THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY CELEBRATES THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEACHTREE ROCK PRESERVE
COLUMBIA, SC- The South Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of Peachtree Rock Preserve as well as its designation as a Heritage Trust Preserve. On March 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Preserve, hikes and barbeque will highlight the day. The public is welcome!
The SC chapter purchased Peachtree Rock in 1980 with the help of garden clubs across the state. Twenty five years later, the SC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy manages over 10,000 acres and 4 preserves. Peachtree Rock encompasses 460 acres of diverse habitats and is named for its large sandstone formation (shaped like an upside down pyramid). The rock’s strange configuration is a result of erosion when the waters of the Atlantic receded 50-60 million years ago. The lower layers are rock and sand, and the upper layers are hard, course-grained sandstone that are eroding at a slower rate.
The preserve harbors the largest sandstone outcrops rich in marine fossils found in South Carolina, some dating back 60 million years, along with the only waterfall in the sand hills, a swamp tupelo-evergreen shrub bog, and a longleaf pine ecosystem. The federally endangered Rayner's blueberry was first discovered at Peachtree within the longleaf pine forest. More than 245 plant species have been documented in the preserve.
In 2004, The Conservancy and South Carolina Heritage Trust, a division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, partnered to expand the preserve by 155 acres and dedicate the entire area as a Heritage Trust Preserve. Heritage Preserves are areas that have been created to protect the state’s natural and cultural resources. The Heritage Trust Program’s purpose is to inventory, evaluate and protect the elements considered the most outstanding representatives of our state heritage.
“The Peachtree Rock Preserve is one of the most fascinating tracts in the Midlands, with not only a remarkable array of plants but also a rich history,” said Mark Robertson, executive director of the Conservancy. “We look forward to celebrating this preserve with our members and nature enthusiasts.”
The Nature Conservancy will hold its Peachtree Rock Celebration, sponsored by Voridian, on Saturday March 25, from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Registration for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children and includes a BBQ lunch, guided hikes and a chance to win a kayak donated by Half-Moon Outfitters. For more information on the celebration or to register, please contact Melinda Ottaviano at 803-254-9049 ext 16 or mottaviano@tnc.org.
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