Friends of Lawrence Area Trails (FLAT) and the Native Lands Restoration Collaborative are excited to be working on a number of efforts to restore native ecosystems on public sites accessible from Lawrence area trails. Native Lands has perfected a model of community-centered restoration projects that restore habitat and return native species to landscapes while incorporating education and community engagement. FLAT has been a recognized local leader and convener of efforts to ensure residents and visitors have easy access to a trail system that promotes health and well-being and promises a green future. Our organizations both recognize the immense opportunity for restoration efforts in the greenways and linear parks that are home to area trails — efforts that can promote human, natural, and economic health and well-being.

FLAT and Native Lands are working together to secure funding for a project to restore woodland habitats along segments of the Lawrence Loop, and are collaborating to identify and plan additional future projects. We look forward to engaging the community of local trail users in these efforts to enhance access to nature along area trails, while working to achieve a greener future.

— Chris Tilden, FLAT Board Chair

— Courtney Masterson, Native Lands Ecologist and Executive Director