On Tuesday, June 26, the Tryon Garden Club will hold a class and guided nature walk at Pearson’s Falls.

The instructor, Virginia Meador, will explain how to observe small differences in fern fronds and rhizomes in order to distinguish between the 13 varieties of ferns growing in Pearson’s Falls Glen. She will also teach attendees to use the A & B Hallowell “Fern Finder” guide, which greatly simplifies fern identification. 

Meador is a naturalist, a retired science department chair at Camperdown Academy in Greenville and a member of the S.C. Native Plant Society and Tryon Garden Club. She is also the new head of Tryon Garden Club’s Pearson’s Falls docents.

It is necessary to register. Class size will be limited to 12 people so everyone can see and hear Meador’s presentation.

There will be a class at 10:15 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. For more information and to register, people may call 828-749-3031.

There is a charge for the class and admission to Pearson’s Falls. People can also purchase the Hallowell “Fern Finder” at the gate if they would like.

The rain date is scheduled for Friday, June 28. 

Pearson’s Falls is located at 2748 Pearson Falls Road in Saluda. To get there, travelers may take Highway 176 North from Tryon about 4 miles. Drivers should watch for signs for the turn to Pearson’s Falls on their left.

From Saluda, people may follow 176 South down the mountain about 3 miles. Signs will appear on the right for the turn to Pearson’s Falls.

-Submitted by Lucy Brannon