​​Just over a month after Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the North Carolina mountains, residents of Ashe County came together on Saturday, November 2, for a meaningful break from their intensive recovery efforts to launch phase one of "The Golden Trail" in Tyson Park, Jefferson.

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This project is more than just a pause from the intense recovery efforts that have been ongoing for over five weeks; it's a hopeful gesture of renewal and growth. By planting bulbs—the seeds of recovery—the community looks forward to a brighter spring.

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This collaborative effort by Keep North Carolina Beautiful, Keep Ashe Beautiful, and over two dozen dedicated community volunteers involved the planting of more than 3,000 daffodil bulbs sponsored by State Employees Credit Union. Each daffodil symbolizes hope, resilience, and the promise of brighter days ahead, mirroring the community's journey towards recovery.

 

Just as daffodils bloom after the harsh winter, this trail will eventually transform into a vibrant path lined with thousands of flowers winding through Jefferson and reminding all who walk it of the community's strength and renewal.

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Over the next five years, thousands more daffodil bulbs will be planted in the Ashe County community to complete "The Golden Trail", creating walking paths that embody the strength and resilience of the community and its people.​​​​​​​​