Thomas, WV – With an eye to the future, the Cortland Foundation is gearing up to start yet another important Vision 2030 initiative – – to strengthen Cortland’s wellness programs with on-campus walking trails.
Known as the Happy Trails Project, the gravel trail system will wind it’s way through forested portions of campus and include benches, trail signage, and exercise stations. Designed for individuals with different ability levels, the Cortland system will be a class IV trail which allows for a high level of accessibility.
The Cortland Foundation has received Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) tax credits to issue to qualified donors to help kick off and fund the Happy Trails Project. The program is Administered by the State to encourage donations to local nonprofit organizations. The Cortland Foundation will utilize the funds to construct the trail on the Cortland campus that will eventually connect with other area trails systems and downtown Thomas.
Judy Rodd of Friends of Blackwater said “There is more exciting trail news this time from Cortland Acres. Their Happy Trails Project will begin a link from their location to Thomas City Park. Park trails will in turn link to the new Blackwater River Loop Trail which will connect Thomas to Davis by way of Douglas Falls with a planned pedestrian bridge. Let’s all support their effort!”
The trail will be a welcome addition to the Cortland community, accessible to all residents living on the Cortland campus, as well as the general public. The winding trail will offer yet another opportunity for bird watching, plant identification and other nature-orientated excursions.
“I think a wooded trail here at Cortland would be great,” explains Cortland Resident Council President Tom Lambert. “So many of us enjoy the back courtyard during the warmer months, and an accessible trail through the woods where you could reminisce about hunting and hiking would be fantastic.”
The credit applies to West Virginia Business and Individual Income Tax returns. The Cortland Foundation issues a voucher indicating the contribution amount and the amount eligible for WV tax credit, 50% of the total amount donated. Such credit is used to offset the West Virginia Business Franchise and Corporate Net income tax. In the case of a pass-through entity (i.e., LLC, Partnership, S Corporation), any excess credit can be used against the owner(s’) WV personal income tax. Individual donations and related credits can be used against WV personal income taxes.
“The combination of the Happy Trails Project and the Neighborhood Investment Program presents an excellent opportunity to support the residents of Cortland,” asserts Dan Bucher, Director of Development at Cortland Acres. “Taking advantage of the financial benefits of the tax credits combined with the far-reaching advantages of a trail system to the Cortland community and beyond is truly a win/win for everyone.”
Labeled one of the most underrated exercises by countless fitness experts, walking has been shown to improve memory and prevent the deterioration of brain tissue as we age.
And walking outside can boosts your mood during and after the walk with serotonin and dopamine, tends to make you feeling more creative and even helps your skin tone.
Help Cortland fund this important initiative by taking advantage of NIP tax credits:
· Mail a check to the Cortland Foundation, 39 Cortland Acres Lane, Thomas, WV 26292, or
· Click the “Donate to Happy Trails” button at cortlandacres.org to make a secure donation online using PayPal.
Qualifications for the tax credits begin with a minimum donation of $500. Donors have up to five years to use their credits and the maximum one-year tax credit amount of $100,000. Donors cannot reduce their total state tax bill by more than 50% in any given year.