LMC would like to request your wonderful assistance at our newly acquired Sexton property this Saturday, February 11th. We will be moving house bricks away from the house itself, which is falling in and ready for demolition. To respect its history on the land, we are saving bricks to use on walkways, trails, and other amenities in memory of its place in the property’s history.

Please come out to Old Wauhatchie Pike to help, and wear sturdy shoes, bring work gloves, and a wheelbarrow if you have one. We will provide water, drinks, and snacks.

Directions: Find your way to the intersection of Cummings Highway and Old Wauhatchie Pike, next to Chattem Company. Stay on Old Wauhatchie Pike, and pull into the first gated entrance along the old stone wall on the right as you drive up Old Wauhatchie Pike, and look for Conservancy staff and other volunteers.

Many thanks to you who give your valuable time and support!

SEE YOU THERE!

The students removed invasive plants and overgrowth from a stone wall along Old Wauhatchie Pike that dates back to around 1880. They were educated by LMC staff about the plans for the expansion of John Wilson Park to over 20 acres, and the connection to the Tennessee Riverwalk.

Beginning Cleanup

Cleanup Completed By Great Volunteers

If you would like to support us financially with this work or volunteer your time to help us prepare our park lands for trails, picnic areas, invasive control, and preparation for the TN Riverwalk connection, please contact us!

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/12/property-purchase-next-to-lookout-boosts-riverwalk/

More coverage to come soon, keep checking back to the website and our Facebook page. If you would like to support our efforts in preparing the property for public use, please go to the donations page on our website!

This holiday season, Lookout Mountain Conservancy has the perfect gift for eveyone on your list – a permanent place on an historic train trestle!

Lookout Mountain Conservancy owns and manages the 5-mile Guild-Hardy Trail on the northern end of Lookout Mountain. The trail was formerly the Narrow Gauge Railroad which included two railroad trestle bridges all dating back to 1889.

When you purchase a plaque to be placed on one of these trestles, you support the Guild-Hardy Trail and other LMC projects and your name (or a friend or family member’s name) becomes a part of Lookout Mountain history.

Please support us with a gift of $100 per plaque to have the name of your choice placed on one end of a plank.  You can make a gift online through the link below and all contributions are tax deductible, and come with our gracious thanks.

Equal to, or greater than

$100

With your contribution, please also fill out the LMC Plaque Recognition Form with the information you want written on your plaque. Please fax to 423-756-1903 or email to info@lookoutmountainconservancy.org

LMC Plaque Recognition Form

LMC’s fundraising event was a success, with approximately 150 people attending a dinner and auction, accompanied by live music and a roaring fire. Money was raised to help further the organization’s efforts to protect Lookout Mountain, through conservation, advocacy, recreation, and education.

Yates Bleachery Company

I was walking along the Guild Trail the other day, enjoying the moment and also checking the trail conditions, when I heard what I thought was someone crying. I looked in the woods and saw a woman sitting on the large rock surrounded by lush green foliage crying. I continued my walk debating with every step I took if I should speak to the woman or leave her be. I walked about 30 feet and decided to turn around and check in with the woman. When I approached her, I asked her if she was alright. She replied, “I will be….. during the storms a few weeks ago I lost several family members. When I was a child my dad would bring me to this trail and we would explore the woods. This rock that I’m sitting on is “OUR” rock. My dad and I would sit on this rock and count our blessings. I come here when life has been difficult to ease my pain. This rock, trail and these woods heal me….”

Later that day at the end of my walk I saw a mother and 3 children all under the age of 10. The children clinged to their mom as they walked down the trail so tightly it made it difficult for the mom to move. As I made my way to them, I stopped and introduced myself and thanked them for using our trail. The mom said, “Oh no, thank you!….this trail is one of the most peaceful and safest places I know. During the tornadoes several weeks ago, we lost our home. The kids have been so afraid to being outside since the storm so I thought I’d bring them here to reunite them to the outdoors.”

I dare say that there is NOT a single person in the surrounding area of Chattanooga (including North Georgia and Alabama) that hasn’t been affected by the storms of April 27, 2011. What are you doing to restore yourself or help others? Might I suggest…… Take A Hike!

LMC Trail Map