Due to the current health pandemic, all Conserving Carolina events are cancelled through May 15th.

Where: Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve in SC

Meet: Spinx gas station, Gowensville, SC @ 10:00 a.m.

5.5-miles, moderate; trail type-out and back

Hikers, and their dogs, are invited to join the Conserving Carolina and the Foothills Humane Society (FHS) on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. for a 5.5-mile hike at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve in Gowensville, SC. Conserving Carolina’s Southeast Stewardship Manager, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike from the trail head off of Oak Grove Road to the South Pacolet River.

The 5.5-mile hike is 2.75-miles out and 2.75-miles back and it starts out as relatively easy, winding through new growth forest and along several streams, gradually becoming moderately strenuous as the trail ascends Squirrel Mountain through a rich hardwood forest with beautiful rock outcroppings. After reaching the ridge top, the trail descends Squirrel Mountain through a lush cove forest to the South Pacolet River, at the base of Chestnut Ridge.

Participants interested in walking a shelter dog for the day are encouraged to contact FHS. This is a great opportunity to give a shelter dog a break from the shelter and allow them to enjoy a nice, socializing walk in the woods. If you are interested in walking a shelter dog, please contact Kayla Parish, of FHS, several days before the hike for an interview and pairing with the appropriate dog. There is a limit to the amount of dogs that can come, so contact Kayla right away. Kayla can be reached at (704)242-1525, or email, [email protected].

Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve is a nearly 2,200-acre Preserve in northern Greenville County, named for the mountain within its boundaries that protects White Irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum), a federally endangered plant. White Irisette is found on only a few scattered mountain slopes in western NC and northern SC and flourishes on several of Conserving Carolina’s protected properties. Difficult to distinguish in the best of circumstances, the tiny irisette will not be blooming this time of year, but many spring ephemerals will be open for hikers to enjoy. The forest at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve varies from early successional to mature upland and cove hardwoods, and hikers may see and hear songbirds that have recently returned from their wintering grounds in South America. The property is part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Area program, allowing hiking, nature viewing, fishing, and some types of hunting.

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring this Spring Hiking Series – free, guided hikes, open to the public. The hikes will meet at various locations (noted for each date) and carpooling is available from noted meeting locations. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting locations.

Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and dogs must be on a leash and accustomed to being around many other dogs. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water (don’t forget snacks for your pooch!). In case of inclement weather on the date of the hike, please check the Conserving Carolina website calendar and/or the Facebook page. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs.

Before each hike, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.