Construction began this week on Pearson’s Falls’ innovative green bathrooms, through a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.

The Clivus Multrumsystem, the first of its kind in western North Carolina, will utilize proven green composting technology to provide restroom facilities for Pearson’s Falls’ 18,000 yearly visitors, while preserving its natural environment.

Carol Meeske is the committee chair for the Tryon Garden Club’s green toilets project.

“They’re in keeping with our mission to preserve, protect and treasure Pearson’s Falls, a natural preserve, owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club,” she said.

The committee was formed to investigate options for environmentally friendly alternatives to standard restrooms for Pearson’s Falls’ visitors who have used portable toilets since 1991, and a privy before that.

After months of study, the Clivus Multrum composting system was chosen for the glen’s permanent restroom facilities, and will provide clean, sanitary and accessible restrooms with minimal intrusion to Pearson’s Fall’s natural environment.

“We know the community and our visitors will be as interested in learning about this type of system as we have been,” said Kathy Wright, Tryon Garden Club board member.

The club hopes their example will inspire other local and regional organizations and agencies to go green when considering public restroom facilities.

“The Garden Club board is so appreciative that the volunteers and staff of the Polk County Community foundation have funded the Clivus Multrum composting system,” said Wright. “We’re also thankful for the engineering design from Altamont Environmental and the construction work by Bloom Construction and Living Roofs.”

– article submitted by Susan McNabb