Donors to be recognized at Spanish Moss Trail dedication event

Donors to be recognized at Spanish Moss Trail dedication event

The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail is hosting a community celebration recognizing the major contributors to the construction of Phases 1 thru 4 of the Spanish Moss Trail. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Spanish Moss Trail’s Depot Trailhead.

“We want to celebrate with everyone who is enjoying their time on the Trail and to recognize all the individuals, businesses and foundations who invested generously in the first four phases of the Spanish Moss Trail,” said Dean Moss, Executive Director of the FSMT.

Moss said it will be a casual celebration recognizing the wide-spread support with the dedication of three bronze plaques with the names of more than 100 donors who have invested $1,000 or more in this community asset. The Trail’s success is due to the generosity of the James M. Cox Foundation and Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority as well as the FSMT-led partnership among Beaufort County, City of Beaufort, Town of Port Royal, Beaufort Memorial Hospital and hundreds of community-minded individuals, businesses and foundations.

The Spanish Moss Trail's historic Albergottie Trestle
The Spanish Moss Trail’s historic Albergottie Trestle

Today, there are 5 miles of the Spanish Moss Trail open to explore by bike or on foot. Its 10-Phase Master Plan, which when complete, will be a 14-mile long, 12-foot wide, paved trail – dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists. The first three phases (5 miles) are open – connecting the heart of the City of Beaufort to the Town of Port Royal and an additional segment that reaches near the Marine Corps Air Station (with parking at Depot Rd., Broome Ln., Westvine Dr. and Roseida Rd.). With a grant from the Federal Highway Administration, Beaufort County will implement the fourth phase (2.1 miles) in Spring 2015. The fifth phase (.5 miles) is located in the Town of Port Royal and will bring a connected 8-mile Trail in 2015.

To get to the dedication ceremony spot, take Ribaut Rd. to Depot Rd. and Trail parking will be at the end of Depot road on the left-hand side.

The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northern Beaufort County by developing, enhancing and maintaining the Spanish Moss Trail – through community partnerships; local government participation; and private support. Visit www.spanishmosstrail.com for more information.