The event celebrating the creation of River Recharge Natural Area, located at the north end of Bishop Street, was an amazing success! Approximately 130 people came out for the hike on Saturday, July 16, and a good many went on to continue the celebration at Roughhouse Brewery.
Known for years simply as the Buie Tract, these roughly 94 acres were renamed River Recharge Natural Area (RReNA), due to the many karst features on the property. Although RReNA is “open for business,” much work remains to be done there. “We have about 2.5 miles of trail laid out, though not all of it is built yet,” says Jon Cradit, SMGA vice president and member of the trail crew. Plans are also in the works to build an entrance kiosk with a map and other information, and to create an interpretive sign, much like the one at the dam in Purgatory NA, explaining the recharge process.
Many people deserve great thanks from SMGA for their contributions to this event. Chief among these are the owners of Roughhouse Brewery and SMGA member Ben Peck, who coordinated the partnership with the brewery and also took responsibility for the setup and takedown of the volunteer station. A big thank-you also goes to hike leaders Andy Grubbs, Monique Tschurr, Dick McBride, Cindy Hobson, Andy Nance, Lance Jones, and Alan Holzgrafe. Finally, thank you to everyone who assisted Outreach Chair Susan Hanson at the volunteer station: Niki Lake, Olivia Palomares, Matt Lewis, Jo Korthals, Mark Taylor, and Cameron Herber.
The following photos were taken by SMGA members Lance Jones, Monique Tschurr, Olivia Palomares, and Ben Peck.
Map of trails in River Recharge Natural Area 
Susan Hanson & Monique Tschurr, waiting for the crowd 
Volunteers getting ready to welcome hikers 
Hikers arriving 
View of the crowd 
View of the crowd
Hikers in front of the volunteer tent 
Board member Alan Holzgrafe with hike leader Andy Grubbs 
Checking the new map
Gathering for the hike 
Members Ryan McGillicuddy and Niki Lake 
Susan Hanson taking a donation
Member Monique Tschurr leading a hike 
Andy Grubbs pointing out a geologic feature
Happy hikers 
Checking out a cave protected with a grate 
Ambitious hikers 
Hikers walking through a meadow 
A cave in the woods
The finish line 
Andy Grubbs and Cindy Hobson checking one of Andy’s maps 
Andy Grubbs visiting with other SMGA members at Roughhouse Brewery
Cindy Hobson and Bernie Andersen at Roughhouse Brewery 
Cameron Herber and Susan Hanson working at the volunteer table at Roughhouse Brewery 
Mark Taylor and Jo Korthals enjoying lunch at Roughhouse Brewery 
Volunteers Ben Peck, Susan Hanson, and Cameron Herber at Roughhouse Brewery 
Time out for lunch at Roughhouse Brewery