The Frances Lloyd Shetley Bikeway exemplifies what is best about bikeways/greenways in Carrboro, and the Piedmont Wildflower Meadow demonstrates what a bikeway/greenway can become when the community invests time and energy to make it blossom!

This bikeway could more aptly be called a greenway because it runs through woods between Carrboro Elementary School and a neighborhood. But let's not quibble about whether this quarter-mile trail is a bikeway or greenway. The two terms are synonymous when a trail connects neighborhoods through a wooded area and is used by pedestrians, bikers and runners. What distinguishes this trail is proximity to downtown Carrboro, enthusiastic use by a diverse cross-section of the community, and the beautiful wildflower meadow.

A casual look at the bikeway demonstrates this point.

On a warm Sunday morning in June, I visited the trail to obtain pictures for my exhibit, currently showing at Carrboro Town Hall. Almost immediately, Peter appeared with two dogs. As I began taking pictures of Peter walking his dogs, young Cameron came by on his bicycle, jumped off, and enthusiastically embraced the dogs.

After demonstrating his affinity for the dogs, Cameron stood up, reached in his pocket, pulled out a business card. "I am a pet caregiver and would be happy to take care of your dogs when you go away!" he announced. A budding entrepreneur!

"Well, I'd like that very much," replied Peter. Cameron then sped off.

But the story doesn't end there. Enter Lori, Riba and her dog Sasha. Sasha and Peter's two well-behaved dogs then pause to exchange the latest canine gossip. After a brief chat, Peter wanders on with his dogs and Sasha waits patiently while the two ladies and I attempt to solve the world's problems. After a few minutes, we decide that this is a futile venture on such a lovely morning. Lori, Riba and Sasha then exit toward Estes Drive.

The chance encounters of these folks and pets on the Shetley trail demonstrate vividly how bikeways and greenways create community.

The Shetley Bikeway is a beloved and widely used recreational resource in downtown Carrboro, but the trail offers another invaluable feature: the Piedmont Wildlife Meadow. About 10 years ago, Ken Moore and a group of volunteers decided to establish this garden as an educational resource for children attending Carrboro Elementary School and neighborhood residents, as well as an urban showcase for the splendid wildflower treasures of the Piedmont region.

The idea for the wildflower meadow originated with Frances Lloyd Shetley, a Carrboro legend for whom the bikeway is named. Frances is a descendent of the Lloyd family, one of the original colonial families that settled near present-day Carrboro in the mid-1700s. In addition she is an avid gardener and revered member of the Wildflower Meadow team.

Gardens, even those devoted to wildflowers, require a modicum of TLC. A dedicated group of volunteers care for the Piedmont Wildflower Garden. Even a wildflower garden needs weeding. On this morning, I happened upon Moore explaining the species of wildflowers growing in the garden to volunteer Gregory Bechtel.

Although wildflowers spontaneously populate open spaces, exotic invasive species such as eleagnus (Russian olive), privet, stilt grass, tree of heaven and mimosa also appear and crowd out native species. Careful planning and systematic efforts are needed to create and maintain the beautiful display of wildflowers in the midst of urban Carrboro.

The town is very fortunate to have citizens with foresight like Frances Lloyd Shetley, leaders who gladly share their expertise like Ken Moore, and the team of volunteers who created and lovingly maintain this community treasure!