The event will include canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, storytelling and other activities.

Have you explored the Lake Davidson Nature Preserve on the shores of Lake Davidson? This little known corner of town is emerging as one of the area’s newest recreation sites. On Saturday, April 13, the Davidson Lands Conservancy and other groups are organizing PaddleFest – a day of activities to celebrate Lake Davidson and its possibilities.

Meanwhile, the lands conservancy and its partners also have organized a stargazing party on Friday night at Fisher Farm Park, in northeast Davidson. Read the full story

To the Editor:

Regarding the Davidson Town Board’s leaning towards supporting a Conditional Planning Area amendment in Davidson Commons East (March 13, 2013, “Board scraps APFO, hints support for auto repair shop”), allowing a Woodie’s Auto Service center across the street from the Community School of Davidson and behind homes on Westside Terrace: I’d like to follow up on a quote attributed to my friend Commissioner Rodney Graham in the article, using it as a straw dog upon which to comment. Read the full story

MSC Industrial Direct’s new 400-employee headquarters off I-77 Exit 30 is expected to spur additional development in the area. The town is developing a new small area plan to guide future growth. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Construction of the MSC Industrial Direct corporate headquarters off Harbor Place Drive in Davidson is widely expected to spur related development in the coming years. The question is, what will it look like? Davidson’s Planning Board on Monday night got its first look at the draft of a new plan for the Exit 30 area that envisions new hotels, housing, offices and shops. The plan also incorporates a new I-77 overpass – with a separate pedestrian and bike path – that could improve the connection between Davidson Landing and the rest of town. Read the full story

Sunset on Lake Davidson Saturday evening, Nov. 17. (Rick Brunschwyler photo)

Do you have photos to share? Read below for info on how to submit your photo of the day. And to see previous photos of the day, CLICK HERE Read the full story

Sterling Martin

Davidson Parks & Recreation, Davidson Lands Conservancy and other supporters will hold a dedication ceremony this Saturday, Aug. 18, to name the Lake Davidson Nature Preserve hiking trail as the “Sterling Martin Trail,” in honor of longtime resident and volunteer Sterling Martin.

The dedication is planned Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the trail head, behind Davidson Day School, 750 Jetton St. Read the full story

Firefighters investigated two possible fires this week, including one residence on Elm Row Court in which the homeowners smelled a strong odor of smoke outside  their home. Thermal imaging cameras and portable gas monitors helped firefighters determine no hazards were present. An I-77 driver also reported a fire either on a boat or along the bank of Lake Norman, but an investigation by fire crews turned up nothing.

A large tree limb broke off early Thursday morning, July 26, and blocked both lanes of traffic on Concord Road. Firefighters used tools to help open one lane of traffic, but Town of Davidson public works personnel had to be called to help remove the rest of the limb. Malfunctioning smoke detectors rounded out the rest of the week’s fire calls, and a tally of the week’s medical calls may be found below. Read the full story

About 200 fish died last week in Davidson Pond, off Griffith Street. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Gizzard Shad. Click to see a brochure about NC Shad. (SOURCE: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Warm water and rapid algae growth are being blamed for an unusual fish kill last week at the pond in Roosevelt Wilson Park, off Griffith Street. Town and county officials say the recent warm, clear weather has spurred algae growth, which has reduced oxygen in the water, and likely caused the deaths of about 200 Gizzard Shad. Read the full story

This family of Lake Davidson residents posed for a photo last weekend near the Ingersoll-Rand campus (Allan White photo)

A mallard walked in Roosevelt Wilson Park (Jay Wilson photo)

HAVE PHOTOS?

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See past Photos of the Day here.

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