Two Places in Highvale
Highvale is a mountain town beside a steep slope and a cold creek. Two places near town changed as people used them.
At Creekside Corner, workers cleared several trees and paved a parking area. The hard surface gave visitors room for cars, but rain could not soak through it. Water rushed toward the creek and carried loose soil from the edge. Later, town workers and neighbors removed some pavement, planted native grasses and shrubs, and made a shallow rain garden. After storms, plant roots held soil, and the garden slowed water before it reached the creek.
At Lookout Meadow, hikers wanted an easier path to a mountain view. Workers built a narrow trail and a small wooden platform. During busy weekends, some hikers stepped off the trail. Their footsteps flattened meadow plants and left bare soil. Volunteers put up a rope boundary, placed signs, and planted native flowers in bare spots. They also asked hikers to stay on the trail and carry litter out.