Local Gem

Robertson Millpond Preserve

Summer is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors, and what better way to do so than by exploring local gems? Robertson Millpond Preserve is a tranquil 85-acre refuge for nature lovers, canoeists, kayakers, and the like, located at 6333 Robertson Pond Road in Wendell. A visit to this serene local gem offers a unique opportunity to unwind and connect with nature.

A Rich Cultural History

Robertson Millpond Preserve, nestled along Buffalo Creek – named for the buffalo herds once seen drinking there – boasts a rich history. This 85-acre haven features a dam, part earthen and part masonry, that still stands today. The mill that once served as a significant economic hub in the Wendell community was removed in the mid-1970s, but the dam and the remaining foundation of the mill have been preserved as historic landmarks.

In the 1820s, the Avera family operated a 600-acre farm and gristmill, and likely built the dam and the mill. Ownership of the property changed hands in 1887 and 1914, eventually passing to the Robertson family, after whom the road and pond are named. The Robertson family likely farmed the land and operated the mill until the 1940s. The estate was eventually divided into 11 tracts amongst surviving heirs in 1960, with Nettie Robertson Fowler inheriting the millpond. Throughout the 1960s, her family ran a boathouse, renting out wooden boats for fishing. Today, under the care of the Wake County Open Space Program, who purchased it in 2013, the Robertson Millpond Preserve welcomes visitors to explore its natural wonders and immerse themselves in the timeless allure of this cherished sanctuary.

A Significant Natural Area

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has recognized Robertson Millpond Preserve as a significant natural area in Wake County, and it has also been honored as a Wetland Treasure by the Carolina Wetlands Association. It features a unique blackwater cypress-gum swamp, rare this far north and west in North Carolina. Blackwater forms when rivers or creeks flow slowly through forested swamps or wetlands, with decaying vegetation leaching tannins into the water, creating a transparent, acidic liquid that resembles tea or coffee. This environment supports various coastal plain species, with the bases of the cypress trees providing habitat for swamp rose and several other plants, shrubs, and vines, including coastal fetterbush and sweetspire.

Get Out and Explore

Visitors can bring their own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or small trolling boat to launch from the conveniently located grassy launch site or ADA-accessible boat dock. There is no launch fee for your own vessel. Kayaks can also be rented through Tar River Life. The paddling trail, marked by buoys, offers a 1.15-mile loop through the tranquil, forested waters. A relaxed pace allows for exploration and enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings, with the entire trail navigable in about one hour. For standing paddleboards, it is recommended to follow the trail from buoys 1 to 26 along the western side of the pond … this area features a wider trail and the creek channel, whereas the eastern side is shallower and narrower.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy designated fishing areas, with species such as sunfish, catfish, and pickerel inhabiting the pond. Lucky bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts may spot wood ducks, wood-peckers, barred owls, herons, beavers, raccoons, water snakes, frogs, turtles, and more in their natural habitat.

Plan Your Visit

Robertson Millpond Preserve’s peak season is April 1 – August 31, and is open Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM until sunset. Off-peak season is from September 1 through March 31, when it is open Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM until sunset. Life jackets are required while boating. It should be noted that there is no regular staff on site, and there are no restrooms or drinking water at the preserve. Additionally, swimming and wading are prohibited, as is collection or release of any natural material or living organism.