Doug Rabold is the executive director of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation.

1. What is the Hitchcock Woods Foundation?

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation owns, maintains and manages the 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods, likely the largest privately owned urban forest in the nation. With more than 65 miles of marked trails crisscrossing a variety of ecosystems, this natural forest is open to the general public free of charge from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

2. Who originally owned the land that is now Hitchcock Woods?

Thomas Hitchcock, who fostered Aiken's Winter Colony, along with his daughter Helen Clark, owned and donated 1,191 acres in 1939 when they established The Hitchcock Foundation to oversee the land. (The name was changed to Hitchcock Woods Foundation in 2006). Over the past seven decades, the foundation acquired many additional smaller parcels totaling more than 900 acres, either through purchase or by donation.

3. Why was the land donated?

Mr. Hitchcock gave the land to the foundation "exclusively for its charitable purposes," the meaning of which he left to the foundation's board of trustees. He suggested that the land be made available for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors of Aiken. The board of trustees has always honored this suggestion.

4. What are some of the activities that people can enjoy at Hitchcock Woods?

There are rich histories and grand traditions involving equestrian activities in the woods. This includes the rustic yet elegant Aiken Horse Show and the Aiken Hounds, the oldest drag hunt in the country. ... Even Aiken's famed Steeplechase started here. Equally important, dog-walkers, hikers, runners and nature enthusiasts have a long-standing loyalty and love for the woods.

5. Why is it important that Hitchcock Woods be protected and maintained?

Hitchcock Woods is a critical, distinguishing characteristic of this community. It attracts residents and visitors, improves our quality of life and drives our equestrian economy. On a more fundamental level, having a healthy forest habitat on our doorstep is a luxury enjoyed by few communities. We're lucky to be among the few.