Many Thanks need to be given to these private sponsors who stepped up early in the project (1995) when we needed initial matching funding, and also needed to show public support for the idea of a trail, in order to get the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These people donated their money when the trail was just an idea in Stone Barefield's mind, before the land was purchased from the railroad, and before the cities and counties had signed on. Their enthusiasm and early support was instrumental in the eventual success of the Longleaf Trace. Please thank them the next chance you get. Also see Current sponsors