Date: April 11, 2024

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Laughing Waters Retreat Center

Conserving Carolina volunteers are invited to join us to explore Laughing Waters Retreat Center and the Hickory Nut Forest Eco-community located in Gerton, NC.

Hickory Nut Forest (HNF), an intentionally planned community, was founded by the late John Myers and his wife Jane Lawson in 2006.  HNF has 20 homesites on 25 acres with an additional 35-acre conservation-easement common area, which is protected through Conserving Carolina. Community members also have access to 60 acres of adjacent property which includes Laughing Waters Retreat Center and an organic orchard and gardens. Currently, the community has 9 completed homes with several more in the planning stages. The pillars of the community are Earth Stewardship, Green Built Homes, Renewable Energy, Healthy Food, and Education.

Starting at Laughing Waters Retreat Center, we will learn about the history and intentions of the site and the activities that the Center offers. Then, we will tour the micro – hydro system which powers all the buildings of Laughing Waters from Hickory Nut Creek.

After the tour of Laughing Waters, we will carpool to Hickory Nut Forest, less than half a mile up 74A, to see and learn more about the green community.

Participants are invited to enjoy a hike at the nearby Florence Nature Preserve or Wildcat Rock trails after the tour of the Eco-community.

Be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces and be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a snack bag and/or lunch and plenty of water for yourself.

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants. Registration, by RSVP below.  

Before the walk, you will be asked to sign a waiver form.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: [email protected] by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the event and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ to see if the event will take place.

For more information about Laughing Waters Retreat Center and Hickory Nut Forest, visit laughingwatersnc.com.

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.