The Calvin and Coyle property, located near Paul Banks Elementary School in Homer, is owned by the land trust and has been the location of a trail for years. Primarily due to the high use and the impact of the infestation of the spruce bark beetle, the trail fell into disrepair, and the existing signage was no longer relevant.

KHLT determined that a renovation of some of the existing trail and a relocation of one main section would be the most appropriate solution to return the trail to a safe and usable status.

The trail project began in 2008 with a contribution from ConocoPhillips to build a parking area on Mariner Drive. The parking area construction was completed with the assistance of many volunteers and the city of Homer. Homer Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with KHLT, subsequently was awarded a state of Alaska Recreational Trails Program grant to begin the trail renovation and relocation and to create new interpretive signage for the length of the trail.

The ConocoPhillips funds awarded Dec. 8 will be used to complete this project and to host a community celebration next fall.

"We are pleased to be the recipients of this wonderful donation," said Kachemak Heritage Land Trust Executive Director Marie McCarty.

"Our Calvin and Coyle Trail has been in desperate need of a significant overhaul, and this generous contribution, combined with the state of Alaska grant and the hard work of many volunteers, will allow this trail to become again a gem in the Homer community," she said.