Thousands of people each year are attracted to programs and activities at this 220-acre learning and recreation center. The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club's Steeplechase has been a spring tradition in the area for more than 50 years. Each year, more than 2,000 schoolchildren from surrounding counties participate in the outdoor programming. The pond and surrounding natural marsh are home to nesting birds as well as herons, kingfishers, and occasionally ducks. And members of an active beaver population often work on trees nearby.
Individual visitors are welcome, too.
An indoor exhibit space hosts permanent displays of rocks, gems, and birds of prey, along with changing exhibits including live animals that are briefly held and then released into their natural habitats. An indoor classroom and workshop space in a restored 1860s log cabin house seasonal programming and demonstrations on everything from herbs to mushrooms. The staff conducts regular flower and bird walks. Recent excursions have taken participants to Scotland, England, and Peru. S.C. Travel 1.5 miles, and take the first right onto High Farms Road.