Continuing with a series of announcements for their $2000 grant cycle, Wild Trails has unveiled the recipient of their third grant for the first half of 2011: SORBA-Chattanooga. This grant will pay for construction of an information kiosk at the East Overlook parking area for the Raccoon Mountain trail system.
The goal of the 2011 Wild Trails Grant cycle is to support organizations that further the expansion and protection of trails in the greater Chattanooga area. Rock/Creek and Wild Trails are committed to bringing people together who share a passion for the outdoors, and encourage you to join us in our efforts to protect our trails for future generations.
The press release from this afternoon contains specifics about the kiosk project and additional signage:
The Raccoon Mountain trail network is highly-visited by mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers, dog walkers, bird watchers and others. The goal for a new kiosk is to better inform, protect and engage all trail users.
The two-sided kiosk will include a large trail system map, safety and emergency information, and tips on proper trail etiquette. Additional displays will include information on partnering organizations, upcoming events, details on volunteer trail building days, community postings and other relevant information such as trail closings and re-routes. This grant will also fund the placement of “Stay on Trail” signs near areas with significant populations of Large-flowered Skullcap, an endangered plant species that grows in and around the trail network, as well as at unofficial spur trails. This signage will help minimize unauthorized trail blazing and the destruction of important natural resources.
Remember, these grants are the direct result of our fund-raising efforts with the Rock/Creek Trail Series. The 2010 Rock/Creek StumpJump alone raised over $27,000 for trail work in the Chattanooga area; proceeds from this and other races made year-end donations to Cumberland Trail Conference, Friends of the Cumberland Trail, and the Mountain Education Foundation possible.
The 2011 Rock/Creek Trail Series starts in just a few days! This Sunday’s Southern 6 Trail Race is a great opportunity to get involved, even if you’re new to the sport of trail running. If you’ve never participated in one of our trail race events, or just want to check out footage from last year’s races, check out our videos on Vimeo or Youtube.
Leave a Reply