As I run with my running group, the Squirrels, back along Bolin Creek in the crisp mornings, we enjoy the magic of communing with nature. The trail is soft and a blessing for our joints. We look up and drink in the beams of sunshine playing among the treetops.

At other times, I saunter along the trails with our children and fluffy dog. They love plunking stones in the, trying to make the most impressive splash. In fall, we collect vibrant red and yellow leaves and mail them to relatives in Florida aching for the change of seasons.

I remember seeing around town some green signs that say "Carrboro, a tree-friendly town." I hope we continue to embrace that.

The beavers surely need the trees to be on the banks of the creek. The owls are enjoying a place of honor in the limbs overhanging the creek. If we replace this area with cement, we'll be sacrificing their lovely habitats.

On the topic of "green," cutting down hundreds, maybe thousands of trees along a length of Bolin Creek would decrease the natural, oxygen-producing trees and foliage. That would be a tragedy.

Chapel Hill is blessed with many paved exercise-ways along creeks already. Look at the lovely trail from Fosters on Martin Luther King Blvd to the Community Park. We do not need more asphalt.

If you are unsure of your view, please take a leisurely afternoon walk along the creek. You truly can leave all your troubles behind.

Koreen Billman

Carrboro