Winter 2025 Newsletter
Updates
The contract to build the new parking lot on Persimmon Ridge Road was awarded in December 2024. New Terrain Grading out of Westminster has 90 days to complete the project. Delayed initially by ice and snow, they now have equipment on site. We expect work to be completed by March 31.
In that same timeframe, DNR staff will install a culvert on Persimmon Ridge Road at the entrance to the trailhead. This will enable visitors to access the preserve when the existing entrance is closed on Hwy 276. An information kiosk will mark the trailhead across the road from the parking lot.
Anticipating that milestone, Austen and DNR Engineering staff are coordinating with DOT on installation of guardrails on Hwy 276 after March 31. DNR will schedule removal of their bridge, sign, light, and trashcan on Hwy 276 to coordinate with the DOT construction dates.
Future Projects
DNR will let us know when the old parking lot/entrance area is ready to be planted with native plants. That’s where YOU come in.
In choosing native plants, Austen worked with the Upstate SC Native Plant Society list developed during their botanical survey of the preserve in 2022. From their list of 343 species identified on the preserve, Asten chose 93 that could be suitable for the old parking lot/entrance area. She kept all the native shrubs, some forbs (those mostly taller than 2 feet), a few grasses, woody vine, and small tree species.
We invite you to review Austen’s list and send us your recommendations. Keep in mind that the new plants will be filling the existing parking lot (Hwy 276), from the guard rails to the stream or edge of the forest, everywhere cars are currently parked, plus the two pullouts below the entrance.
Please email your feedback to friendsofbaldrock@gmail.com. Austen will make the final decisions.
We look forward to working with Upstate SC Native Plant Society, Upstate Master Naturalists Association, Sigma Nu at Furman, and Friends of Bald Rock volunteers to complete the restoration of Bald Rock Heritage Preserve.
Thank Yous
12-17-2024: Many thanks to Cam Laurence for sharing the history of the Fortner family at the History Walk on December 17. We all gained a new appreciation of the property and its value in the 21st century. Thank you to Bill Hollingsworth for inventing the History Walk.
2-8-2025: Many thanks to our favorite fraternity, the Kappa Chi Chapter of Sigma Nu at Furman University for introducing new pledges to the restoration at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. Twenty-five brothers picked up 580 lbs. of litter in the hard-to-reach places and finished blazing the new trail. Outstanding work!
Extra Info
Thank you for renewing your membership on the website. Your membership funds our mission.
If you would prefer to pay for membership or make a donation by check, you may mail your check to Friends of Bald Rock, P.O. Box 242, Cleveland, SC 29635, or give it to Susan Jordan at an event. We are very grateful for your support.