Welcome back, nature enthusiasts! In this week's episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie embark on an enlightening conversation with Lynn Rivera, the Trail Master at Carolina Thread Trail.   Join us as we dive into the expansive world of this remarkable project, originally conceived to weave an intricate network of trails throughout the 15-county metro Charlotte area, reaching into South Carolina. With 300 miles of trails already established, the ambitious goal is to create a staggering 1600 miles of interconnected wow trails across all counties.   Lynn sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of this monumental endeavor, from connecting existing trails to navigating legal intricacies and real estate matters. Discover more about the Carolina Thread Trail's dedication to building, preserving, and connecting our natural landscapes. For additional information and to support their mission, visit carolinathreadtrail.org.   Tune in and be inspired by the dedication to nature that echoes across 115 countries, 50 states, and resonates deeply within the Carolinas. Don't miss this fascinating exploration of the great outdoors.   If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.   Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.   Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.   Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.   Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].   While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company  in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market  this Saturday morning.