We have some exciting news to share about one of our most iconic spots. If you’ve visited La Verna Preserve in Bristol recently, you’ve likely noticed things look a little different — and a lot more welcoming!
In October, we completed a brand-new larger parking lot located on the same side of Route 32 as the trailhead. This means fewer visitors will need to cross the road to get to the trailhead. The old lot is still there to serve as overflow parking on peak hiking days.
La Verna is also getting bigger. Space for the new parking area was made possible by the sale of a 10-acre property next to the preserve by Steve and Vicki Nichols in 2022. And last year, a generous 13-acre donation of land from neighbor Rebecca Bell further expanded the preserve, creating new connections with other Coastal Rivers properties in the La Verna neighborhood.
More to come
Later this winter, look for a new kiosk and interpretive panel at the trailhead. And over the next two years we’ll be “hardening” wet areas to make the trails more durable and easier to navigate.
Most of these initiatives are part of a $700,000 fundraising campaign, of which $500,000 has already been committed. Campaign goals included purchasing the Nichols property and constructing the new parking lot and trailhead.
Further plans involve converting a two-story garage on the Nichols property into two apartments. The first floor will be a fully handicap-accessible rental, and the second floor will provide housing for Coastal Rivers staff. We have designs in hand and are entering the home stretch of fundraising to make this a reality.
“We’re so excited about this project and the community support that is making it possible,” said Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. “More, safer parking, a welcoming trailhead, and much-needed housing are all in process, and we’re getting close to our fundraising goal!”
How You Can Help
We are just $200,000 away from our $700,000 goal. These funds will allow us to finish the housing conversion.
If you’d like to help us cross the finish line, please reach out to Steven Hufnagel at shufnagel@coastalrivers.org.
See you on the trail!
