Family legacy created at Fischer Farm Park
A local family has partnered with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) to create a lasting memory for family and visitors at Fisher Farm Park in Ridgeway.
Sharon Tahirkheli and her brother Michael Nichols wanted to do something special to honor their parents, Cody and Virginia Nichols, who were longtime residents of the area and lived less than a mile from the Smith River for more the 65 years.
At 87, Cody joined his great-grandchildren recently for a walk along the trail at Fisher Farm Park near Marrobone Creek.
"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 DRBA to enhance Fisher Farm.
The DRBA used the financial gift to construct a nationally certified Monarch Way-station with signage that helps educate park visitors about the importance of pollinators and protecting local natural resources.
"It has been exciting to work with DRBA to make this trail and garden a reality," said Sharon, who lives in Fairfax. "Our parents would have ben delighted with the outcome."
"A Monarch Way-station 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," said Education Outreach Manager Krista Hodges. "The Way-station is a beautiful way to honor the Nichols family while also providing rest and replenishment for our critical pollinators."
The DRBA also repaired the steps and trail at the park and built a new deck overlooking Marrowbone Cree with the gift from the Nichols family.
"We are very excited to have partnered with the Nichols family and Henry County to enhance an already well-loved park," said DRBA Project Manager Brian Williams. "The funding 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."
With family members and local officials, a ribbon cutting was held at Fisher Farm Park on Tuesday.
Bill Wyatt (276) 591-7543
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