SPACE Land Manager, Lynn Rhodes, started working on what is now the Cottonwood Trail when he was a boy helping out his neighbor, Ed Griffin, with work in his backyard. He's been a part of the development of The Edwin M. Griffin Preserve and the Cottonwood Trail from the beginning: cutting trails, pulling privet, building bridges, and benches, and lots and lots of mowing.

Originally from Gloucester, Virginia, Lynn has lived in Spartanburg for most of his life. After graduating from Spartanburg High School, he gained skills through work in construction, shipping, and lawn care, all while helping with the maintenance and development of the Cottonwood Trail and other SPACE properties as the organization grew. Besides managing and maintaining SPACE properties, Lynn also owned and operated his own landscaping and lawn care business. 

Through the years, his work with SPACE has allowed him to help maintain and care for over 170 acres of greenspace in some of the most beautiful and biodiverse areas in Spartanburg County. He’s been instrumental in projects like bridge construction, trail development, and waterway maintenance on SPACE properties. In 2020, Lynn completed his largest project for SPACE with the renovation of the Cottonwood Trail’s 550-foot boardwalk and headed up the "SPACE to Learn" program hosting educational tours along the Cottonwood Trail.

SPACE, the Edwin M. Griffin Preserve, and the Cottonwood Trail wouldn't be what they are today without Lynn's care, dedication, knowledge, and skill. We're so thankful he's part of the SPACE team!