Connection to Nature Archives | Catawba Lands Conservancy

Conservation Value and Benefits for Connection to Nature

December 22, 2023
Photo: South Fork Rail Trail

Trails Less Traveled: Hidden Gems on the Carolina Thread Trail

Looking for somewhere to explore that’s a little off-the-beaten-track? Check out these lesser-known segments of the Carolina Thread Trail.
November 9, 2023

NC budget includes funding increases for conservation, trails

“North Carolina is growing fast, and this funding is absolutely essential to protect land and water for future generations,” said Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer of […]
October 2, 2023

3 Adventures to Try This Fall

A Tree (& Pumpkin) Lover’s Paradise: Pharr Family Preserve Trail Hardwood forests and wildlife abound at Pharr Family Preserve in Midland, NC. Sycamores, black walnuts, cottonwoods […]
October 2, 2023

Falcon Trail Takes Flight in Stanly County

Expanding the Carolina Thread Trail in rural communities takes a different approach than in urban centers. Even though the Village of Misenheimer is tiny (only 650 […]
May 1, 2023

Trail Power: Economic study shows how trails benefit communities

For trail users and supporters, it’s no secret that access to the outdoors brings many benefits. Better health for users of course, but also positive economic […]
April 3, 2023

Carolina Thread Trail awards $634,000 for trail projects to 7 partners

We just announced our newest round of implementation grant awards! All seven of these communities are taking steps forward in the process of expanding trails, and […]
October 4, 2022

Our Fall 2022 newsletter has arrived!

The latest issue of our newsletter has just arrived! We can’t wait for you to catch up on the exciting things that have been happening here […]
September 28, 2022

Catawba Lands Conservancy awarded $1.1 million in state grants

Projects will provide critical water quality and native species protection Charlotte, N.C. – The Catawba Lands Conservancy has been awarded $1,142,000 in grant funding from the […]
September 28, 2022

Making Mountain Creek Park: New Catawba County Park Built on Partnership

Along the shores of Lake Norman in Catawba County, N.C., the sounds of osprey, red-bellied woodpeckers and cicadas now mingle with the joyful squeals of children, […]
September 28, 2022

Fall Adventures Await on the Carolina Thread Trail!

Looking for fall colors? We recommend hitting the South Fork Rail Trail for some leaf peeping, then heading into Lincolnton for a slice at GoodWood Pizzeria, […]
August 24, 2022

Leave Your Legacy This Month

Did you know that August is National Make-a-Will Month? Even without a lot of assets, having a will can be a benefit to family and take […]
July 20, 2022

If You Build It They Will Come: Outdoor Recreation to Revitalize Town of Great Falls

Nestled along the banks of the Catawba River in Chester County, South Carolina, lies the small town of Great Falls. The tranquil water landscape lends itself […]
July 14, 2022

Our Spring newsletter and 2021 Annual Report has arrived

Our spring newsletter and 2021 Annual Report is here! Click below to view the issue online, or view the pdf version here. Photo by Grant Baldwin.
July 14, 2022

NC makes increased funding for conservation permanent

Thank you to North Carolina’s governor and legislators for passing a budget that prioritizes land and water conservation. Funding of $48.4 million to the state’s conservation […]
May 23, 2022

Invest in Conservation for North Carolina’s Future

Our state’s conservation needs are not one-and-done. That’s why we and our fellow members of the Land for Tomorrow coalition are working with state leaders to […]
June 28, 2021

Building trails that last – how we’re treading toward a more sustainable trail network

So you think you know about sustainability? We’re willing to bet that when you hear the word, trails aren’t what come to mind. Nevertheless, sustainability is […]
May 25, 2021

Our 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Spring Newsletter are here!

The Conservancy and Thread Trail are excited to bring you our newest newsletter, including our 2020 Annual Report. Check out the whole issue below! Photo by […]
May 17, 2021

Celebrate the outdoors at National Trails Day

Mount Holly, N.C. – The Carolina Thread Trail will bring back its annual National Trails Day celebration on Saturday, June 5, 2021 with an increased focus […]
February 22, 2021

Improvements Coming to Spencer Mountain Kayak Launch With Funds from The Gaston Community Foundation

Gaston County, N.C. – A favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, the Spencer Mountain River Access Canoe and Kayak Launch in Spencer Mountain, N.C. will soon get […]
January 15, 2021

What does the future hold for development, trails in Charlotte?

It’s no secret to folks who live in the greater Charlotte region – we’re growing and developing faster than many people could have imagined. That means […]
January 12, 2021

Five Triumphs in a Tough Year

Last year brought a lot of challenges to the Conservancy and Thread Trail. As we look back on this unprecedented year that was 2020, it’s incredible […]
November 3, 2020

Catawba Lands Conservancy protects two new properties

Lincolnton, N.C. – A local dairy farm and creamery is now protected from development in perpetuity by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The project was funded in […]
October 16, 2020

Protecting North Carolina’s Fall Splendor

Cooler temperatures mean North Carolinians can finally get outside and safely enjoy the glory of this fall leafing season. And with limited options for indoor social […]
October 15, 2020

7 trails for fall colors within 50 minutes of Charlotte

(Reprinted from Charlotte Agenda) By: Symphony Weber Peak fall color is expected to happen around mid-October, so now’s the time to hit the trails, feel the […]
August 12, 2020

Catawba Lands Conservancy adds 87 acres of protected land along Forney Creek

Charlotte, N.C. – Catawba Lands Conservancy has just protected 87 acres of land along Forney Creek near the Town of Denver in Lincoln County. The official […]
June 5, 2020

Black Voices and the Outdoors

In order to be an ally in standing up for Black lives, we are suspending our online promotion of National Trails Day (our annual community festival […]
April 10, 2020

Video: Spread Joy, Not the Virus

We need our trails and greenways now more than ever! Let’s all do our part in making sure they stay open by keeping 6 feet apart. […]
April 6, 2020

Nature Care Package: 5 ways to connect to the outdoors

1. Read or listen to “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry. When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the […]
April 3, 2020

Nature and your mental health

Research showing the connection between outdoor spaces and our mental health has multiplied over the past several decades. It’s something we all know but easily forget: […]
April 1, 2020

Wondering in the woods

Catawba Lands Conservancy’s Program Coordinator reflects on how his relationship to the outdoors has changed throughout his life, and how he shares his sense of wonder […]
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