Blue Wall Preserve – October 24, 2025

Posted on October 26, 2025 by WCBC

Another new field trip site, the Palmetto Trail passes through the 575 acre Blue Wall Preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy. The Preserve contains the Twin Ponds and Lanny’s Cascade, a small waterfall.

Photography by Jennie Burke, Hugh & Janice Irwin, Penny Longhurst, & Rae Ann Wessel. Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we mostly use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom and view the slide show.

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Ashmore Heritage Preserve – Almost – & Bald Rock Heritage Preserve – October 17, 2025

Posted on October 19, 2025 by WCBC

This was a very disjointed day – some great, some not so great! First, on arrival at the parking area for our Ashmore field trip it was apparent that bear hunting season was in full swing. Not great at all, although fortunately Penny had scouted there on Monday, before hunting season started, & had some pictures.  So, we needed to find a new location to visit. Note to scheduler – next year check hunting season dates!
Before moving on, there was a surprise presentation. Our President, Carol McCall, was honored by the Second Wind Hall of Fame, an organization that recognizes retirees over 60 for their volunteer work in the Carolina Foothills community, for her post-retirement volunteer service with Conserving Carolina, Tryon Garden Club, and Tryon History Museum. Carol was presented with her award by Carol Browning, the Tryon Chapter Director of the Second Wind Hall of Fame.
After the presentation, club members drove to the parking area for the 165-acre  Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, a new site to explore. See also https://public-lands-scdnr.hub.arcgis.com/pages/bald-rock-hp

Photography by Hugh Irwin, Sarah King, Penny Longhurst, & Joe Standaert. Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom and view the slide show.

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Holmes Educational State Forest, Upper Loop (Demonstration Trail) – October 10, 2025

Posted on October 12, 2025 by WCBC

Holmes Trail Map

Another glorious day and we saw loads of Gentians. Photography by Hugh Irwin & Penny Longhurst.  Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom and view the slide show.

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Sam Knob Meadow – October 3, 2025

Posted on October 5, 2025 by WCBC

What a glorious day for a hike. Not a cloud in the sky, beautiful colors, & Asters and Gentians everywhere.

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Hugh & Janice Irwin, Eric King, Penny Longhurst, & Jim Poling. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Park at Flat Rock – September 26, 2025

Posted on September 28, 2025 by WCBC

The 66 acre Highland Lake Golf Club closed on September 30, 2013 and was converted into a municipal park for the Village of Flat Rock. Although the park has a 1.3 mile paved path, we tend to wander along the edges of the ponds and the planting areas.

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Penny Longhurst. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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