Date: May 20, 2023

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve

Speaker: naturalist and educator, Clint Calhoun

During this presentation, Clint will discuss the reasons why Hickory Nut Gorge is special – focusing on its unusual natural communities and some of the special flora and fauna that make Hickory Nut Gorge their home.

Clint is a native of the foothills of Rutherford County. After graduating high school in 1992, he started his first job at Chimney Rock Park (before it was a state park). He continued to work at Chimney Rock Park while he attended Gardner-Webb University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1996. After graduation Clint became the Trails Supervisor for Chimney Rock Park and finished his 11 year career there as the Park Naturalist. Clint went on to serve as the Watershed Coordinator for the Upper Broad River Watershed Program and the Environmental Management Officer for the Town of Lake Lure and is currently teaching high school science at Lake Lure Classical Academy. Clint has worked in the Hickory Nut Gorge area for his entire career, spanning 25-plus years, as a biologist, natural resources manager, and environmental educator. During that time he has gained significant knowledge of the plants, animals, and natural communities of Hickory Nut Gorge and often provides professional expertise to organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Conserving Carolina, and NC State Parks.

Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information.