A true stimulus package is working smarter and utilizing untapped resources. This is exactly what the city of Vista is going to accomplish at its Nov. 10 City Council meeting when they approve a contract with The Vista Conservancy (a local nonprofit 501(c)3 organization) to open up a trail on the back side of Vista Way.

The eventual trail extension will link the Vista Adobe and Wildwood Park to the Moonlight Amphitheatre, the Alta Vista Gardens and the other wonderful amenities at Brengle Terrace Park. The entire trail borders Buena Vista Creek.

The Conservancy is an organization capable of receiving environmentally sensitive lands for protection and long-term preservation. The Conservancy was formed to acquire, protect and manage the natural resources in a manner beneficial for current and future community inhabitants. After all, the original community of Vista formed around streams, ponds, creeks, open space and farming.

The rural beauty and native wildlife of the Vista area is being threatened by the elimination of open spaces as a result of population growth. The net effect of high-density development not only has an impact on the immediate surroundings, but on remote areas as well. These impacts are long-term and must be mitigated at their inceptionin order to have effective preservation.

The goal for the Conservancy to create a safe and productive corridor. The plan is filling the corridor with community activities, including a farmers market, rainbow makers, pumpkin patches, flower fields, worm farms and open-air art galleries. Imagine educational programs teaching green technologies, nutrition, horticulture and the ability to live off the land to our children. These are the positive results when you combine the efforts of local service groups, faith centers and volunteers with the power of the city.

With the added responsibility of clearing and maintaining the temporary trail extension, The Vista Conservancy is looking for additional volunteers to help with a fundraiser. The plan is to hold an event at the Moonlight Amphitheatre next spring. If anyone is looking for a project that can have a lasting effect on the community, this is a good one. Additional information about the Conservancy is online at thevistaconservancy.com. Now you have a chance to tell your friends to "take a hike" with a big smile on your face.

Congratulations to the city of Vista and the hard-working volunteer board of The Vista Conservancy for their tireless efforts to get this project under way. Even in tough times, we still need to make smart investments in our community. This is one of them.

Mac MacFarlane is a resident of Vista and a volunteer with The Vista Conservancy.