bodies of water.