RETURN TO INDEX OF ALL ARTICLES • RETURN TO GEOLOGY ARTICLES

GEOLOGY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ARTICLE

MAGS members take part in
Nonconnah Greenbelt Dedication Ceremony
by MATTHEW AND CAROL LYBANON

12.03.2007 -- MAGS members took part in the Nonconnah Greenbelt Phase I Dedication Ceremony on November 27. Mike Baldwin, Carol and Matthew Lybanon, W.C. McDaniel, and Alan Parks set up a display table at the entrance to the trailhead (near the Forest Hill Irene exit from the Bill Morris Expressway), and were there to talk to the dignitaries attending the ceremony and answer their questions. The table had samples of the rocks, fossils, and petrified wood that can be found on Nonconnah Creek, as well as an information leaflet about MAGS and other literature.

The Nonconnah Greenbelt Trail is part of a system of trails that will help protect natural areas and connect communities in Shelby County. When complete, the Nonconnah Trail will be a paved path that runs along Nonconnah Creek, from Collierville to the Mississippi River, intended for bicyclists and pedestrians. MAGS participation will benefit every member of our club, and let the public know more about us.

The November 27 ceremony marked the opening of Phase I of the project, a portion of the Trail near where the ceremony took place. Ted Fox, Director of Public Works for Shelby County, introduced the speakers. They were Mayor A.C. Wharton, Jr., Shelby County, Mr. William Dunnavant III, Chairman of the Shelby County Mayors Trails and Greenway Alliance, and Ms. Pamela Marshall, Community Relations Officer, TDOT. Those dignitaries, along with
Commissioner Mike Carpenter, Shelby County, Mr. John McCormack, Chairman of the Shelby County Conservation
Board, and Collierville Mayor Linda Kerley then performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

In his concluding remarks after the ribbon cutting, Ted Fox mentioned that MAGS would play a significant role in future phases of the Greenbelt Trail project. Some possible areas of participation are developing and publishing a geological and archaeological history of Nonconnah Creek, various educational activities including leading field trips,
making presentations at schools, and providing science teachers with materials collected from the creek, and publicizing the scientific importance of Nonconnah Creek and working to maintain the area in its natural state. Developing points of access so the public can safely reach the creek is something that would benefit not only MAGS, but the community at large. There is also a possibility that a nature center could be set up, and operated by
MAGS volunteers.

PHOTOS BY MIKE BALDWIN ©2007