Contributed
Sharon Tahirkheli and her brother Michael Nichols wanted to do something special to honor their parents Cody and Virginia Nichols. Cody and Virginia were long-time residents of the area, living less than a mile from the Smith River for more than sixty-five years. Cody, even at the age of 87, joined his great-grandchildren and walked the trail at Fisher Farm Park near Marrowbone Creek with his great-grandchildren. Cody and Virginia were thrilled to support efforts to preserve the areas around the Smith River.
“Our parents were enthusiastic nature lovers,” said Michael, who lives in Northwood, New Hampshire, “They took a keen interest in the development of parks and recreational opportunities in the Smith River region.”
Sharon and Michael decided to provide a gift in memory of their parents to the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) to enhance Fisher Farm.
“It has been exciting to work with DRBA to make this trail and garden a reality,” said Sharon who resides in Fairfax, Virginia, “Our parents would have been delighted with the outcome.”
With Sharon and Michaels’s gift, DRBA constructed a nationally certified Monarch Waystation with signage that helps educate park visitors about the importance of pollinators and protecting local natural resources.
“A Monarch Waystation is a habitat that provides monarch butterflies with the resources they need to survive and reproduce. Milkweed is the host plant for monarch larvae, and nectar plants provide energy for adults,” says Krista Hodges, Education Outreach Manager. “The Waystation is a beautiful way to honor the Nichols family while also providing rest and replenishment for our critical pollinators.”
DRBA was also able to repair the steps and trail at the park and build a new deck overlooking Marrowbone Creek with their generous gift.
“We are very excited to have partnered with the Nichols family and Henry County to enhance an already well-loved park,” said Brian Williams, DRBA’s Virginia Project Manager. “The funding provided helped add a safe trail and provide access to an area of the park that was not easy to reach, and it gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Marrowbone Creek watershed while enjoying a shaded walk in the woods.”
A ribbon cutting was held at Fisher Farm Park on September 17 for family members and local officials.
The mission of the Dan River Basin Association is to promote and protect the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River basin through education, recreation, and stewardship. DRBA works to fulfill that mission by building river accesses and trails, educating people of all ages about protecting our natural resources, and protecting our water resources through water quality monitoring, cleanups and master planning. The Dan River basin is 3,300 square miles including sixteen counties throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
To learn more about DRBA’s impact and programs that protect and conserve our natural resources, visit danriver.org.
