Lyndhurst Foundation Supports Friends of the Cumberland Trail
The Lyndhurst Foundation has shown faith in the progress and merit of the ongoing projects associated with the Friends of the Cumberland Trail with the award of $20,000 grant, announced November 12, 2009.
A quarter of the grant will be dedicated for furthering the Cumberland Trail Music Heritage Project, an ongoing effort by the Friends to research, record, and share the unique music and cultural traditions forged in the Cumberland Mountains . The Lyndhurst grant supports the production of a concert series highlighting this rich musical tradition in at least five Cumberland Trail communities.
The grant enables historical research and fieldwork at Laurel-Snow State Natural Area aimed at the preservation of the remarkable remnants of the Dayton Coal and Iron Company , dating from 1883. Following initial survey, a management program will be established for dozens of coke ovens, along with massive stone masonry for the historic bridges, mine entrances, and railways serving the mines, hundreds of features in all.
Lyndhurst grant funds will also be applied to natural resources management, including native plant restoration projects and germplasm preservation. The Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail property includes 3000 acres in need of ecological restoration.
The Lyndhurst Foundation is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 1938 as The Memorial Welfare Foundation, Cartter Lupton, of the Coca Cola Bottling Company, initially established their philanthropic effort. They have been wonderful supporters of the revitalization of the Cumberland Trail and are due our sincere gratitude.