Mercer Botanic Gardens' Storey Lake and the Creekside Ramble Reopen
Nature lovers now have 30 additional acres of trails and water features to explore, thanks to the long-awaited reopening of two beloved amenities at Mercer Botanic Gardens.
Storey Lake and the Creekside Ramble have reopened after closing more than five years ago, marking a critical step in Mercer's recovery from flooding and drought over the past decade.
During its renovation, Storey Lake received a few improvements.
The area features a new irrigation and drainage system.
The gravel paths also were upgraded with brick pavers, beautifying the site and making the trail more convenient for visitors using strollers or wheelchairs.
The serene landscape around the lake highlights various flowers and plants, such as Louisiana irises and a bamboo collection.
Benches and a pergola resembling a Japanese teahouse provide a place of relaxation.
The area between Storey Lake and the Central Garden, known as the Creekside Ramble, was once a heavily wooded walkway to the lake, but a drought in 2011 killed many trees in the area.
It now features a large lawn area, gravel trails, and landscaped beds featuring trees, native grasses, and flowering perennial plants.
Visitors can explore the reopened section in the back of Mercer's East Side Gardens.