Saturday, April 8, was a perfect spring day for the Pacolet Area Conservancy’s (PAC) 12th annual PACWalk and the 6th annual PACRun for Preservation.

This year, for the first time, the events were held at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE). The weather was cool and clear as the runners started the 5K at 8 a.m.; 26 minutes later, 9-year-old Ben Thompson arrived to finish and win the overall race medal.

The new race route was challenging but beautiful, and exhilarating for the runners, who ranged in age from 9 to 62 and included two very happy canines.

The walkers started at 10 a.m. with three separate groups heading out to enjoy the views and natural features of FENCE. The “Stroll” group made good use of a .3 mile paved interpretive trail. The “fast” and “slow” groups walked to an open area at FENCE’s highest elevation for great views and then went down to Blockhouse Creek and along the pond boardwalk. Everyone enjoyed the early spring wildflowers, and the “slow” group spent time identifying the more interesting species which included trillium, Rue Anemone and Mayapple.

The walk was followed by music, awards, lunch and door prizes. New this year was musical entertainment provided by Turtle Power, a local duo with acoustic guitars.

Article submitted by Pam Torlina