On Saturday, Jan. 12, the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) and Walnut Creek Preserve (WCP) kicked off the first of many free programs that will be offered to the public this year at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center on Saturday mornings.

More than 30 people filled the nature center, where noted authors and photographers Mara and Ford Smith treated guests to their presentation, “Traveling to Protected Places.” The Smiths highlighted conservation efforts across the continent with appealing photographs and entertaining stories compiled in 25 years of traveling to some of the most beautiful places in North America and beyond.

The program was part of a collaboration between Walnut Creek Preserve and the Pacolet Area Conservancy and was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund.

To find more information about Mara and Ford Smith, to view more of their spectacular images, or to purchase one of their many books, visit their website, www.livesimplywithstyle.com. For information on upcoming programs at Walnut Creek Preserve, please go to the PAC website at www.pacolet.org.

– article submitted by Pam Torlina