The Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) will hold its ninth annual PACWalk for Conservation on Saturday, May 4, at Tryon Estates in Columbus.

Since May 2005, the PACWalk has become a springtime tradition for many who enjoy spending a couple of hours outdoors with friends and family in support of conservation.
PACWalk can be enjoyed by folks of all ages.

To date, the oldest participant was 100 years old and the youngest was just a few months old, spanning a century. Walkers can choose the paved path around the lake, a distance of ¾ mile.  This option is called the Sam White Stroll, named for a founder of the Pacolet Area Conservancy and former resident of Tryon Estates.

Another choice is a lovely, 2-mile trail along the lake and through the woods. If neither of those appeals, one can choose the Phantom Walk and be part of the event from anywhere. Check-in for PACWalk is from 9-9:45 a.m., followed by the walk of your choice at 10 a.m.

Also on May 4, the Pacolet Area Conservancy will present its third-annual PACRun, a 5K trail run. In its first year, runners enjoyed the race because of the beautiful trails through the woods, carefully chosen and marked. The race is timed and medals are awarded for winners in each category. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. for PACRun, and the race starts at 8 a.m.

Following the walk, at approximately 11:30 a.m., walkers and runners are invited to lunch and an awards ceremony in the Tryon Estates dining room.

Runners may register online at strictlyrunning.com, or runners and walkers can visit the PAC website, www.pacolet.org, to download registration forms for either the race or the walk. Forms are also available at the PAC office, at 850 N. Trade St. in Tryon. For more information please call the PAC office at 859-5060, visit the website, or come by the office.
After May 3, there will be a $5 late registration fee for PACRun only.

PAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization (land trust) founded in 1989 to Protect and Conserve the area’s natural resources (PAC’s mission).  PAC works with area landowners to ensure the long-term protection of their property through voluntary conservation easements (agreements) which enable landowners to maintain ownership of their property, preserving precious natural resources (open lands, forests, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, farmland, stream banks, etc.), and potentially obtain significant federal, state and local tax benefits.

PACs vision is a community living and growing in harmony with our natural resources and or goal is to provide a legacy that will endure and be valued by generations to come. PAC works diligently to provide leadership to encourage conservation and provide education programs emphasizing native species appreciation and responsible land use practices to help – save the places you love.

– article submitted by Pam Torlina