Winter 2014
25
feature
and wetlands and provide educational displays
about the important role the piece of property
plays in the protection of the County’s drinking
water source. It is important for conservation
because of its location at the head of the
cove where four drainages converge to form
Little Creek, the sensitive stream which flows
into Little Creek Cove. The property acts as
a large natural buffer that catches rainwater
and slowly releases it after naturally filtering
out contaminants. There will also be another
small outdoor classroom as part of Phase II. In
addition, 100 plus acres of the property will be
put under a permanent conservation easement.
Other benefits of the acquisition of the property
include the location of a passive park, the
establishment of a multi-user (non-motorized)
trail, and a destination location to connect with
the Carolina Tread Trail and the future Lake
Norman Bike Route. It is also anticipated that
the property will be designated as a historical
site because of an old home site located there.
Lincoln County deserves recognition for its
foresight, diligence, and focus in initiating
this project, and following through with the
complex, time consuming effort to achieve
the goals they set for themselves. They offer
an excellent example to other communities
for what is possible with hard work and
determination. Lincoln County was the major
player in this project, but there is also a long
list of other people and organizations who
supported the effort, and deserve appreciation
for this successful collaboration.