TUSCUMBIA — A Colbert County couple have donated a nearly-700 acre preserve to Land Trust of North Alabama.

Jim and Faye Lacefield have donated Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, a 693-acre site in northwest Alabama. This will be the Land Trust’s ninth public nature preserve and first in northwest Alabama.

“The Land Trust is truly honored that the Lacefields have entrusted us with their dream,” said Marie Bostick, Land Trust of North Alabama Executive Director. “It was their passion to protect this irreplaceable landscape and share it with the world. We are thrilled to carry on that story.”

The Land Trust was assigned a conservation easement in August 2020 for the property, previously held by The Nature Conservancy in Alabama.

Last year, the Land Trust hired two staff members who are on-site during the preserve’s open hours to assist visitors with sign-in, provide trail information, and complete property and trail maintenance.

Over the past 40 years, the Lacefields preserved the property southwest of Tuscumbia, created nearly 18 miles of hiking trails, cared for the land, and welcomed visitors.

Cane Creek Canyon’s rolling topography and dramatic falls provide a diverse ecological area supporting significant biodiversity, cultural history, and recreational and educational opportunities.

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is open to the public Friday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, visit landtrustnal.org/properties/cane-creek-preserve.