Winter Tree Identification Workshop is Full

The winter tree identification workshop is no longer accepting registrations. I'm glad to see that there's been so much interest. Perhaps Grand Trees of Chatham can host another one in the near future.

Over 1000' of New Trail at Town Lake Park

A state Adopt a Trail grant has funded over 1000' of new trail at Town Lake Park. It's also paying for 2 new benches, restoration of sections of the existing trail, and the installation of a gravel parking lot at the Diane Street entrance. The benches are being crafted now and the parking lot should be built by early spring if not sooner.

The trials opened up some beautiful sections of the park, cleared away some industrial strength poison ivy, and addressed some minor erosion problems.

New section of trail around the peninsula.

New section of trail around the lower lake.

Sneak Peak Update - Rock Springs Park

The Town has named the New Town Park in the Powell Place development "Rock Springs Park," after the natural spring located a few paces away and to acknowledge the church that once met near the spring. It's the most historic landuse in the immediate area and the park's name will help to preserve the history of the site. Perhaps more on this in a future post. In the meantime, here are some follow up photos of construction in progress.

Picnic Shelter Update

Pedestrian Entrance
Top of the Steps

Winter Tree ID Workshop

Space is limited, so sign up early for the Winter Tree Identification Workshop at the Triangle Land Conservancy's White Pines Nature Preserve on January 30th from 1-4 pm. This workshop will help you to use bark, buds and twigs to identify trees when they have no leaves. The Grand Trees of Chatham is hosting this free event. Be prepared for a 1.5 mile moderate hike by wearing sturdy shoes, warm clothes and by bringing water and a snack. Binoculars, cameras or field guides might be useful as well.

To register or for more information call (919) 933-3869 or email grandtrees@chathamnc.org

Don't let the name fool you the preserve has a lot more species of trees than White Pines. (Otherwise it would be a pretty boring ID course. . . here we have another White Pine, and yet another. . .)

Link to Directions

White Pines Nature Preserve between Pittsboro & Sanford

Rock Springs Park Plan - Phase 1

The construction of the New Town Park is well underway. The ten acre park will feature about four and a half acres of undisturbed mature hardwood forest, over a mile of paved walking trail, a pedestrian entrance of beautiful stone work, a small parking lot featuring permeable pavers, a rain-garden, a 20"x 45" picnic shelter, and a small cedar gazebo with a living roof. It will also host a large multi-use field suitable for soccer, and a smaller open-space area more suitable for family picnics and unstructured play.

The playground will contain unique vine climbing sculptures, along with a sandbox, contained bamboo plantings, log steppers and a beautiful concrete and boulder seat-wall. Details such as strategic boulder placement and rustic benches crafted from trees harvested on site help make this a truly unique park. Even the berms piled near the parking lot add a lot to the site by providing a surprisingly great view.

Too bad the seeding for the play-fields with grass won't take place until March, and the paving of the trails have to wait until warmer weather prevails. Nevertheless much progress is being made despite the cold weather. It looks like the grand opening will take place this Spring. Watch this space!

By the way, Phase II will largely consist of adding a bathroom, for which infrastructure lines have been installed.

Click the thumbnail above to enlarge the plan.

New Sentries at Kiwanis Park

New sentinels grace the entrance of Kiwanis Park Courtesy of Richard Seed, a UNC scientist and Chatham Artist who generously donated them to the park. They add a little more whimsy and fun to the park, especially now as many of the plants lie dormant for the winter. Thanks Richard, these are great!

Jone

& McArthie