Celebrate Earth Day with Conserving Carolina on Monday, April 30, with an approximately 4-5 mile, moderate hike at Walnut Creek Preserve (WCP). This hike will be led by Babs Strickland, owner and manager of the preserve, and the trails will lead hikers through the preserve’s varied natural areas. The preserve is private land and the public is only allowed on the property by invitation.

Those interested are asked to meet at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve at 9:30 a.m. for a short tour and talk about the Nature Center and the Preserve. The hike will take place on the Preserve from approximately 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a break for a snack/lunch at around 11:30 a.m. No dogs.

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 5 miles and turn right onto McGuinn Road (at the Exxon Station). Go 1 mile to the intersection with Big Level Road; turn left, go 2/10ths of a mile and take the first right onto Aden Green Road. Follow Aden Green for 4/10ths of a mile and turn left on Wood Thrush Lane and into Walnut Creek Preserve. Take the first left onto Conservatory Lane, which takes you to the parking area for the nature center. (Directions can be obtained on Google Maps by searching “Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center.”)

If you are interested in attending the Conserving Carolina hike at Walnut Creek Preserve, contact the Conserving Carolina Southeast office to sign up by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail, pam@conservingcarolina.org.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require.

In case of inclement weather, please contact the Conserving Carolina Southeast office by 8:45 a.m. on the day of the hike or visit the Conserving Carolina Facebook page, www.facebook.com/conservingcarolina, to see if the hike will take place.

Conserving Carolina, your local land trust, is dedicated to protecting and stewarding land and water resources vital to our natural heritage and quality of life and to fostering appreciation and understanding of the natural world. For more info visit, www.conservingcarolina.org.

-Submitted by Pam Torlina