Brevard plans Bracken Preserve expansion with focus on increased accessibility
The City of Brevard wants to acquire additional land to increase accessibility and expand Bracken Preserve, a popular recreation area that connects the city with Pisgah National Forest.
The initial trail entering the preserve is steep, and often only more athletic trail users come out to hike, bike, or run there, according to a news release from Conserving Carolina. The City of Brevard has the opportunity to acquire an adjacent 34 acres of forest land to expand the preserve and create an additional two to three miles of moderate trails.
These trails would expand the current 9-mile network while inviting people of all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels to experience the “extraordinary forest at the doorstep of Brevard,” says Conserving Carolina.
The city is partnering with Conserving Carolina to raise $325,000 to purchase the land. In order to make this acquisition, they need to raise the money by Oct. 7. They already have approximately $90,000, leaving $235,000 to raise.
With this expansion, the city aims to create two new moderate loop trails as well as a trail reroute that would provide easier access to the existing trail network. They also plan to reconstruct part of the current entry trail — repairing 10 years of natural erosion — to make it smoother and easier for users.
“These new trails would benefit the whole community, including children and teens, young families, seniors, and beginning mountain bikers. They would also offer better options for people with disabilities,” according to Conserving Carolina.
“Expanding our Bracken Preserve will further our family-oriented amenities,” said City Councilmember Mac Morrow. “Our youngsters will have a single-track bike trail to master while all other family members will have an easier walk in the woods.”
City Councilmember Aaron Baker said the council is "asking our neighbors and local businesses to give as generously as they can to this effort."
"We hope to seize this rare opportunity to protect a beautiful forest right on the edge of town and expand Bracken Preserve, but we need your help to make it happen," Baker said.
Torry Nergart, Conserving Carolina’s Conservation Easement Manager, who is helping to spearhead the project, says, “What I consider the most important of the many benefits of this addition to Bracken Preserve is more equitable access to the outdoors. Beginner and intermediate trails will let more folks have a lighter introduction to nature. Most mortals find the current trails at Bracken difficult, and these planned ones open new possibilities for exploration.”
As they explore the trails, people would find themselves in a special woodland with clear mountain creeks, high elevation seeps, and healthy oak forests. Conserving Carolina says that adding this land to the preserve would safeguard habitat for rare plants such as yellow lady slippers and many kinds of wildlife, including salamanders which thrive in the seeps.
Donations to expand the preserve can be made through Conserving Carolina. They can be made online, by phone, or by sending a check with “Bracken Preserve” in the memo line. To donate online, go to conservingcarolina.org/donate and select “Bracken Preserve” as your donation purpose.
The city is also planning a fundraising event called Brackenfest for Sept. 25. Mountain bikers will raise funds by getting donations for each lap that they ride in Bracken during the three-hour event. Bikers can enter solo or as a team relay. More information is available in the calendar listing on 185kingst.com
The fundraising campaign for the land purchase is the first of three phases in the Bracken Preserve expansion project. Phase 1 focuses on acquiring the land, with a $325,000 goal. Phase 2 will focus on designing and building the trails, with support from volunteers. The fundraising goal for the trail building phase is $180,000. Phase 3 will focus on expanding parking, with the budget still to be determined.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Brevard plans Bracken Preserve expansion
