Week One Clues:

This week our FROGs are exploring the western portion of the Walnut Creek Greenway and Rocky Branch Greenway which is a tributary of Walnut Creek. The clues are listed from West to East, but you can explore the greenway in whatever direction you like!

Think like a FROG as you search:

#1    The Walnut Creek trail on the west side of Avent Ferry is a smooth, but unpaved trail, lots of likely FROG habitat here. This means that you will need to cross the road, from Lake Johnson Park for quieter FROG habitat. Most Frogs like the lakeside of the Path.

#2    Continuing from West to East on the Walnut Creek Greenway,  cross Lake Dam Rd as Walnut Creek becomes a burbling stream. Keep your eyes peeled, our Frogs love lakes so the closer you get to Lake Raleigh the more likely you are to find the next one. Our frogs also like magnolias so look for a cluster. (stop by the Raleigh Bike Library—open weekends-- they have clues, snacks, bikes to rent and bike repair.)

If you use the Raleigh Greenway Explorer (or Google maps with the biking layer activated) you can find the best greenway routes to get over to Rocky Branch Trail.

#3    Near the Gatekeepers Cottage Visitor Center there is parking at Dix Park. These beautifully restored 100 year old buildings include restrooms, lovely landscaping and the Attun sculpture to view. (insider tip: The Gipson Play Plaza will be opening within the next 60 days.) Just a quick Hop down the hill to Rocky Branch Greenway. Which way to go? I think our Frog is curious about those new apartments so maybe he is headed that way.

#4    Need a clue or a break? It might be time to grab a coffee and fabulous pastry at Boulted Bread @ 328 DuPont Circle 27603 in Boylan Heights—they have bonus clues for all 4 frogs!

As you travel east along Rocky Branch imagine what this part of Dix Park might look like in the future. Carefully continue across Lake Wheeler / S. Saunders St. The Greenway takes a little hidden turn, you might need your maps to help you navigate. This next site, located along the Rocky Branch Trail, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was established around 1872! Lots of Raleigh history hiding in plain sight, right beside the trail. You might have attended a school named for someone resting here. It is a bit mucky along the Greenway, just the kind of habitat that FROGs like. 

MORE CLUES: Can’t find one of these 4 Frogs, maybe you need more clues: Go to Boulted Bread or the Bike Library (open weekends) and look for an adorable frog that will be holding more clues