Join us for a captivating journey to Melrose Falls, a stunning, lesser-known waterfall nestled near Saluda, North Carolina, just across the South Carolina border. This field trip, led by Dan Whitten, offers an enchanting opportunity to delve into the natural splendor and botanical importance of this area.

About the Hike:

Embark on a moderately challenging hike to Melrose Falls, where the beauty of cascading waters and lush forests awaits. This trail, while rewarding, is advised for attendees to bring walking sticks due to uneven paths. The hike is relatively flat following an initial ascent and includes crossing small creeks, surrounded by native muscadine vines. At the trail’s end, a steep descent leads to a rocky viewing area, providing a spectacular view of the waterfall’s numerous cascades.

Expert Guidance:

Dan Whitten, a local expert in native plants, will enrich this experience with his insights into the ecological and cultural significance of the area. His knowledge extends to the role of native flora in local ecosystems and folklore, making this trip not just a hike, but a learning opportunity.

What to Bring:

• Appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather
• Lunch and plenty of water
• A camera or binoculars 

Safety and Accessibility:

Please note that the trail includes some rock-hopping and a steep descent near the falls, which may not be suitable for all participants, especially families with small children. Attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution.

Registration and Additional Information:

Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended. Full details, including the meeting point and any additional instructions, will be provided a week prior to the event in the final itinerary.

For more information and to register, please contact upstatefieldtrips@scnps.org.

This field trip to Melrose Falls is more than just a walk; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of nature. We look forward to sharing this hidden gem with you and exploring the breathtaking landscapes that lie just beyond our familiar borders.

Photo Credit: DALL-E\Jesse Freeman

Get ready for the 2024 Upstate Spring Plant Sale happening next month!

Date: May 11, 2024
Time: 9 AM to 1 PM
Location: Stadium at Conestee Park, 840 Mauldin Road, Greenville (the baseball stadium; a 3-minute drive south of I-85 exit to Mauldin Rd)

Thanks to your outpouring of support and heartfelt response to our recent call for help, we believe that we will indeed be able to host this event in person. Your efforts have significantly advanced our preparations, but we still need more help to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Volunteer Positions Update:

Filled Positions: Lead Cashier, Safety, Front Entrance Team Lead.

Critical Need: Site Manager, Front Entrance Team, Load and Transport Team. We still have a crucial vacancy for Site Manager, along with positions on our Front Entrance and Load and Transport Teams. Your participation is essential to ensure the success of our event. Please consider stepping up to help us in these vital capacities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your participation is essential! To volunteer or recommend someone for any role, especially as a Site Manager, please contact our Upstate Plant Sale Coordinator, Stephanie Patterson, at upstateplantsale@scnps.org. Alternatively, you can sign up directly at 2024 Upstate Spring Plant Sale Volunteer!

Exclusive Early Access for Volunteers & Members!

Volunteers: Exclusive Early Access

Join us as a volunteer and enjoy first dibs on our plant selection in a calm and relaxed setting. Early access begins on Friday, May 10th at 1 PM. Training for some volunteers working only on Saturday will also be provided at this time. If you’re looking for the best selection without the rush, volunteering is your golden ticket!

SCNPS Members: Early Access with a Dash of Excitement

SCNPS members, prepare for an energetic start to your day with a special 30-minute early access on Saturday, May 11th. Be sure to renew or confirm your membership at least one week before the sale to participate. This early bird window is fast-paced and lively, perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Remember, the early access period can be bustling, so gear up for some spirited plant shopping!

Bring Your Own Cart: Carts will not be provided at the sale. To ensure a smooth shopping experience, please bring your own cart to help carry your plant purchases.

Thank you all once again for your prompt and positive reactions to our call for volunteers. Let’s continue this momentum and ensure a successful plant sale with healthy native plants and happy patrons. We are so looking forward to seeing you there!

Melanie Ruhlman: “Utilization of Native Species in Riparian and Floodplain Restoration Projects in the Upper Saluda Watershed”

Melanie Ruhlman from Save Our Saluda will present on the use of native plant species in restoring riparian and floodplain areas within the Upper Saluda Watershed. Her talk will cover how these plants are integral to watershed planning, source water protection, soil conservation, and stream restoration, including techniques like streambank stabilization, riparian buffers, exotic species control, and live staking. Save Our Saluda is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Upper Saluda Watershed. The organization aims to educate the community, raise awareness of water resource issues, and emphasize the importance of protecting our rivers. It advocates for clean, sustainable water flows and collaborates with partners and volunteers to address threats to the Saluda River and its tributaries.

BIO:

Photo Credit: saveoursaluda.org

Melanie Ruhlman is an accomplished water resources specialist with a rich background spanning over two decades in watershed planning and management. Her career has encompassed roles in industry, government, private sectors, and nonprofits. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Forestry from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in Forest Hydrology from the University of Georgia.

Her expertise covers a wide range of areas including watershed assessment, hydrology, water quality, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, stream and soil assessments, wetlands, and public outreach and education. Residing along the North Saluda River in Marietta, South Carolina, Melanie enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and two children, engaging in activities like paddling, biking, hiking, and gardening.

Meeting Information

May 21, 2024
In person social time starts at 6:30PM
ZOOM opens at 6:50 for announcements
Presentation at 7PM
Kroc Center Greenville
424 Westfield St, Greenville, SC 29601

Photo Credit: treesupstate.org

TreesUpstate, thanks to generous sponsors, has already given away over 24,000 trees and is continuing the initiative this spring with another 4,000 free trees up for grabs!

Here’s the breakdown:

• Limit: 2 trees per household
• Availability: First-come, first-served (pre-registration closed for some locations)
• Species: Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata), White Oak (Quercus alba), and Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum).

Upcoming Events:

• Giveaways coming soon to Hub City Farmers Market, USC Upstate, East Riverside Park, and Macedonia Baptist Church.

Don’t miss this very low cost opportunity to beautify your yard and contribute to a greener environment!

For more details and to register for events, please explore TreesUpstate’s offerings at TreesUpstate Free Trees.

Creeping Phlox in full bloom at the native plant garden.
Photo Credit: Judy Seeley

Join the volunteer crew on Tuesday March 19, the first day of spring!  Celebrate spring, learn about native plants, and engage with a community of plant lovers and conservationists.

Event Details

Dates: March 19 
Time: Meet at 9AM.
Location: Pickens County History Museum, 307 Johnson St, Pickens, SC 29671

As spring unfolds, the garden’s early bloomers, such as the Creeping Phlox and Green and Gold, are already in spectacular bloom. Volunteering at this event is not only about gardening but also is a great way to see the plants in all stages of growth and to learn about growing SC native plants. 

Green and Gold in bloom at the Pickens Museum
Photo Credit: Judy Seeley

What to Bring

Participants should bring their own gardening gloves, a hat, water, and hand tools. This preparation will ensure a comfortable and productive day in the garden.

A Collaborative Effort

The garden is a collective project supported by the South Carolina Native Plant Society, Master Gardeners of the Foothills, and the Upstate Master Naturalist Association. These groups come together to maintain and enhance the garden, creating a beautiful space for the community to enjoy.

How to Participate

To join or for more information, please contact Judy Seeley at judy_seeley@hotmail.com. Whether you’re looking to be added to the notification list or have specific questions, your inquiry is welcome.

We’re excited to share that the Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Association (GGMGA) is holding their annual plant sale on April 27th, from 8 am to Noon, at Jeff Lynch Appliance Center, 17 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville. This event is a prime opportunity for garden enthusiasts to find a wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and more at reasonable prices. It’s the perfect way to support our community and add some greenery to your life!

Event Highlights:

Date & Time: April 27, 2024 | 8 am to Noon

Location: 17 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville

Features: Trees, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and butterfly-friendly plants

Payments: Cash, checks, and credit (over $25)

For more details, visit www.ggmga.org/plant-sale. Let’s support our partners by making this plant sale a success. See you there!