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For Immediate Release
September 26, 2008


Catawba Lands Conservancy announces its Fall Nature Series taking place Oct. 11 – Dec 6. Four guided hikes on permanently conserved properties and one lecture are unique, free opportunities to experience nature within the community.

Hikes and lecturs are open to the public, there is no cost. Space is limited - registration is required. Register at www.catawbalands.org or 704.342.3330 x210. Registration concludes at 2 p.m. the day prior to the hike or lecture.

STANLEY CREEK FOREST — Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. - noon
GASTON COUNTY, MODERATE
The 506-acre Stanley Creek Forest includes steep slopes, rocky streams, a natural heritage site and a mature hardwood forest with an extensive population of the regionally rare Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla). Join Conservancy volunteer and site steward Tex Squires, along with local naturalist, Charlie Williams as they lead you through this incredibly bio-rich preserve.

GROWING, GROWING...GONE? — Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY LECTURE, UNC CHARLOTTE
Our rapidly growing region is losing 133 acres of natural lands – every day! The Open Space Protection Collaborative, led by the Conservancy, commissioned the Center for Applied GIS and the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute to study and forecast the future impacts of urban growth on natural and rural lands in the greater Charlotte area from 1976 through 2030. Learn about the stunning results of the study, the consequences of unmanaged development, and how the Conservancy will utilize this information to more efficiently and effectively protect our most endangered natural lands. Light refreshments will be served.

MINERAL SPRINGS FUTURE GREENWAY — SATURDAY, NOV. 1, 10 A.M.—NOON
UNION COUNTY, MODERATE
Walk along Mineral Springs’ future greenway with town mayor and conservationist, Rick Becker. Hear his personal account of challenges, victories and surprises faced while working with the Conservancy and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to permanently conserve 58 acres of land encompassing trails, wooded tracts, riparian corridors, and steep slopes.

BUCK-SMITH-LONG PRESERVE — Saturday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
GASTON COUNTY, MODERATE
Join landowners Mary Lou and George Buck for a hike along the volunteer-constructed Blue Ribbon Trail. Hike through a chestnut oak forest with a designated natural heritage site made up of rocky slopes and several significant rock outcrops. Bring your own picnic to refuel at the pinnacle and indulge in a glass of Mary Lou’s special ginger tea as you enjoy the crisp, cool air and incredible views of Crowders and Kings Mountain.

RHYNE PRESERVE — Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - noon
LINCOLN COUNTY, EASY
Preserved in 1999, the 324-acre Rhyne Preserve runs along the South Fork River providing critical water quality and quantity protection. Join local naturalist Charlie Williams on a walk through this spectacular property and enjoy the unique vistas of the river, as well as tranquil hardwoods and pine trees and bluffs.

Additional Resources:
• Catawba Lands Conservancy (www.catawbalands.org)
• Event calendar (www.catawbalands.org/calendar.php)





Catawba Lands Conservancy is a regional land trust that permanently protects land, water and wildlife habitat to enhance your quality of life. The Conservancy protects 7,317 acres in Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Union counties and is one of 24 land trusts serving North Carolina that collectively have protected more than 255,000 acres. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for the Carolina Thread Trail, an environmental initiative that will link more than two million citizens with hundreds of miles of trails that wind through fifteen counties in North and South Carolina.