The Little River is one of the cleanest in the state, with vibrant aquatic habitat for otter, beaver, rare freshwater mussels and many other species. Sycamores, river birches and other riparian trees edge it's banks. From their branches, indigenous and migratory birds, among them tanagers, warblers, whippoorwills and woodpeckers nest, feed fly and sing.
The Little River Regional Park and Natural Area is a cooperative project between Durham and Orange Counties, funded equally by both, with major assistance from the Eno River Association, Triangle Land Conservancy, NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The park is managed by Orange County.