Field Trip to Station Cove Falls

Posted on |

Saturday, March 23  8am to 2pm     Leaders:  Rick Huffman and Dan Whitten

Join Rick and Dan on this 3/4 mile easy trek into Sumpter National Forest.  Station Cove Falls is the premier cove forest habitat in the Upstate to see Spring ephemerals. such at Trilliums, Mayapples, and much more.  A grand reward at the trail’s end is Station Cove Falls!

Rick Huffman says,

“Station Cove Falls (also called Oconee Station Falls) is an ancient, timeless place where geology and plate tectonics have shaped and formed this land into what we see today.  Each year the pilgrimage begins early in February and March to see the promise of a rich bounty of botanical treasures.

Few realize how botanically old this place is or understand the role of amphibolite (Mineral) plays in making this a botanical wonderland. Some have said it’s the best Cove Forest habitat on the Eastern Seaboard, some in authority have claimed this place to be the most ancient place for plants on the planet.  From Blood Root, Trilliums, Mayapple, Violets, Rue Anemone, Hepatica and wood betony, we find ourselves in reverence of this place. We find salvation from our urban hectic lives and we feel at home. I have called this place ‘The Church’. It’s where I go to find that peace, that serenity, the sense of promise and renewal.  The SCNPS has long held this place sacred and we go there on March 23rd to experience the wonders of creation and of time and place. Joins us as we make the journey back in time to find our peace today.”

You don’t want to miss this trip!!  The outing will also include a excursion along the Estatoe at Nine Times Nature Preserve to view many more spring wildflowers.

Meet at 8am at Holly Springs Store, 6491 SC-11, Pickens, SC 29671, at the intersection of Hwy. 11 and SC 178.   Bring water, lunch/snacks and dress in field clothing and hiking or sturdy walking shoes.  A hiking stick is optional.

To sign up contact Rick Huffman at : <rick_huffman@earthde-signsc.com>or call (864) 901-7583.  Please include a cell phone number for last minute information.  Please include the number in your party, whether or not you are willing to be a driver for carpooling, and how many riders you could accommodate.

Upstate Meeting: Sustainable Landscaping with Rick Huffman

Posted on |

On Tuesday, January 15 at 7:00pm at Landrum Depot in Landrum, SC, Rick Huffman will speak on Sustainable Landscape Applications and Applied Ecology. Rick Huffman is principal and founder of Earth Design Inc. with over 30 years of experience in, landscape design, horticulture, bio-engineering, and ecology.  Come out an learn how to apply the principles of sustainable landscaping to your property.  There is a way to retire the lawn mower, avoid expensive polluting fertilizers, and build a beautiful sustainable landscape on your property.

The program is free and open to the public.   Arrive at 6:30 for socializing and refreshments.  Landrum Depot is at 211 S 562, Landrum, SC 29356.