By Gary Lloyd
PINSON — Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $60,160 grant to improve recreational and educational opportunities at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson.
The funds will enable the Southern Environmental Center to extend and improve a multipurpose trail at the preserve. The preserve is located within 466 acres of property acquired by the Freshwater Land Trust and Alabama Forever Wild Program.
Patrons enjoy the water in July at the fifth annual Float Your Boat Summer Festival at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson.
file photo by Ron Burkett
“Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, known for its picturesque beauty, is an ecological wonderland,” Bentley said in a statement. “Easily accessible from the Birmingham metropolitan area, the preserve’s growing recreational amenities along with its role as a center for education are making it an increasingly popular destination.”
The Southern Environmental Center, an outreach program of Birmingham Southern College, will widen and improve 1.4 miles of existing trail and extend the length to 3.2 miles. Funding will also help in the design and layout of 11 miles of mountain biking trail. The center is working with the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, a private organization that promotes the sport of mountain biking, to develop the biking trail.
The Recreational Trails Grant Program funds projects for walking, hiking, bicycling, boating, paddling, horseback riding and other trail-related activities. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the grants, which are awarded to local governments and nonprofit groups. Grant recipients are required to supply local support equal to at least 20 percent of the grant. The Federal Highway Administration allocates funds to Alabama for the program.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
