Putting together this issue of Discover St. Clair Magazine has been particularly rewarding because of our long history covering two of the stories. We celebrate two milestones – one a look back at a 25-year success story; the other, the opening of a new chapter.

There is so much news in them, so much promise in both, they could never be captured in a single story. So, we created special sections to showcase them both.

We’re speaking, of course, of the 25^th anniversary of the St. Clair Economic Development Council, an idea that transformed the trajectory of the county into a perennial top seven contender for fastest growing in Alabama each year.

And the opening of Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville ushers in a new era for recreation, tourism and conservation in the county – 422 acres of nature preserved and already becoming a destination point for thousands.

We’ll give you an inside look at both, sharing the stories behind the stories grabbing headlines these days.

While the special sections are a major part of this edition, that’s not all we offer in this issue.

We’ll take you on a tour of Canoe Creek Stables, a new equine therapy facility in Ashville that is touching lives and changing them through the use of horses. It’s a passion turned into a real-life difference maker.

While we’re at it, we’ll let you get a peek inside a bit of a different take on farm living. It’s a 6,000 square foot “barndominium,” and you’ll be amazed at the amenities and how this couple turned a barn into quite a home.

Fast forward to what’s up ahead and take note that LakeFest is returning to Pell City Lakeside Park in May. Organizers tell us to get ready for the biggest, best event yet.

And two more companies in Pell City join the growing ranks of expanding industries in St. Clair County, generating millions of dollars more in investment and creating more jobs.

We round out this edition with Final Focus, photographer Mackenzie Free’s take on life through her lens and her eloquent, thoughtful prose.

It’s all here and more in this issue of Discover. Turn the page and discover it all with us!

Carol Pappas
Editor and Publisher