The Sandhills Area Land Trust (SALT) has given a grant of $9,735 to Friends of North Carolina State Parks to support improvements to the horse trails in Weymouth Woods State Park in Southern Pines.

"Because of our long-standing relationship with and appreciation for the equestrian community of Moore County, we at SALT are especially pleased to have facilitated this grant," said Candace Williams, executive director of SALT. "We look forward to future opportunities to work together in support of our mutual interests in conservation and improvement of Sandhills natural areas."

This grant was made possible by gifts to SALT from several members of the equestrian community, which were made in support of the nonprofit organization's effort to purchase the Hobby Field tract on Youngs Road in 2008-2009, according to a news release.

That acquisition effort was unsuccessful, but several donors to the Hobby Field project left their gifts with SALT and redesignated them for several SALT projects and programs, including enhancement of the Weymouth Woods riding trails.

"This grant will enable us to resurface the bridle trails with gravel screening and put in water diversions to combat erosion, resulting in a smoother ride for both the horses and riders," said Scott Hartley, park superintendent of Weymouth Woods State Park. "We appreciate what SALT has done to make this possible."

Other redesignations by donors to the Hobby Field project have contributed significant support to SALT's land stewardship program, to its successful efforts to protect Drowning Creek, the source of drinking water for Southern Pines, and other land preservation projects, the news release said.

As a result of the foresight of the owners, Hobby Field is protected in perpetuity by a conservation agreement with SALT and will serve the equestrian community for years to come, the release said.