Developed to Protect the Environment
Building on a partnership with Audubon International, Crescent has transformed this beautiful property into a peaceful sanctuary for homeowners and indigenous wildlife. Audubon International is a not-for-profit, environmental education organization dedicated to educating, assisting and inspiring people to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife and natural resources around them.

Audubon International has awarded Hidden Lake, a Raleigh, NC community with its Triple Diamond designation, its highest level of certification in its Gold Signature Program. The program provides comprehensive environmental planning assistance to new developments.

The Grass is Always Greener When You Build Green

How we build our homes is one of the most significant ways we can impact the future.  By building “green” homes, we lessen our impact on the environment by:

• protecting our forests and wildlife habitats
• conserving energy and water resources
• keeping waste out of landfills
• reducing toxins
• improving indoor air quality

Protecting Wetlands and Water Quality
While Hidden Lake promotes green building, it was also developed in an ecology-focused manner.

• Crescent set aside a 100-acre park named the Audubon Preserve. This preserve contains several wetlands nestled in a hardwood forest. Nature trails wind through the Audubon Preserve, allowing residents to catch a glimpse of the numerous species of animals that make their home in the park.
• In places where the roads cross wetlands, Crescent installed bridges, creating very little impact on these fragile ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal populations.
• “Soft engineering” approaches were also designed and utilized within Hidden Lake, such as building roads without curbs and gutters, which create less impervious surfaces.
• Buffers along Hidden Lake were expanded from 50 to 100 feet. Buffers trap sediment, excess nutrients and pollutants, as well as stabilize shorelines and provide wildlife corridors.
• Only canoes, kayaks or electric boats are allowed on Hidden Lake, eliminating the pollution and noise generally associated with gas-powered engines.