Walnut Creek Preserve

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Walnut Creek Preserve A gated equestrian community consisting of 25 homesites. Nicely sited with views, averaging 20 acres. Access to 1500 acres of Conservation land and trails

The Preserve is set up, not as a resort, but rather as an area for equestrian land use as well as the preservation of natural beauty in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Lure is nearby, a famous resort community known for boating and its golf courses

There are 2100 acres of pastures and forested lands within the Preserve. The variety of indigenous plant life is substantial, including both rare and threatened plants. Many wild animals are found within the lands. In order to maintain the survival of these animals and plant life, only 25 sites will be offered from the lands within the preserve. Lot sizes average twenty acres each. The balance of the acreage will be protected as deeded conservation lands. The entire development was created to emphasize hiking, conservation and horseback riding trails. The small farm acreages are set in the midst of the larger acreage with more than fifty miles of trails for hiking and riding. Many other opportunities for recreation and cultural emphasis are nearby, including Asheville's artist colony, Chimney Rock and the Flat Rock North Carolina state theater.

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: American Farmland PreservationWHEN: ...
10/16/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: American Farmland Preservation
WHEN: NOV 21 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: What does it really mean to preserve farmland? Join author Andrew Waters as he explores the people, policies, and places behind one of today's most important conservation conversations.
SPEAKER: Andrew Waters
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-american-farmland-preservation/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSVP or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Everyone seems to be talking about farmland preservation these days, but it can mean different things to different people. For some, farmland preservation is about conserving farmland and natural resources. For others, it is about preserving community. In this presentation, author Andrew Waters describes the transdisciplinary approach to farmland preservation profiled in his new book, American Farmland Preservation: Practices, Policies, and the Politics of Place.
Author Andrew Waters is a native of Hendersonville and has worked in land conservation for almost twenty-five years. He has a Ph.D. in natural resource policy from Clemson University and writes frequently about conservation and southern history. American Farmland Preservation is available from Routledge Publishing and major book retailers. For more information visit andrewwaters.net.
Andrew will have books available for sale at the event. Since the book is a scholarly title, the price is $50. Cash, personal check, or debit cards may be used for purchase.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

What does it really mean to preserve farmland? Join author Andrew Waters as he explores the people, policies, and places behind one of today's most important conservation conversations.

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: A Lasting Legacy – How Conservation ...
09/19/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: A Lasting Legacy – How Conservation Burial Protects Nature
WHEN: OCT 17 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Discover how your final legacy can help protect forests, wildlife, and the natural beauty of Western North Carolina for generations to come.
SPEAKER: Karly Michel, Operations Director at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-a-lasting-legacy-how-conservation-burial-protects-nature/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSVP or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Carolina Memorial Sanctuary is an 11-acre conservation burial ground in Mills River, NC. In addition to adhering to green burial practices, conservation burial has the added benefit of protecting and renewing the land. The ecology of the land is tended to, which benefits plants, insects, birds, and other animals living on the land. The result is a beautiful park that is protected in perpetuity.
Karly Michel is the Operations Director at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary (CMS), a conservation burial ground in Mills River, NC. CMS is a place for natural burials of humans and their beloved pets, or cremated and aquamated remains. Karly loves facilitating candid and open conversations about death and works to provide as many resources to those preparing for their own death.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Discover how your final legacy can help protect forests, wildlife, and the natural beauty of Western North Carolina for generations to come.

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Appalachian Voices: Stories and Song...
08/15/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Appalachian Voices: Stories and Songs
WHEN: SEP 19 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Join us, and Johnny Fowler, for rich storytelling and music rooted in the traditions of the Appalachian South!
SPEAKER: Johnny Thomas Fowler, Storyteller, Musician, Author
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-appalachian-voices-stories-and-songs/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSPV or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Johnny Thomas Fowler, a storyteller-musician rooted in the rich traditions of the Appalachian South, will share a lively blend of Appalachian tales, personal stories, humor, and old-time mountain music. Accompanied by banjo, harmonica, jaw harp, and bones, Johnny weaves together storytelling and music with warmth, wit, and theatrical charm. Rich in heritage, laughter, and memorable moments, this engaging program celebrates Appalachian culture and the timeless joy of gathering together for a good story and song.
This will be a great program for adults and children, so bring the kids!
Johnny Thomas Fowler is a featured performer at festivals like the National Storytelling Festival, Florida Storytelling Festival, Shoals Storytelling Festival and Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival, Johnny captivates audiences of all ages. He also shares his talents in schools, libraries, churches, and community events, offering programs that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection. With every story and song, Johnny invites listeners to laugh, reflect, and remember the power of a well-told tale. Whether he’s spinning a tall tale or sharing a soulful ballad, Johnny’s performances are filled with warmth, authenticity, and the spirit of a front porch gathering.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Join us, and Johnny Fowler, for rich storytelling and music rooted in the traditions of the Appalachian South!

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Understanding Solar, Leasing Options...
08/15/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Understanding Solar, Leasing Options, Resilience, and Our Changing Energy Landscape
WHEN: AUG 15 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Join us to learn about renewable energy by one of the regional experts!
SPEAKER: Scott Zintz Director of Sales, Sugar Hollow Solar
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-understanding-solar-leasing-options-resilience-and-our-changing-energy-landscape/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSPV or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Join us for an educational session exploring recent changes in the solar industry and what they mean for homeowners, energy independence, and the future of clean energy in Western North Carolina. Sugar Hollow Solar has served the WNC community for 16 years, providing solar, battery backup, and service solutions that help local residents take control of their energy use. During this session, Scott Zintz, Director of Sales, will share insights on the latest industry updates, new pathways to solar, and how solar continues to evolve to make clean energy more accessible.
Scott Zintz brings over 25 years of business experience and a passion for sustainable solutions to his role as Director of Sales at Sugar Hollow Solar. With an MBA in Corporate Sustainability, Scott combines business expertise with a deep understanding of clean energy and the role it plays in creating a more resilient future. He works with homeowners, organizations, and businesses to navigate solar, battery backup, and energy solutions that align with their goals.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Join us to learn about renewable energy by one of the regional experts!

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Indigenous Carolinians: A History fr...
07/17/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Indigenous Carolinians: A History from Original Peoples to Present-Day Tribes
WHEN: AUG 15 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Explore the decolonized history of the Indigenous Peoples of the Carolinas, tracing the resilience, adaptation, and cultural renewal of four ethnolinguistic groups from colonization to modern identity reclamation.
SPEAKER: David Rahahę́·tih Webb, award-winning author, artist, conservationist, scientist, historian, and executive director or Muddy Sneakers Outdoor Classroom
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-indigenous-carolinians-a-history-from-original-peoples-to-present-day-tribes/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSPV or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: From the author of the award-winning book, The Spanish Seminole (published by The Florida Historical Society Press), Indigenous Carolinians offers a comprehensive, decolonized history of the Indigenous Peoples of the Carolinas, focusing on four ethnolinguistic groups. Using both academic and Indigenous research methods, it explores their languages, cultures, and oral histories. Despite early colonization, these groups adapted through alliances, intermarriage, and wars, but faced displacement, persecution, and cultural erasure. Once powerful nations became scattered, with many losing tribal identity and referring to themselves simply as “Indian.” In the 20th century, they began reclaiming their identities and heritage. This 400-page book tells the story of that journey.
David Rahahę́·tih Webb (day-vid raw-haw-HID-dee webb) is an award-winning author, artist, conservationist, scientist, and historian. He is an enrolled citizen of the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories, where he serves as a Tribal Legislative Council member, culture carrier, and community leader. He is a traditional and contemporary Native American artist and recipient of the Artist in Residence in Everglades fellowship in 2024.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Explore the decolonized history of the Indigenous Peoples of the Carolinas, tracing the resilience, adaptation, and cultural renewal of four ethnolinguistic groups from colonization to modern identity reclamation.

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Amazing Birds of PreyWHEN: JULY 17 ...
06/20/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Amazing Birds of Prey
WHEN: JULY 17 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Experience the awe-inspiring world of raptors, with LIVE BIRDS—from their adaptations to their partnership with humans. This is a family-friendly event, bring the kids!
SPEAKER: Jeff Curtis, Curtis Wright Falconry
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-amazing-birds-of-prey/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSPV or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Join us and explore the fascinating world of birds of prey. Learn about their remarkable characteristics and adaptations. You’ll also be introduced to the ancient art of falconry and its long-standing human connection, gaining insight into the vital role raptors play in our environment. This program will be great for the whole family and include LIVE BIRDS, so bring the kids!
Jeff Curtis got interested in birds of prey back in college when he worked with a rehabilitation group on his campus. He has been a licensed falconer for 14 years. He owns Curtis Wright Falconry and has been sharing his passion for raptors with the public at his home and at the Biltmore Estate for 11 years.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Experience the awe-inspiring world of raptors, with LIVE BIRDS—from their adaptations to their partnership with humans. This is a family-friendly event, bring the kids!

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Talking Turkey!WHEN: JUNE 20 @ 10:3...
05/16/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Talking Turkey!
WHEN: JUNE 20 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Talking Turkey!
SPEAKER: Stephen Tillotson, Chimney Rock State Park Ranger
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-talking-turkey/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSPV or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Did you know that Wild Turkeys were once in the running to be our National Bird? They were also on the brink of extinction, but now their population has bounced back. Come join a NC State Park Ranger to share storybooks about these fascinating animals and their unique adaptations. This will be a great program for the whole family, so BRING THE KIDS!
Park Ranger Stephen Tillotson has been with the NC State Park system for over 20 years, with the last 13 years here at Chimney Rock State Park. He is a certified NC Environmental Educator that has led a few hundred public programs over the years. Come enjoy some of the dad jokes he has perfected and test the ranger’s knowledge of North Carolina natural history.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Photo by NC Park Ranger Staff Date: June 20, 2026 Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker: Stephen Tillotson, Chimney Rock State Park

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER … WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Bugs in Motion – Filming Insects to ...
04/18/2026

You are invited to the NATURE CENTER …
WHAT: Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Bugs in Motion – Filming Insects to Appreciate Biodiversity & Advance Science
WHEN: MAY 16 @ 10:30 am – 12 pm
COST: FREE
TOPIC: Lights, camera… antennae! Step into the miniature world of insects and see how high-speed filming is unlocking big discoveries in science and conservation.
SPEAKER: Dr. Adrian Smith, Head of the Insect Behavior Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University.
LOCATION: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve. 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring, NC 28756
DIRECTIONS: CLICK LINK, then SCROLL DOWN: https://conservingcarolina.org/walnut-creek-preserve/
Find out more: https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-bugs-in-motion-filming-insects-to-appreciate-biodiversity-advance-science/
RSVP: Email Pam Torlina, [email protected] with questions or for more information.
NOTE 1: Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information. If for some reason you are unable to make it on the day of the program, please either revisit our calendar event and update your RSPV or email [email protected] so your spot can be opened up to someone else. Thank you!
NOTE 2: The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to a partnership between Conserving Carolina and the Walnut Creek Preserve.
NOTE 3: Walnut Creek Preserve is PRIVATE PROPERTY and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group). Thank you.
TOPIC: Arthropods and insects are some of the most inspiring and incredible creatures that live right outside (and sometimes inside!) our door. But because of their small size and cryptic lifestyles, it can be hard to see and appreciate what they do. As a research scientist and a media maker, Dr. Adrian Smith works to visualize, study, and tell the stories of these creatures. During this presentation, he’ll show some of his work filming the behaviors of things like trap-jaws ants, beetles, moths, springtails, and more. His goal is to illuminate the lives of animals to both advance research science but also create new ways of appreciating our own local biodiversity.
Dr. Adrian Smith is the Head of the Insect Behavior Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University. He is also the creator of the popular YouTube channel Ant Lab.
RSVP is requested, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us!

Lights, camera… antennae! Step into the miniature world of insects and see how high-speed filming is unlocking big discoveries in science and conservation.

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Mill Spring, NC
28756

Telephone

+17576469588

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