Land Trust of North Alabama currently has 97 named trails on our public nature preserves, totaling approximately 70 miles. Each one has a unique name some of which we are frequently asked about.
Many trails are named for the area’s natural or historic features. Others honor a land donor, volunteer, or critical partner of the Land Trust. However, certain trail names tell a more unique or unexpected story. No matter which one has peaked your interest or left you wondering, you’ll soon get your answer. In our blog series Trail Names: What’s the Story?, we’ll share a breakdown of all Land Trust trails – one nature preserve at a time – and explain how they got their names.
Harvest Square Nature Preserve
Trail Names: What’s the Story? Part 3
This preserve offers a very different experience than other Land Trust properties. The land was donated by the developer of the neighboring shopping center and includes two ponds that were created during the construction process. However, these two man-made ponds are now naturally-stocked by nearby creeks and offer picturesque spots for fishing. A natural escape hidden just beside a Publix and behind a Burger King, you’ll often spot rabbits hopping through the grass, see a plethora of birds floating above the grasses, and hear a symphony of croaking frogs at dusk alongside the ponds and creek. You can find a trail map and more information about Harvest Square Nature Preserve here.
- Beaverdam Trail (0.21 miles) – Beavers really love Harvest Square! You may find this area flooded after periods of heavy rain, which typically means our beaver friends have been hard at work building dams across the creek that runs alongside the trail.
- Dry Creek Trail (0.65 miles) – The nearby creek bed remains dry most of the year but fills up quickly on rainy days.
- Eagle Trail (0.27 miles) – Local scouts played a huge role in developing trails and trail infrastructure on this preserve. The trail was named to recognize their service, often as part of an Eagle Scout project.
- Pete’s Trail (0.26 miles) – Pete was one of the early volunteers who helped the Land Trust get Harvest Square Nature Preserve started. He worked diligently to garner support from Sparkman High School students and their track club to assist with trail construction.
- Senators Trail (0.89 miles) – Because of the significant volunteer support from Sparkman High School students, the trail, which runs alongside working farm fields, is named to honor their school mascot.
Stay tuned. More trail names to come.