The City of Easley, West End Elementary, Earth Design and Upstate Forever will be unveiling plans for the Nalley Brown Nature Center on Thursday, September 13, at 2:00 pm at the proposed site on Adger Road in Easley.
The Nalley Brown Nature Center has been a longtime dream of Catherine Ladnier, the daughter of Eva Lee Brown Ladnier and a member of the Nalley Brown family. Nearly eight years ago Catherine contacted the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) asking for their advice on protecting her family’s property in Oconee County, which led her to the local affiliate of the NWF, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) and then to Upstate Forever. Realizing the proximity of the property to West End Elementary, and knowing that West End Elementary was already associated with SCWF through the Schoolyard Habitat program, the school was also contacted regarding this opportunity.
Since that time a steering committee led by Cynthia Bunton, Guidance Counselor at West End Elementary, and consisting of representatives of the City of Easley, School District of Pickens County, Earth Design, SCWF, Upstate Forever, Landscapes for Learning, and Ms. Ladnier, has been diligently working. The first order of business was to assure that the 38 acre tract of land located between and adjacent to Adger Road and SC Highway 135 was forever protected through a conservation easement held by Upstate Forever and deeded to the City of Easley.
Plans are now ready to be unveiled for a state of the art environmental teaching facility that will utilize restoration and specific habitat models to educate youngsters about ecology and plant communities. The facility will be a key feature of the site housing labs, meeting rooms, lectures, and interpretation spaces. The 38 acres is currently a mixed scrub of small saplings, overgrowth of exotics and some exceptional hardwoods.
The public is invited to join Ms. Ladnier, members of the steering committee, and local government officials as they unveil the plan to the community. Parking is available at the site on Adger Road.
Directions: From 123 By pass through Easley take the SC Highway/8 exit, travel South on Highway 135/8 approximately 1.5 miles to the red light at West End Elementary turn right onto SC Highway 135, travel approximately 1.5 miles turn right onto Adger Road. Travel approximately .5 mile to ceremony site on left.
Contacts:
Cynthia Bunton (West End Elementary) Phone 855-8165
Fox Simons (City of Easley) Phone 855-7900
Rick Huffman (Earth Design) Phone 901-7583
Angela Viney (Upstate Forever)Phone 327-0090
Dr. Henry Hunt, (School District) Phone 855-8150
