Pam Torlina is a graduate of The University of South Carolina-Upstate, with a bachelor of science degree in biology. She has more than 15 years of experience as a field biologist, naturalist and interpreter, and outdoor educator. She serves as land protection specialist for Pacolet Area Conservancy.

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 Herbarium Lane and into Walnut Creek Preserve.  Take the first left onto Conservatory Lane, which takes you to the parking area for the nature center.

For more information or directions from another location, please contact the Pacolet Area Conservancy at 828-859-5060 or email: landprotection@pacolet.org.

PAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization (land trust) founded in 1989 to Protect and Conserve the area’s natural resources (PACs mission). PAC works with area landowners to ensure the long-term protection of their property through voluntary conservation easements (agreements) which enable landowners to maintain ownership of their property, preserving precious natural resources (open lands, forests, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, farmland, stream banks, etc.), and potentially obtain significant federal, state, and local tax benefits.

This year’s PAC and WCP programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundations Unrestricted Fund.

– article submitted by Pam Torlina