The Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority has provided $5,000 to assist Troy University in the establishment of an ecological trail system and outdoor classroom in Janice Hawkins Park on the University campus.

The funds were presented to Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. Monday by Authority Executive Director Barbara Gibson, Rep. Alan Boothe and Authority Board Chair Jack Pelfrey.

“This check represents the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority’s continued support of Troy University and the Janice Hawkins Park project,” Pelfrey said.

The funds were used to install a system of trails through the park using natural materials and included signage to provide educational opportunities along the trail.

Chancellor Hawkins expressed appreciation to the Authority for its generous and continuing support of the Janice Hawkins Park project.

“The Authority’s support is a benefit to Troy University and to the community as well,” he said. “We are grateful for their support.”

Mark Salmon, director of the University’s Physical Plant, said partnerships like the one the University enjoys with the Authority have played a tremendous role throughout the Janice Hawkins Park Project.

“Troy University has invested in the park to make an enjoyable green space for its students and the local community,” Salmon said. “These trails were designed to highlight the innovative wetland projects. The project truly emphasizes the importance of the role played by strong partnerships, like the one we enjoy with the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority.”

Gibson said the signage will provide educational opportunities along the trail to educate the public of the importance of water quality and Alabama’s native habitats.

The trail system will be accessible from the new amphitheater at the park and will provide a supplemental walking path for students.

The walking trails were the latest phase of the Janice Hawkins Park project. The park currently includes seating areas, walkways surrounded by plants and sculptures and an amphitheater. Previous grants by the Authority have assisted in the elimination of invasive species of plants throughout the park.

The Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority is a state agency created in 1991 by the Alabama Legislature. The Authority is responsible for managing the 2.3 million acres in the watersheds of Southeast Alabama in the areas of water quality, water quantity, food control and prevention and water conservation education.