With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of Kudzu. That exotic vine that remained dormant through the winter is awaking with vigor! Therefore, the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) Kudzu Warriors are gearing up to continue the fight against this non-native and invasive species at the PAC owned Norman Wilder Forest off of Hwy 176. The PAC Kudzu Warriors have been defending the PAC nature preserve from Kudzu (and other exotic species) since 2011 and have made a tremendous impact on the property. Areas that were once a mat of Kudzu vines are now lush with native vegetation!
But the fight is not over, and PAC needs the public’s help! Regular bi-monthly work days will begin on Monday, June 2, from 9 – 11 a.m. and will meet every other Monday after that, at the same time. PAC will supply tools, water, and granola bars, but please dress appropriately and wear work gloves. If you would like to get involved with Kudzu eradication at Norman Wilder Forest but Mondays just don’t work, contact PAC at the number or e-mail below.
Also, before long, the goats will be returning to the Town of Tryon lot near IGA to continue their efforts to eradicate Kudzu from the site! PAC received a grant from the Polk County Community Foundations Unrestricted Fund – Kudzu Eradication Initiative, for Kudzu eradication on the 2-acre Town of Tryon lot near IGA. The grant will fund the use of goats on the site, twice a year, for three years, and this is the second year! In order to prepare for the return of the goats to the site, PAC is holding a volunteer work day on Wednesday, May 28, from 9-11 a.m. to remove trash from the site and to cut non-native and invasive plants (Tree of Heaven, Mahonia, and Chinese Privet, etc.) that are over a few feet tall, making it easier for the goats to eat them to death when they arrive.
Those interested in helping with trash pickup and exotic plant control at the Town of Tryon lot will need to dress appropriately and wear work gloves. If you can bring loppers and a chainsaw, that would be very helpful. PAC will supply trash bags, some tools, water, and granola bars.
Thank you for considering volunteer opportunities with PAC! Interested parties should contact PAC by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail landprotection@pacolet.org.
PAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization (land trust) founded in 1989 to Protect and Conserve the area’s natural resources (PACs 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. PAC works diligently to provide leadership to encourage conservation and provide education programs emphasizing responsible land use practices to help – save the places you love.

– article submitted
by Pam Torlina