Fayetteville approves more nature funding

The Fayetteville City Council has approved $50,000 to fund work that will allow the Southern Conservation Trust to complete the new Ridge Nature Area.

The council voted 5-0 on July 7 to use revenue from the hotel/motel tourism tax to finish trail and electrical work, parking areas, signage and the removal of an old house at the site. The 308-acre area between Gingercake Creek and Whitewater Creek is a city public greenspace project whose amenities will include multi-use trails, picnic areas, a boardwalk, wildlife habitats and an outdoor classroom. It is scheduled to open to the public on Aug. 13.