As many of you know, Lincoln County recently built a new Agriculture and Extension Center located on county recreation property adjacent to the Curry Colvin Complex. When I first started as the ANR agent here, I began looking at opportunities to engage and educate Lincoln County citizens on agriculture and natural resources topics. In 2020, I was approached by the local Citizens of Georgia Power chapter about applying for a Legacy Grant for the addition of a nature trail, outdoor classroom, and pollinator gardens at our new building. Fortunately for us, our grant proposal was accepted and we are moving forward with this project!
The idea for the nature trail, outdoor classroom, and pollinator gardens came from a desire to provide resources for environmental and natural resources education. With the Lincoln County Elementary, Middle, and High Schools all located within two miles of our complex, we are in a prime location to collaborate and partner with our local educators. The trail and classroom can be incorporated to educational curriculums in a variety of ways. While the most obvious use of the classroom is in science-based lessons– natural resources, habitats, wildlife, plants, forestry, water, etc; the classroom can easily be used to support curricula in other areas including but not limited to history, ELA, and fine arts. In addition to youth programming, the Outdoor Classroom will provide a great resource for other 4-H and Extension educational programs such as pollinator education workshops, forestry management, environmental awareness, and more.
On February 10th, the Lincoln County Public Works department came out and cleared the nature trail using a commercial mulcher. The trail network includes the 1.19-mile Exterior Trail and three interior loops: Creek Trail (0.3 mi), Wetlands Trail (0.45 mi) and Hill Trail (0.79 mi). Please be advised that the trail lengths are approximate. Other combinations of the trails can be used to make both longer or shorter hikes. With the goal of environment and natural resource education in mind, the trails are going to stay as natural as possible. They are dirt/mulch trails with roots, plants, or other natural components to them, and contain hills, drainage areas, and other natural formations. They are not handicap accessible at this time. If you are unsure about your ability to hike the trail, we recommend walking one of the shorter loops first to ensure your comfort with the terrain. We do not recommend walking the trail directly after a period of heavy rain as there will be some muddy, wet areas (though I did walk it on Feb 17th and it was passable… but wet). Please be sure to dress appropriately while on the trail and hike at your own risk. While on the trail, keep your eyes out for birds, small mammals, deer, and other signs of wildlife such as animal tracks (I scared two deer out of their bedding area the other day), but we do ask that you avoid feeding or approaching any wildlife you see.
Finally, please be aware that the only phase complete at this time is the trail clearing. While the trail is very clear (8’ wide) and pretty easy to follow, it is not marked in any way and does not have any furnishings along it. I highly recommend bringing a trail map with you when you come. Also, you are more than welcome to bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy any of our cleared areas along the trails. We do have orders placed for trail signage, mulch, outdoor classroom furniture, and picnic tables and hope to add these things to the trail soon. Please be patient as we continue to develop this project. A trail map can be found on Facebook at Lincoln County GA Nature Trail or can be picked up in the Ag Center/Extension Office during normal operating hours.
