The Pacolet Area Conservancy and Walnut Creek Preserve invite the public to a presentation about “How plants, genes and memes move across the landscape: Why interactions matter to conservation” on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 10:30 a.m. to be held at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve.
Dr. Zack Murrell, professor and curator of the herbarium, director of the SouthEast Regional Network of Expertise and Collections (SERNEC) and professor of biology at Appalachian State University, visited Polk County this spring while gathering data on the state and federal listed (threatened) dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) that grows in the region (some are growing on PAC-protected properties). At this presentation, Dr. Murrell will be talking about his research on dwarf-flowered heartleaf, as well as the biodiversity of the local landscape, conservation issues and how residentes can get involved as citizen scientists.
Time and weather permitting, there may also be an interpretive woodland walk around the grounds of Walnut Creek Preserve after the presentation for those interested; dress appropriately. Children and adults are welcome and there is no charge for the event.
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 e-mail: landprotection@pacolet.org.