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1. What is the NC Birding Trail?

The NC Birding Trail is a partnership project to establish a driving trail linking great birding sites across the state. Six agencies and organizations are involved in the Birding Trail: NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC State Parks, Audubon NC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Sea Grant, and NC Cooperative Extension. The Trail was implemented in three regional components: the coastal plain, Piedmont, and mountains. I-95 is the border between the coastal plain and Piedmont regions; I-77 is the border between the Piedmont and mountain regions. The coastal plain portion of the Trail was completed in 2007 (102 sites). The Piedmont portion of the Trail was completed in 2008 (103 sites), and the mountain region was completed in 2009 (105 sites). To learn more about the NC Birding Trail, visit our website.

2. How can I help to promote the NC Birding Trail?

- We work hard to keep our North Carolina Birding Trail Website accurate and current, so visit often and pass the address along to others! From our homepage, you can print your own copies of this document to distribute to individuals and organizations.
- Birder calling cards are also available for download from our homepage – print up a few and drop them off at businesses you visit during your travels on the NC Birding Trail. This will help local communities recognize the economic impact of visiting birders.
- Promote the NC Birding Trail sites in your area to your travel and tourism offices and make sure they’re aware of the local birding hot spots and the benefits of birding trails! North Carolina Birding Trail Website

3. What are the benefits of the NC Birding Trail?

First of all, birding is big business! The 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-associated Recreation reported that 47.8 million U.S. residents participated in birding around their home or on trips. Over 71 million Americans spent nearly $45 billion in retail sales on observing, feeding, or watching wildlife in the U.S. in 2006. We can attract more nature-based tourists to North Carolina.

Their local tourism expenditures (food, lodging, transportation, etc.) will provide a boost to local economies and show our residents that there is a value to be placed on protecting our natural resources. The NC Birding Trail will also provide a great educational opportunity for young and old, alike, and may attract more people to visit the natural places that make North Carolina such a beautiful state in which to live and play. More than 35 states across the U.S. have their own birding or wildlife trails.

4. How can I purchase an NC Birding Trail guide?

A full-color, spiral bound trail guide will accompany each region of the Trail. Our website reflects the current status of the trail guide series. The completed guides are available at retail pricing at major bookstores, and through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Wild Store (866-945-3746). Resale orders must be placed through UNC Press (800-848-6224). NC Birding Trail Website

5. Will sites be allowed to sell the NC Birding Trail guides for profit?

Yes. We expect that some sites, especially those with staffed visitor centers, will be very interested in selling the guides. To order for resale, contact UNC Press at 800-848-6224.

6. When can sites expect visitors who are traveling the NC Birding Trail?

Many of the 310 NCBT sites across the state are already enjoying visits by birders who have learned of the NCBT and word-of-mouth continues to spread through local, regional, and national media. On-line site descriptions for each regional component of the Trail are available for download from the Birding Trail website, (under the Trails menu). Interest in the NC Birding Trail should continue to increase over time, with the help of our trail guide series and promotion by dedicated volunteers and supporters. Birding Trail website

7. What kind of questions can site managers expect from visiting birders?

Visiting birders will want to know where they can go to look for birds on the property, and what bird species they might find. If you don’t have particular recommendations to give, the best information you can provide is the information contained in the site description. We recommend that you print a copy of the online site description for your site. To do this, go to our website and navigate to the Trails menu to find the region of interest (coast, piedmont, or mountains). Downloadable (PDF format) group maps and site information are available from there. You can print just your site description, or print a copy of all the site descriptions in the group. Keep this handy when people call with questions. The very same information is also available in the printed Trail Guide. North Carolina Birding Trail Website

8. How can people find out what birds they might see or hear at a particular site?

Each site description gives a short listing of some species of interest that may be found at that site. We are also developing an online searchable database that we hope to have functional in 2009. When finished, birders will be able to go to our website and search the database by either site or by bird species. We will make an announcement when the database is available.

9. What are some other birding resources I can suggest to birders who visit my site?

The introductory information in each Trail Guide lists books and Web sites that are good resources for visiting birders in that region of the state (e.g., local birding clubs and organizations). This information is also found in the online documentation, under the Trails portion of the North Carolina Birding Trail Website.

10. Will there ever be a chance for new sites to be added to the Trail?

After the Birding Trail is implemented in all three regions of the state, we may consider issuing a call for additional site nominations, beginning with the coastal region and working westward. If and when this happens, we will widely announce the process. Since our trail guide series will have already been published, any new sites that might be added to the trail would be highlighted on our Website, but would not be included in a trail guide until there is a reprint.

11. Does the NC Birding Trail have any support available to assist with site improvements?

The NC Birding Trail does not have the financial resources to provide money or staff time for site improvements (e.g., boardwalk installations, interpretive signs, photo blinds, etc). We can help to direct you to on-line information sources if you’re looking for ideas or specific guidelines.

12. Are signs be available for each site?

The NCBT does not have funding to supply signs to sites along the Trail. Instead, recognizing the need and interest by sites to have Trail designation, we have provided site managers with sign specifications that can be taken to a local vendor or sign shop. Estimates for individual sign costs should be under $50/sign (we encourage you to seek multiple estimates). Please contact us for the sign specifications.

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1. What are chloramines?

Chloramines are a disinfectant used to treat drinking water. They are formed by mixing chlorine with ammonia at carefully controlled levels. Similar to chlorine, chloramines are effective at killing harmful bacteria and other germs. Chloramines have been used safely in the United States for many years.

2. What do dialysis patients and providers need to know?

Similar to chlorine, chloramines can harm kidney dialysis patients during the dialysis process if they are not removed before entering the bloodstream.

3. How can chloramines be removed?

Chloramines can be removed by one of two methods; a carbon filter that contains a high quality granular activated carbon, or water treatment products that neutralize chloramines. Review your current chlorine removal approach to assess any needed changes to remove chloramines before the conversion in fall 2015.

4. Is it safe for kidney dialysis patients to drink water containing chlorine and/or chloramines?

Yes, it is safe for kidney dialysis patients to drink chloraminated water. During the digestive process, chloramines are metabolized before reaching the bloodstream. Everyone including pregnant women, young children, and the elderly can drink, cook and bathe in chloraminated water.

5. What should people with home dialysis machines do to remove chloramines?

If using chloraminated water, remember to contact a physician first for proper water treatment recommendations. Often, home dialysis service companies can be helpful in making necessary modifications to equipment.

6. Is it safe to wash open wounds with chloraminated water?

Yes. Chloraminated water is completely safe to use on cuts and wounds because no water enters the bloodstream.

7. Will boiling remove chloramines?

No, chloramines cannot be removed by boiling, adding salt, or letting water stand in an open container to dissipate.

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1. Why switch disinfectant?

Disinfection is critical to protect the public from disease-causing microorganisms, by lowering the exposure rates to infectious diseases. Throughout the years, chlorine has been extremely successful in protecting water from harmful bacterial and viral contamination. However, when chlorine reacts with organic and inorganic materials in the water it can form new compounds known as disinfection by-products (DBPs). These DBPs, called Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs), are suspected carcinogens, when present at elevated levels and consumed over long periods of time. New drinking water regulations require utilities to maintain lower concentrations on DBPs, lower bacterial counts or coliform occurrences, and maintain better disinfectant residuals throughout the distribution system. The switch to chloramines should minimize the formation of DBPs present in drinking water and provide a more stable disinfectant residual.

2. When will the switch occur?

The switch will occur August 14, 2017.

3. What is chlorine?

Chlorine is a type of water additive used by municipal water systems to disinfect your drinking water.

4. What are chloramines?

Chloramine is a type of disinfectant used in drinking water consisting of both chlorine and ammonia. In the chloramination process, ammonia is added to the water at a carefully controlled level. The chlorine and ammonia react chemically to produce chloramines. Although it is a weaker disinfectant than chlorine, it is more stable and extends disinfectant benefits throughout a water utility's distribution system. Chloramine has been used by water systems for almost 90 years, and its use is closely regulated.

5. Why convert from chlorine to chloramines?

Chloramination reduces the level of certain byproducts of the chlorination process. These byproducts, called Total Trihalomethanes (THM) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs), result from the reaction of chlorine with the small amounts of naturally occurring organic and inorganic substances in water. THMs and HAAs are suspected carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) when present at elevated levels and consumed over many years.

6. What is accomplished by converting to chloramines in the City of Eden?

- Levels of TTHMs and HAAs are reduced in drinking water
- Compliance with more stringent standards implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency is achieved
- Customers are supplied with safe and aesthetically pleasing water

In addition, during the switch, customers may notice a change in the taste and odor of their drinking water.

7. Is chlorination and chloramination safe?

Yes. Chlorinated and chloraminated drinking water is perfectly safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily water uses. There are, however, some identified groups who need to take special precaution with chlorinated and chloraminated water such as customers who use drinking water for kidney dialysis machines, specialized industries and fish owners.

8. How are kidney dialysis patients affected by chlorine/chloramines and what precautions should they take?

Chlorine and chloramines are harmful when they go directly into the bloodstream. In the dialysis process, the water mixes with blood across a permeable membrane. For this reason, both chloramines and chlorine are toxic in dialysis water and must be removed from water used in dialysis machines. Medical centers that perform dialysis are responsible for purifying water used in their dialysis machines. The City of Eden will work closely with physicians, clinics, and medical facilities in their community to ensure they are aware of the need to remove chlorine and chloramines. Customers with home dialysis equipment should contact their physicians and check with equipment manufacturers for more information.

9. Is it safe for kidney dialysis patients to drink water containing chlorine and/or chloramines?

Yes, it is safe for kidney dialysis patients to drink chlorinated and chloraminated water. During the digestive process, chlorinated and chloraminated water is metabolized before reaching the bloodstream. All kidney dialysis facilities and users of home dialysis machines are advised to seek professional advice concerning the removal methods for chlorine and chloramines.

10. How are fish affected by chlorine/chloramines and what precautions should fish owners take?

Fish also take chlorine and chloramines directly into their bloodstream. Chlorine and chloramines should be removed from water used in aquariums, fish tanks and ponds. Individuals or businesses that keep fish or other animals in tanks, aquariums, or ponds should ask a pet supply company about removing chlorine and chloramines. Customers who use drinking water for aquaculture purposes (growing plants in water tanks or ponds) should get expert advice regarding the need and procedures to neutralize or remove chlorine and chloramines. Also, restaurants and grocery stores with lobster tanks must take special precautions to treat the water.

11. Is it safe to wash open wounds with chlorinated/chloraminated water?

Yes. Chlorinated and chloraminated water is completely safe to use on cuts and wounds. Water cannot enter the bloodstream through an open cut.

12. Will chlorination/chloramination affect business water users?

Businesses and other establishments that use municipal drinking water for commercial laundering, laboratory procedures, and other processes that require carefully controlled water characteristics should get advice from equipment manufacturers or other suppliers regarding any changes that may be needed. These types of businesses may include but not be limited to laboratories, microchip manufacturers, biotech companies, soft drink bottlers, photography labs and restaurants or seafood suppliers with fish tanks.

13. What actions do I take concerning swimming pool maintenance?

Contact your local pool suppliers for specific details concerning treatment of chlorinated and chloraminated water.

14. Do home water softeners remove chlorine/chloramines?

Most softeners are not designed to remove chlorine or chloramines. Contact the manufacturer for specific details.

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1. What are chloramines?

Chloramines are a disinfectant used to treat drinking water. They are formed by mixing chlorine with ammonia at carefully controlled levels. Similar to chlorine, chloramines are effective at killing harmful bacteria and other germs.

2. Why are chloramines toxic to fish, reptiles, and amphibians?

Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia, both of which are harmful for fish, amphibians, and reptiles. When water that contains chloramines are digested by humans that water is neutralized by the digestive system before it reaches the bloodstream. Since chloramines enter directly into the bloodstream through the gills this inhibits the red blood cells ability to carry oxygen.

3. Will letting the water sit for a few days cause the chloramines to disappear?

No. Unlike chlorine which will eventually dissipate, chloramines may take weeks to disappear.

4. What tests will determine if the water is safe for aquatic animals?

Aquarium owners should monitor their ammonia and "total" chlorine not "free" chlorine concentration levels closely. A total chlorine test or combined chlorine test should be available at the local pet or pool supply stores and chemical supply houses.

5. What precautions should fish shops, hobbyists and aquaculture businesses take?

Chloramines must be neutralized or removed from the water that is used in fish tanks, ponds, and aquariums. Unlike free chlorine, chloramines do not dissipate as quickly from water. As chloramines are removed, ammonia is released and must also be removed prior to coming in contact with fish, amphibians and reptiles. Households, fish shops, hobbyists and other business that keep aquatic animals should contact knowledgeable suppliers and/or veterinarians.

6. Are chloramines toxic to both saltwater and freshwater fish?

Yes. Chloramines are not only toxic to both saltwater and freshwater fish, but reptiles, turtles and amphibians.

7. Will chloramines change the pH of the water?

No. The pH of the water should remain about the same.

8. Will chloramines harm any other pets?

No. Chloramines are only potentially harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

9. Will chloramines affect swimming pools?

No. Pool owners will still need a free chlorine residual to retard algae and bacteria growth.

10. Will reverse osmosis remove chloramines?

No. Only salts are caught by the permeable membranes, allowing chloramines to easily pass through.

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1. How do I apply for a position on a Board or Commission?

You may review the information on Boards and Commissions.

2. How do I contact Animal Control?

If you are missing your pet, it is important that you contact the City of Eden Animal Control Division at once by calling 336-623-9755 "Option 4". If it is after hours, please leave a message and someone will return your call. You will find more information about Animal Control services on their webpage.

3. How do I contact City staff or departments?

You may use the staff directory.

4. How to I find City of Eden employment opportunities?

Review the employment page.

5. How do I find information about bus routes?

Visit our local bus service site, Ride SKAT.

6. How do I present an issue to the Eden City Council?

Presenting Issues
Time is set aside for citizens to speak during the Regular Eden City Council Meeting under Requests and Petition of Citizens. If you would like to present an issue to the City Council, you may do so at that time.  Please keep your remarks to three (3) minutes or less.  

7. How do I obtain a business license?

You may contact the Finance Department at 336-623-2110 or review the information listed on the 

Business Registration page.

8. How do I obtain a copy of a city ordinance?

The City Code of Ordinances are located online.

9. How do I obtain a marriage, birth or death certificate?

Register of Deeds
Rockingham County Courthouse
Rockingham County Justice Center Complex
170 NC 65, Suite 150
Reidsville, NC 27320

They are located near the intersection of Highway 65/87 in Wentworth.
Phone: 336-342-8820

10. How do I report issues to the City of Eden?

You may report a variety of issue to the City using online forms.

11. How do I use the city's automated attendant when I am calling a department?

Dial 336-623-2110 for automated attendant - then press

• Press 1 - For questions about your water, sewer or solid waste bill, billing & collection issues, need to request a garbage can or city water and sewer service, have a question about taxes, privilege license information or any other customer service issues, press "1". 
• Press 2 - To report a nuisance such as high grass or weeds that need mowing, junk vehicles, dilapidated buildings or to request a building permit, request an inspection or speak to an inspector, for zoning information or any other planning and code enforcement information, press "2"
• Press 3 - For questions about renting city facilities or picnic shelters, information about Freedom Park or to check a sports schedule, or for senior citizen information, press "3"
• Press 4 - For questions about trash pickup, to report water leaks, a sewer backup, muddy water, potholes or any other street issues, solid waste, recycling, water or sewer problems, press "4" 
• Press 5 - For employment information or to file an insurance claim, press "5"
• Press 6 - To report a site obstruction, request a streetlight or to request a drainage pipe, press "6"
• Press 7 - For questions about starting a business, tourism information or current events, or how to apply to be a vendor at a festival, press "7" 
• Press 8 - To contact the City Manager, City Attorney or City Clerk, or to request a parade permit, a special events permit, or a peddler's license, press "8"
• Press 9 - To request a fire inspection or burning permit. 
• For animal control issues call 336-623-9755 "Option 4"

12. Where does City Council meet?

The Eden City Council meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are located in the Eden City Council Chambers, Eden City Hall, 308 E Stadium Drive.

13. What is CodeRED and why is it important to me?

CodeRED is an emergency notification service by which city officials can notify residents and businesses by telephone, cellular phone, text message, or electronic mail about emergency situations or critical community alerts. The system is capable of sending messages only to specific neighborhoods or the entire community.

14. Where is the Driver's License Office?

111 Wilson-Way Road
Reidsville, NC 27320
Phone: 336-634-5608
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

15. Where may I get vehicle tags?

712 Washington Street
Eden, NC 27288
Phone: 336-627-1368

16. Where is my voting location?

Call 336-342-8107 for voting locations.

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1. Can snow from my driveway be blown into the street?

Snow may not be pushed or blown into the street from private property. The large piles left behind can create hazards for motorists. Please keep this in mind when clearing your driveway. If you hire a private service to clear your driveway or parking lot, let the contractor know.

2. How does the city decide which streets get plowed first?

The City of Eden Public Works Department plows the streets that are segregated by traffic volume first. The most heavily traveled roads are assigned as first priority streets. These roads are the main thoroughfares through the city and the major roads in and out of subdivisions. The next classification is second priority roads. These are the connecting roads within subdivisions. The remaining streets are segregated by the grade of the street, or the steepness of the hills on those streets. If the street has a hill that is six percent or greater than the street is assigned to the third priority list. All other streets fall in the residential classification. These streets are predominantly flat and easily negotiated during light snow storms. The first, second and third priority streets receive deicing treatment for virtually every storm. The residential streets are plowed when snow accumulation on the road exceeds two inches. In the case of a severe ice event every street in the system receives deicing treatment in order of their priority ranking.

3. I just shoveled my driveway. Why did the city snow plow push snow on it?

When plowing, the snow may end up on the driveway you just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes you. If your schedule permits, you may want to wait and clear your driveway after city plows have passed through your street. If it is a significant snowfall, the snowplows will probably be back. Streets are typically opened with one pass through, so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as practical. Snowplows may return to open the street curb-to-curb. This is done to clear areas for on-street parking, where it is permitted, and to allow melting snow to drain into catch basins. We regret that you may find some of this snow on your recently shoveled driveway and you have to shovel it again.

Snow removal tip: If your driveway is cleared before the street is completed, clear the area to the right of the driveway if you are facing the house, (the oncoming side). When the plow comes by the snow will dump in this clear area instead of your driveway approach. The more snow you clear from this area, the less will be deposited at your driveway entrance.

4. Who do I contact if a city snow plow damages my lawn?

If a city snow plow causes lawn damage, please contact the City of Eden Public Works Department at 336-627-7783 on normal business days between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

5. Why do the city snow plows push snow into my driveway and who is responsible for clearing it?

During normal snow plowing operations, some snow may be left in your driveway. Plows are angled to the right for plowing from the centerline of the street to the curb. For this reason, a certain amount of snow will be deposited in driveways. Snow left in driveways or on sidewalks by the city while snow plowing is the residents and owners responsibility to remove.

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1. Can wipes be flushed down the toilet?

None should ever be flushed. Even though they maybe labeled as flushable, most wipes don't break down in the sewer. This can lead to clogs in the pipes that can cause sewer overflows. They should be placed in the garbage for proper disposal.

2. Can I run hot water down the drain to break up grease?

Grease should never be put down the drain. Even with hot water to clear it out of the sink, it will still cause problems further down the pipe. Grease can cling to other solids in the pipes and cause clogs which lead to sewer overflows. Leftover grease should be placed in a separate container once it is cool and then disposed of in the garbage.

3. What is allowed to be flushed?

Toilet paper is the only added product that is allowed to be flushed in a toilet with the water, urine, and feces. Wipes, tissues, paper towels, tampons, diapers, etc. are not designed to break down in water and can cause clogs in pipes which can lead to sewer overflows. Anything other than toilet paper should be placed in the garbage.

4. Does a garbage disposal break down food enough for it to go down the drain?

It is best to never use a garbage disposal on a kitchen sink. Even though it breaks the food down to a small size, large amounts of food and trash are still not supposed to be added to the sewer. If you do use one, the food should first be scraped off of plates into a trash can. Whatever is left can safely be washed off into the disposal.