Continue the legacy, lend a hand in improving scenic trails access

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Vancouver, WA – Two upcoming events offer opportunities to improve local trails and celebrate Legacy Lands’ 30th anniversary in Clark County. Anniversary activities for August include work parties in two large natural areas: • 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Aug. 1 – Join the Whipple Creek Regional Park Restoration Committee as volunteers continue to improve trails in this 300-acre forested park. Nature trails are being restored with gravel surfacing. Register at parkhero.org. • 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Aug. 15 – Join Clark County staff at the Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural Area to clear and repair trails. Located in southeast Battle Ground, this 81-acre area has cedar, fir and alder forests, with scenic overlooks of Salmon and Morgan Creeks. Register at parkhero.org. “The Legacy Lands program is about partnering to protect natural areas,” said Don Benton, Environmental Services director. “Local parks departments, volunteer groups and neighbors are excellent partners to protect land and make it available for recreation and tourism. Multiple recreational opportunities are available at both of these sites, including hiking, equestrian trails, wildlife viewing and geocaching.” Environmental Services works with public and private partners to purchase and manage Legacy Lands. Those include environmentally significant areas with scenic views, fish and wildlife habitat and access to rivers and forests. The Conservation Futures property tax levy provides county funding for the Legacy Lands program. Since 1985, the program has protected more than 50 properties including more than of 5,000 acres. For more information, call the Legacy Lands program at (360) 397-2121 ext. 4070 or visit the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/legacylands.