As many non-profits do, TLC could not function without the help and generosity of wonderful volunteers. I’ve had the privilege of working with people from many different companies, school groups from college and high schools, scout groups and many others. Today, however, I’d like to specifically thank our Conservation Corps group for a wonderful 2015 year. This weekly group met 35 times on Thursdays in 2015 and racked up nearly 500 total hours of volunteer service. Thank you so much!
There were many projects that this group tackled throughout the year starting down at White Pines Nature Preserve early in 2015. When the snow and ice wasn’t getting in the way of trail building, they were hard at work on a very challenging re-route of the Gilbert Yager trail that finished up in the summer. This group dug through countless obstacles as they built their way down to the Deep River on a trail that now makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. Not roots, rocks, ticks, or the occasional yellow jackets nest could stop this group from creating a truly spectacular trail through one of TLC’s greatest properties.
After phase I of the White Pines trail re-route was completed, the Conservation Corps bounced around to different properties handling various tasks that needed to be done. They helped clear invasive plants from Irvin Farm Preserve, helped maintain the trail corridors at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, and assisted in the installation of the many new trail signs you see on our properties now. Also on their list of 2015 accomplishments was some much-needed love at Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve. The Conservation Corps spent quite a few weeks assisting in the building of the new boardwalk and laying down gravel on very wet portions of the trail leading from the parking lot area.
The project leading this group into the new year began in October at Brumley Forest Nature Preserve. They are working with our trail builder on building the trails in anticipation of the preserve’s opening this fall.
These volunteers are responsible for so much more than most people would imagine when it comes to the management and improvements of our owned properties. When you have a group of volunteers as great as we do here at TLC, tasks and projects that might seem impossible almost always find a way to becoming reality.
Again, thank you to everyone who has worked with our Conservation Corps group in 2015. We appreciate everything you have done! You have done great work to finish out 2015 and I’m sure 2016 will be even better. Learn how you can become a volunteer with TLC in 2016.
