“Protect and Conserve” is the new PACWalk for 2018.

In July of last year, the Pacolet Area Conservancy and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy combined to form a new organization, Conserving Carolina. On Saturday, April 28, Conserving Carolina will continue Pacolet Area Conservancy’s traditional PACWalk.

The first change is the location: Conserving Carolina’s PACWalk will be held at Chimney Rock State Park. Second, the walk will be held at 1 p.m., a new time.

Third, members of Conserving Carolina will be able to enter Chimney Rock Park and participate in the walk at no charge, thanks to the generosity of our host Chimney Rock Management LLC.

The park opens at 8:30 a.m. in the morning. You are invited to spend the day if you choose, or arrive at any time before the walk begins at 1 p.m.
Preregistration is necessary.

The walk will end by 2:30 pm, followed by a brief celebration of all who completed the walk.

The Land Lovers Picnic starts at 3 p.m. The picnic is a traditional spring event held by the former Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, to thank and honor volunteers and landowners.

Awards will be presented to outstanding volunteers, as well as to the landowners of recent conservation projects. Picnic fare will be available at the door.

Preregistration with Conserving Carolina is necessary for entry into Chimney Rock State Park, and for participation in the PAC Walk and/or the Land Lovers Picnic. For details, visit conservingcarolina.org, or contact Jenn Tutor at Conserving Carolina at 828-697-5777 ext. 209 or our Polk office at 828-859-5060.

– Submitted by Carole Bartol