Friday, September 19, 2003
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Friday, September 19, 2003 |
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Volunteers needed Saturday to aid cleanup at Line Creek Nature Area By J. FRANK LYNCH The Line Creek Nature Area, a little-known bit of paradise that hugs the western border of Peachtree City, will be the beneficiary of hundreds of helping hands this weekend, when Fayette County residents pitch in as part of the 10th annual National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will gather at 1 p.m. Saturday to clean up litter and debris in the 70-acre preserve, which runs the length of Line Creek for about 1.5 miles along the Fayette-Coweta line. They’ll assist with litter pickup along trails and in the parking lot, cut back small brush around the pond to improve fishing access, and move fallen trees and brush blocking trails and scenic overlooks. They’ll be joined by nearly 80,000 volunteers working at 500 similar sites across the country. Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown issued a proclamation at Thursday’s City Council Meeting proclaiming Sept. 20 as “National Public Lands Day” in Peachtree City. Southern Conservation Trust manages the Line Creek Nature Area, which is still undiscovered by the many thousands who drive right past its entrance every day on busy Ga. Highway 54 West. From an obscure entrance accessed through the parking lot of the Days Inn, the preserve offers nature lovers some of the largest hardwood trees in the area, treacherously steep inclines of sheer granite similar to Stone Mountain, cascading waterfalls and huge boulders to climb. There’s also a stocked fishing pond, a fishing dock constructed by the Fayette County Rotary Club, and several miles of both easy and challenging trails. Boy Scout troops have installed an information kiosk, picnic tables, benches and a small amphitheatre, and Husky Corp. donated the funding for construction of a gazebo. But the most fascinating “structure” was built more 140 years ago, a stone and masonary bridge that used to cross the creek but was destroyed during the Civil War. It’s one of the few remants of pre-Civil War Fayette County that’s still distinguishable. “National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to showcase and improve the public lands and natural beauty that are Peachtree City’s trademark,” Brown said. “I encourage all our residents to lend a hand to keep our natural areas in top condition.” Added Abby Jordan, executive director of the Southern Conservation Trust, “Public greenspace such as the Line Creek preserve make Peachtree City special. This Work Day is a great way for the community to come together, have fun, and improve a unique natural area.” Southern Conservation Trust is a 10-year old Peachtree City-based nonprofit organization that owns and manages over 600 acres of environmentally sensitive land in Fayette County. SCT runs the Flat Creek Nature Center, hosts environmental programs and enhances its holdings with trails, overlooks, and the re-introduction of native species. As a regional land trust, SCT works with willing landowners to provide options for protecting scenic open space that benefit the greater community and can offer tax advantages for the landowner. Work Day participants should bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. Volunteers should check in at the Nature Area parking lot from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Drinks will be provided. For more information, call the Southern Conservation Trust at 770-486-7774 or email a.jordan@sctlandtrust.org.
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