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The Tryon Garden Club is excited to announced a new tree identification project at

Pearson’s Falls! There are over 57 species of trees and woody shrubs within Pearson’s Falls

Glen. To help visitors learn to identify some of our trees, the Pearson’s Falls tree team has

added informational tree markers highlighting 20 different trees along the trail up to the falls.

The team carefully selected the different specimens so the leaves and upper parts could be

seen from the level of the trail.

 

We are fortunate to have a protected river cove forest here in Polk County. Pearson’s

Falls and Glen is a botanical preserve located between Saluda and Tryon on Highway 176. This

unique 300-acre habitat features a moderate 1/4-mile trail up rushing Colt’s Creek to the 90’

waterfall. Along the trail you will find 20 different trees identified with signs detailing their leaf

and individual characteristics. These signs include Tulip Poplar, Red Maple, White Oak, Eastern

Hemlock, American Beech, Yellow Buckeye, Sweet Birch, Ironwood, Rosebay Rhododendron,

and eleven more. You will also find mosses, ferns, seasonal wildflowers- currently asters and

golden rods, insects, butterflies, spiders and lots of rocks.

 

Do you know the largest species of tree in the Pearson’s Falls Glen is the tulip poplar?

This tree is a member of the magnolia family.

Do you know the oak trees at Pearson’s’ Falls are a keystone species? This means the

ecosystems of many of the other trees depend on the oak tree for survival.

Do you want to know more about our stately Eastern Hemlock or our enchanting

Carolina Silverbell?

 

Come out to Pearson’s Falls at 2748 Pearson’s Falls Road, Saluda, NC 28773 between

now and early November and experience for yourself our new tree identification initiative. The

trees with markers currently have a piece of pink surveyor’s tape tied on them which makes

them easy to see. And as you hike the trail remember, decades of research show that taking a

walk or hike in the forest is good for your health. Getting a ‘nature fix’ can reduce stress,

improve attention, boost immunity and lift your mood!

Pearson’s Falls and Glen is owned and maintained by the Tryon Garden Club, a non-

profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to foster awareness and appreciation of the natural

world. Admission fees are used to maintain the property. Learn more at www.pearsonsfalls.org

or call 828-749-3031.

 

Submitted by Lucy Brannon