Local News - September 2003

Preservation group gives hikes across the hills

Over the river and through the woods

By AMY WADSWORTH, Staff Writer

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The Catawba Lands Conservancy, a non-profit organization created in 1991 to preserve land, water and wildlife resources in the Southern Piedmont and Lower Catawba River Basin, has planned several hikes this fall to show the more than 4,400 acres of land they are working to preserve.

This past Sunday, Craig Wyant Lands Acquisition Committee chair of the Conservancy took visitors on a guided hike through the Paul and Agnes Rhyne Preserve in Lincoln County, a site that the Conservancy has worked to protect since 1999.

The Rhyne preserve was the Conservancy’s first project in Lincoln County. Using on-site analysis and GIS (Global Information Systems) technology, volunteers with the conservancy document various aspects of the land, such as what plant species are present and how the Catawba River and mountain slopes contribute to plant growth.

Another hike scheduled in Lincoln County will be at Killian Forest, located on the Gaston/Lincoln County line.

The forest is located in the Mountain Island Lake Watershed. The watershed is an important drinking source for more than 600,000 people in Charlotte, Gastonia and Mount Holly.

Shannon Sharp, program director for the Conservancy, said all the upcoming hikes are free to the public. Visitors on the hikes are introduced to important species of trees and endangered wildflowers in particular areas. They will also learn of ways the Conservancy is working to preserve the land and water that keeps it resourceful.

“We are encouraging fall memberships at all the hikes,” Sharp said. “Anybody can come to join us.”

Beginning in 2004, hikes will only be open to members of the organization.

The Conservancy is currently looking for volunteer assistance in protecting the properties. Preservation sites, although fenced in, are constantly under threat from trespassers and/or vandals.

“We are always looking for volunteers,” said Jean Woods, Conservancy board member and 2002 volunteer of the year. “Our biggest problem with our properties is keeping the four-wheelers off the land.”

The annual fall membership drive is Sept. 12-Nov.16. Membership benefits include the Conservancy’s quarterly newsletter, invitations to guided hikes and special project tours and discounts on educational workshops.

The Conservancy is also co-sponsoring a continuing legal education course Oct. 3 with the Mecklenburg Bar Association, where attorneys and financial planners can learn the basics of conservation easement negotiation and drafting.

Those interested in attending a hike with the Conservancy may register by emailing shannon@cataw balands.org or calling 704-342-3330, ext. 209.

For more information on the Catawba Lands Conservancy and membership, visit their Web site at www.catawbalands.org.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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