Trail Brings Housing
Connecting communities with pedestrian trail is just one focus of Burke River Trail Association (BTRA). The organization also works to strengthen communities through economic development. That includes pursuing housing opportunities uncovered while advancing the trail.
Contacting large landowners to discuss the possibility of trail on their property is a first step in developing a…read more ❯
Charlotte Water Request
Protecting the Catawba River for all uses – water supply, recreation, economic development, power generation and wildlife habitat – is critical. We are at the very start of a long, several year process for the Charlotte Water Interbasin Transfer and I will advocate until the final vote.
Beth Heile kayaking on Lake Rhodhiss
That said, it is difficult to hit a moving target with the…read more ❯
Wildcat Way
Thanks to Burke County Public Schools, Town of Valdese, Rep Hugh Blackwell and volunteers, a new section of Burke River Trail will open on August 2. Officials will cut the ribbon at 10:00 am for the 0.6 mile natural surface trail, located north of Draughn High School, will be called Wildcat Way.
Wildcat Way was one of the first targeted sections of Burke River Trail during initial…read more ❯
Lunch and Learn Program
Friends of the Valdese Rec, Inc (FVR) hosts a free monthly Lunch and Learn Program for Young for the Young at Hearts in the community. Every third Thursday of the month at Noon, FVR provides lunch, time to socialize and a 20-minute program for those adults who are retired or have time for lunch. First United Methodist Church of Valdese provides the space for the lunch event.
To RSVP for…read more ❯
Grants for Old Glory Mill
BRTA Executive Director Beth Heile and Town of Rhodhiss Manager Rick Justice at the Rural Community Capacity Training at App State University.
Opportunity Appalachia announced the selection of 29 projects to participate in its program aimed at increasing job growth,business support, and investment in Central Appalachia. The Old Glory Mill project in Rhodhiss, submitted by Burke River Trail,…read more ❯
Archival of Past Business
Past news items and the list of former Board Members/Officers from the 2023-2024 operating year have now been archived. Please refer to the the Band Director for any 2024-2025 updates.
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Trail Town Trash
Following the Burke Chamber Litter Sweep, BRTA decided to continue monthly Trail Town Trash Pickups. May was rained out and even though it was raining on June 3, we went ahead with our cleanup. 11 volunteers got soggy as we started at McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese and covered some of Church Street and all of Meytre. On July 7, we will be in Rhodhiss. Meet at Horseshoe Park at 3pm.
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Mountain Bike Trail Open!!
Ribbon Cutting with the Volunteers who built the trail and Rep Blackwell who assisted with funding.
Planned to be at Valdese Lakeside Park from the very beginning, a 4.2 mile Mountain Bike Optimized Trail is now open to bikers (and hikers). From a 2018 Master Plan to a 2023 Specific Design Plan to 4 months of hard work from volunteers in 2024, Friends of the Valdese Rec held a celebration…read more ❯
Successful Pickin'
Around 125 people took part in the Glen Alpine in the Street Committee’s first event – Pickin’ in the Streets including Senator Warren Daniel and wife Lydia. Aldermen Reid Scott and Luke Boone continue to be supportive of advancements in the town and work with the volunteers to make things happen.
The next meeting of the volunteer group is Tuesday June…read more ❯
Getting the Word Out
Burke River Trail Association has three Focus Areas:
Connections – Physically get trail on the ground to connect communities
Communities – Build stronger communities through economic development and civic engagement
Conservation – Educate communities about the environment, wildlife and recreating responsibility
To get that word out, we are hitting local festivals with our…read more ❯
Volunteers – Mountain Bike
928 hours so far!! Our volunteers have gone above and beyond building the mountain bike trail at VLP to save money. Round 2 of the Mountain Bike Trail Building Process – Cutting Roots – 280 volunteer hours over 16 workdays April 3- May 10. Round 1 was clearing the corridor – 648 Volunteer Hours from Feb 2 through April 2, over 36 workdays. More to do, but getting…read more ❯