Many of you know we've been involved with Trips for Kids, the Lakewood Community Development Corporation and Catawba Lands Conservancy to assist with the development of a park area and a new trail in the Lakewood Community. The planned park/preserve will be part of the Carolina Thread Trail connector. 

Last year we assisted Ben Blitch (B-4 Construction) in planning and building a pump track, skills area and short skills trail as the start of the new trail. We recently had a trail work day on-site with a gung ho group of REI associates to spruce up the project.    (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) I have copied below some news from the Catawba Lands Conservancy that they have received some sizable funds to add to the community's land that will be available for the park/ preserve. The Duke Energy property they plan to buy will hold part of the community trail. 

If anyone is looking for a project this winter, there is already a "2-4" acre lot next to the existing skills trail that can be developed into a small extender loop. I think this would be a fairly easy hand-build and the lot has a natural gravity cavity that would support 2-3 lines in and out of the cavity. Would be a real nice addition to the existing skills trail. The Trailblazers would certainly support the project. Let me know if you're interested ..... 

The Conservancy receives $25,000 from Z. Smith Reynolds towards Lakewood Preserve 
The Conservancy has recently received a $25,000 grant from Z. Smith Reynolds towards the acquisition of land for a nature preserve serving the Lakewood Neighborhood in Northwest Charlotte. The Lakewood Preserve is a critical component of the Conservancy's Crossroads Charlotte initiative, working in partnership with the Lakewood Community Development Corporation. The Preserve will host a segment of the Carolina Thread Trail and be a resource for neighborhood empowerment, improved quality of life, and protection of natural resources. 

With the grant, the Conservancy moves closer to being able to purchase the land from Duke Energy. The remaining gap in funding is $50,000. Please contact Dave Cable (704-577-2004) if you are interested in helping to create a fabulous community nature area at Lakewood!

Don't forget to help make the Lakewood Preserve a reality by attending the Yoga Matters benefit on Friday, January 7, from 6-7:15 pm. For more information, click here.