The Ridge Nature Area Loop

Nestled between Gingercake Creek and Whitewater Creek, the Ridge includes 308 acres of natural beauty which provide a glimpse into a multitude of ecosystems, opportunities for environmental education and a diverse mix of passive recreational experiences. The Ridge is a City of Fayetteville public greenspace project. After years of desiring to develop the nature area, the City engaged Southern Conservation Trust to develop and manage the public use nature area. A Master Vision Plan has been created and amenities will be implemented in phases and as community support allows. The vision calls for some opportunities not currently found in Fayette County. The history of The Ridge provides unique opportunities. It is located within the Piedmont region habitat and has been subject to modification by humans for over 10,000 years. Fire and agriculture have shaped a rich biosphere with diverse plants and animal species that have adapted to these practices. Over 200 acres of the 308 acres of the Ridge that are not wetlands were clear cut in the 1820’s, and farmed up to the mid 1960’s, with only a few patches remaining of “old growth” trees or vegetation. These farm plots have slowly recovered as forest, but with little diversity and a large amount of invasive species such as privet. As part of the conservation plan for the Ridge, three Scout projects have specifically focused on changing the habitat diversity through a forest plot and two meadows projects.