The Pacolet Area Conservancy and Walnut Creek Preserve invite the public to attend a free presentation on “The Magic of Waterfalls and Wildflowers in the Southern Appalachian Mountains” presented by Timothy Spira. The program will be held at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10:30 a.m.

Waterfalls are natural magnets for hikers, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and casual visitors to the mountains. Some waterfalls enchant us with their softness as water gently glides over bedrock; others impress us with the height of their falling water; still others awe us with their power. The constantly falling water, sparkling light, and swirling spray is exhilarating, soothing, and inspiring. For whatever reason, waterfalls make us feel good. Exploring wildflowers and other natural features along the trail to the waterfall adds another layer of fun.  In this presentation, Mr. Spira will introduce waterfalls and wildflowers in the southern Appalachians, including why people are so enchanted by them.

Timothy P. Spira is an avid hiker, wildflower enthusiast, and emeritus professor of botany at Clemson University. He is the author of Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia (University of North Carolina Press, 2011) and the newly published Waterfalls and Wildflowers in the Southern Appalachians: Thirty Great Hikes (University of North Carolina Press, 2015).

To get to Walnut Creek Preserve’s Nature Center from the Tryon and Columbus area, take Hwy. 108 E and turn left on Hwy. 9 toward Lake Lure. Follow Hwy. 9 N for five miles and turn right onto McGuinn Road (at the Exxon Station). Go one mile to the intersection with Big Level Road; turn left, go two-tenths of a mile and take the first right onto Aden Green Road. Follow Aden Green for four/tenths of a mile and turn left on Herbarium Lane and into Walnut Creek Preserve. Take the first left onto Conservatory Lane, which takes you to the parking area for the nature center. (GPS coordinates to the Nature Center are available at the PAC website.)

For more information or directions from another location, contact the Pacolet Area Conservancy at 828-859-5060 or e-mail landprotection@pacolet.org. The next PAC/WCP program will be held on Nov. 21 when Bill Stringer will be presenting on bees and pollination.

For more information about Walnut Creek Preserve, visit www.walnutcreekpreserve.com.  Please note, Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).

-Submitted by Pam Torlina