Forty acres Tryon was unaware it even owned will now be leased to the Saluda Community Land Trust for a nature trail.
Tryon Town Council on Tuesday approved an intent to lease the land adjacent to the Tryon Garden Clubs Pearson Falls property. The tract includes about 11 acres in Henderson County. Most of the land is virtually unuseable due to the steep terrain.
The Saluda Community Land Trust plans to use the only walk-able portion for a nature trail along the Pacolet River in the Saluda area.
Tryon acquired the property in 1957 from T.G. and Mildred Miller. For years the property was thought to have been owned by the Tryon Garden Club, but Henderson County records show that Tryon actually owns the property.
Tryon council members mentioned Tuesday that since the property is of no use to the town it may consider selling to the garden club. Garden clubs officer Jerry Soderquist was present Tuesday and said the club is interested in owning the adjacent property.
Tryon attorney Bailey Nager said the town could sell the property at any time. The property would simply be sold subject to the lease to the Saluda Community Land Trust.
The land trust received a grant from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for a nature trail including a path through the Tryon 40 acres. Tryon plans to approve the lease in May.