Land Trust of North Alabama ended 2021 with two final additions totaling 199 acres, making our total for the year 452 acres!
The first of these land acquisitions was 176 acres in Limestone County located along Interstate 65. This donation, of the Garrett Refuge from John and Kathy Garrett, was made through a life estate, meaning they will continue to live and work on the farm for the remainder of their life and then possession of the property will transfer to the Land Trust.
The land is a portion of a family farm owned by the Garretts since the mid-1800’s. Through that time, the family has maintained the area’s natural wetland and marsh features, part of the Piney Creek Complex which flows south into Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. This area provides a dynamic habitat for diverse plant and animal life, especially aquatic and avian species as well as pollinators.
The Garretts are enthusiastic about this property becoming a public nature preserve in the future so others can experience and learn from their land. John and Kathy shared “We have been so blessed by both our Heavenly Father and earthly ancestors! Now is our time to be able to honor them. The Creek Field, as we have called it (now the Garrett Refuge), is a special place that deserves to be preserved. We look forward to working with the Land Trust to plan for giving future generations the opportunity to enjoy it as much as we have.”
The second and final addition of the year was 23 acres in Meridianville donated by David Butler of Dwarf Properties, Inc. “I have known of the Land Trust for many years and was delighted to learn that they were interested in this property. I did not want to see this area taken for granted and knowing that it could be part of a bigger plan is very satisfying. I hope more land owners participate and this can become a reality.” said Butler.
This wooded floodplain includes approximately 1600 feet of Brier Fork Creek along its western boundary. It also adjoins an existing easement held by the Land Trust on a 19-acre property, which includes another 1600 feet of creek frontage. This land offers future potential for the addition of a greenway corridor alongside the creek, creating an outdoor recreation opportunity for area residents.
The Land Trust is thrilled about both of these conservation successes as well as the exciting new opportunities for public recreation they bring. You can more about land donation here or contact us at questions@landtrustnal.org.