Saving Land and History: The Last Known Slave Dwelling in Mecklenburg
May 6, 2026
At the 18th annual Trail Forum, the Thread Trail proudly recognized three outstanding individuals who have made an impact for trails in our region. Duane Harrelson was named the 2025 Saxby Chaplin Volunteer of the Year, recognizing his dedication to the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Trail in Statesville, NC. In less than two years, Duane logged over 850 volunteer hours, the highest total of any volunteer since staff began tracking hours.
Shirley Brutko was awarded the 2025 Trail Champion award, honoring her 20+ years of commitment to Kings Mountain Gateway Trail in Cleveland County, NC. Thanks to her leadership, the trail has become a recreation destination, even beyond county lines.
Staff also honored Bill Carstarphen with the Carolina Thread Trail Legacy Award, recognizing his decades of work to improve communities and trails along what is now the Matthews-Belk South Fork River Corridor.
rail Forum attendees enjoyed a dynamic lineup of educational sessions, including a keynote by Susan K. Trautman, longtime CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. Trautman offered an inspiring look at what is possible when partnerships thrive and trails become catalysts for regional vibrancy.