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Conserving Carolina: Protecting LandsFeatured

For Nature and People. Forever.

Presented by Pam Torlina,

Community Engagement Director, Conserving Carolina

at the Reuter Center at UNCA

April 8, 7:00 pm

Pam Torlina, a field biologist who has worked with Conserving Carolina for 18 years, will explore how the organization has successfully moved nearly 50,000 acres of special lands into permanent conservation, while also planning for public use, continued farm production, clean water, and more. 

Conserving Carolina is based in Hendersonville and its area of concentration stretches from south Buncombe County into South Carolina. A current project includes the rugged Hickory Nut Gorge, where an ambitious effort is underway to protect selected lands and to connect them through an extensive network of trails.

This program is free and open to the public.

Past Events, Plants

The Natural History and Ecology of Fungi: From Parasitism to SymbiosisFeatured

Watch the talk here!

Todd Elliott, PhD, will speak about mushrooms in our region and their significance. He grew up in the Southern Appalachians, but has worked as a naturalist, biologist, and photographer on six continents. He is the author of Mushrooms of the Southeast and many other publications. Learn more about him here: https://toddelliott.weebly.com and watch for more information in future emails.

Outings, Past Events

Pisgah View Outing

On July 15, 23 naturalists visited the yet-to-be-opened Pisgah View State Park in Hominy Valley – the first state park in Buncombe County.  We were led in our exploration by Jamie Cameron, the park ranger, who gave us an overview of the park and then led the group on trails up the mountain and to a nearby bog.   The park opening is slated for 2025, but Jamie thought that it might take another year or two to conform to requirements for state parks.

Members exploring Pisgah View

The Park was formerly  the “Pisgah View Ranch” which offered horseback riding, rental cabins, swimming pool, a tennis court, and other amenities. The biggest challenge for the 1,300 acre park is what to do with the numerous structures there, many of which are in a state of disrepair since the former facility closed. Jamie said there are volunteer opportunities to help in preparing the park for opening. We will let our members know once we have that information.

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