Volunteers in Caswell Making a Difference
December 9, 2024
Hosanna Pennell and Tony Waldron joined with more than a dozen other volunteers and the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) to enhance and renovate the Orchard Lake Trail and the Sunline Trail in Caswell County, NC.
“I had met a lot of people who wanted something done to the trails in Caswell County since they had fallen into disrepair over the past decade,” said Pennell, Manager of the Piedmont Triad Visitor Center and lives in Caswell County. “I contacted DRBA to see if they could help. They immediately began seeking financial assistance and pulled together a workplan. Within just a few months, we had funding for supplies and the volunteers began their work.”
The Orchard Lake Trail runs from Yoder’s Country Market through FDC’s disc golf course to Orchard Lake, which connects it to the Senior Center through a few stream crossings. This trail lacks elevation and is suitable for most ages. There are eight bridges along the trail that cross smaller creeks and wetland areas that include great wildlife and flora viewing. These trails are used for classes through Piedmont Community College in Yanceyville for ecological classes including mushroom foraging and plant identification. 
The Sunline Trails are three “lollipop” style loop trails that follow along Oakwood Elementary School’s property line, a small pond, and the Animal Protection Society at the other trailhead.
DRBA developed the Heritage Trails Master Plan that was adopted in 2012 by the Caswell County Commissioners. Several trails were built by DRBA, including the Orchard Lake Trail and the Sunline Trail, based on that Master Plan. The trails were used widely by citizens for many years, but were in desperate need of renovation.
“This project is just the beginning of the possibilities of trails in Caswell County”, said Anna Wheeler, NC Program Coordinator. “We are reimagining of what the outdoors and trails can be for people’s health, the community, and the economy of the county”.
DRBA applied to the Danville Regional Foundation’s Make it Happen grant opportunity and was successful in acquiring the funding. The renovation plan included new kiosks, new signs, replacing several boardwalks, installing trail markers and promotional materials.
“I’m so thankful for everyone who helped make this trails project possible. The speed at which the community pulled together to complete this project was truly impressive and I hope that generations to come will continue to enjoy these beautiful trails,” said Tony Waldron, owner of the Flying Disc Clubhouse. “I’d like to personally thank the Friends of Caswell Trails group, the American Legion Post 89 and the VFW Post 7316 for their dedication to rebuild the Orchard Lake Trail”.
There are still more trails in Caswell County that need maintenance and Tony and Hosanna are going to continue to look for support and volunteers to keep the momentum going. They are known as the Friends of Caswell Trails (FCT) and have formally “adopted” all of the trails in Caswell County to keep them maintained and managed.
"I am tremendously thankful for the community support and enthusiasm for this trail project, and for those who have volunteered their valuable time and resources to make it happen in such a short amount of time! I am excited about potential programs and events that include the trails, and look forward to seeing more of the Caswell community discover the beauty of Orchard Lake, Senior Center, and Sunline trails in Yanceyville. This project would not have been possible without Tony and Gillian being willing to officially "adopt" the trails, and I am grateful to them for their initiative and vision.” said Pennell.
If you are interested in joining the Friends of Caswell County Trails, please contact the Dan River Basin Association.
