Projects
We believe in using our limited financial resources to fund projects that help further our mission of preserving natural resources for use by this and future generations. Past projects have focused on adding recreational access to natural resources by allowing the public to enjoy the natural beauty with little impact on the environment. Below are some of our past projects, some of which we have worked on directly and others for which we have provided financial support.
Consider making a donation to help further this important work of protecting our local environment and promoting access to outdoor recreation.
Past Projects
Catawba Valley Heritage Alliance was founded on September 8th, 1998 and has been active in pursuing our mission ever since. Here is a list of many of our projects over the years.
Woodland Loop Trail, Pump track, Walking path at Jacob Fork Park
The Woodland Loop Trail at Jacob Fork Park is a mountain bike and running trail that was spearheaded and heavily invested in by the CVHA. Local bike shop Lightning Cycles assisted in securing a grant from the bicycle company Specialized. The NC Department of Grants also assisted financially. CVHA coordinated with Trail Dynamics to build the trail and facilitated volunteers. In total, 2.5 miles of Woodland Loop Trail, a pump track, and a walking path along the outside perimeter of the baseball fields provide many recreation opportunities for the local community. The Jacob Fork Park is located off Highway 10, heading from Newton towards Highway 127. Jacob Fork park also has water access for canoes and kayaks.
Murray's Mill Bike Ride
CVHA hosted the Murray's Mill Bike Ride for over 15 years in partnership with the Historical Association of Catawba County. It was used as a fund raiser for CVHA and as a way to promote low impact recreation in our beautiful county. The Historical Association has taken over organizing the ride since 2018.
Catawba Riverfest
CVHA created Catawba Riverfest to promote environmental education for the public on river systems care, ecology, native animal species, and promote recreation of canoeing and kayaking. Originally held at Geitner Park on Lake Hickory, it was moved to Lake James Paddy's Creek access and ran by the NC State Parks staff there. The Catawba Riverkeeper has current information on Riverfest.
Catawba Valley Heritage Alliance was founded on September 8th, 1998 and has been active in pursuing our mission ever since. Here is a list of many of our projects over the years.
Woodland Loop Trail, Pump track, Walking path at Jacob Fork Park
The Woodland Loop Trail at Jacob Fork Park is a mountain bike and running trail that was spearheaded and heavily invested in by the CVHA. Local bike shop Lightning Cycles assisted in securing a grant from the bicycle company Specialized. The NC Department of Grants also assisted financially. CVHA coordinated with Trail Dynamics to build the trail and facilitated volunteers. In total, 2.5 miles of Woodland Loop Trail, a pump track, and a walking path along the outside perimeter of the baseball fields provide many recreation opportunities for the local community. The Jacob Fork Park is located off Highway 10, heading from Newton towards Highway 127. Jacob Fork park also has water access for canoes and kayaks.
Murray's Mill Bike Ride
CVHA hosted the Murray's Mill Bike Ride for over 15 years in partnership with the Historical Association of Catawba County. It was used as a fund raiser for CVHA and as a way to promote low impact recreation in our beautiful county. The Historical Association has taken over organizing the ride since 2018.
Catawba Riverfest
CVHA created Catawba Riverfest to promote environmental education for the public on river systems care, ecology, native animal species, and promote recreation of canoeing and kayaking. Originally held at Geitner Park on Lake Hickory, it was moved to Lake James Paddy's Creek access and ran by the NC State Parks staff there. The Catawba Riverkeeper has current information on Riverfest.
Small Grant Project
CVHA ran a small grant project for many years that was utilized by community members and local governments to build nature trails, improve access and maintain existing trail systems, and create other outdoor amenities that benefit the public. Many locations have been beneficiaries, like the walking trails at Jacobs Fork Park in Newton, Lyle Creek Greenway in Conover, Riverbend Park in Catawba County, a wetlands observation deck in Lenoir, and a outdoor mini-amphitheater at the Salt Block in Hickory.
Newton Heritage Trail Greenway
CVHA worked with the City of Newton for many years to envision and implement the Newton Greenway. A 1.5 mile trail is completed, with future plans in place for its expansion.
Bike Repair Stations
These stations include a basic set of bike repair tools and a heavy duty bike pump. Current stands are located at Union Square in downtown Hickory near the bus stop, at Hickory City Park (the park with the tennis courts) on 12th St DR NW in Hickory, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, and Jacob’s Fork Park in Newton.
CVHA ran a small grant project for many years that was utilized by community members and local governments to build nature trails, improve access and maintain existing trail systems, and create other outdoor amenities that benefit the public. Many locations have been beneficiaries, like the walking trails at Jacobs Fork Park in Newton, Lyle Creek Greenway in Conover, Riverbend Park in Catawba County, a wetlands observation deck in Lenoir, and a outdoor mini-amphitheater at the Salt Block in Hickory.
Newton Heritage Trail Greenway
CVHA worked with the City of Newton for many years to envision and implement the Newton Greenway. A 1.5 mile trail is completed, with future plans in place for its expansion.
Bike Repair Stations
These stations include a basic set of bike repair tools and a heavy duty bike pump. Current stands are located at Union Square in downtown Hickory near the bus stop, at Hickory City Park (the park with the tennis courts) on 12th St DR NW in Hickory, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, and Jacob’s Fork Park in Newton.
