The Polk County Community Foundation recently awarded the Tryon Garden Club a grant for the control of the sediment and erosion at Pearson’s Falls. The Tryon Garden Club is the owner and operator of Pearson’s Falls and the glen.

The Tryon Garden Club is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission includes preserving, protecting and treasuring Pearson’s Falls. Members strive to maintain the preserve as well as offer educational programs to help others to identify and enjoy the over 200 species of wildflowers, ferns, lichens and trees. Members can be found doing any task required to support this mission.

As part of that mission, the falls is open to the public. Pearson’s Falls is a major tourist attraction for Polk County. Over 20,000 visitors came to the glen to walk the trail to the 90-foot waterfall in 2010. The numbers continue to increase with each year.

After the torrential spring rains of 2009 the club partnered with professionals to address the unrestricted flow of the run-off, which was caused in part by the hillside above the hiking tail and by the role of water and gravity. A long-term solution was identified, and with the aid of the Polk County Community Foundation gift, this solution was implemented.

Further information regarding Pearson’s Falls may be found at www.pearsonsfalls.org. Tryon Garden club is a not-for-profit organization and membership is open to anyone interested in furthering the club’s mission. For details, contact Lee Cudlip at 828-859-0309.