By Don Culwell

South Fork Nature Center (on the lake just north of Choctaw Recereation Area at Clinton) was the subject for consideration at the Fairfield Bay Rotary Club at noon on August 29th.

Don Culwell from Gates Rogers Foundation Board of Directors gave a PowerPoint presentation showing the new stone entrance and kiosk that begin the walking trails, all wheel-chair accessible. Three circles of benches spaced over the 120-acre peninsula of the Nature Center (seating 25 persons each) were sites of instruction this past fall and spring as classes of students spent the school day from 8:45a.m. to 2:30p.m. (45 fifth graders came twice; 40 seventh graders once; 30 eight graders once). Other school groups, clubs, and interested persons have visited the site for hiking or activities; South Fork has picnic tables around the 100-year-old cabin, the center for activities. A nature walk or art activity occurs the third Saturday of each month (except November-February). However, the trails are always open for those desiring a pleasant walk along the bluff overlooking the lake and through the woods. Culwell noted that there are 22 docents who lead activities at South Fork; call Kathy Sherwood in the Gates Rogers Foundation office in Clinton (745-6444) to schedule an activity. Kathy can sign you up to receive the monthly e-mail newsletter if you would like to see what happened the previous month or what will take place in the future.

The Foundation is seeking funding to construct a pavilion with restrooms as well as lay a waterline to the site. Donations, both large and small, can be made online where further information about South Fork, driving directions, program, and facilities can be found: http://www.southforknaturecenter.org.