Discover NC! Polk County

Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE)

Tryon, NC (http://www.fence.org/index.html)

Resource summary

• Appropriate grades: 6–8
• Subjects: science (astronomy, biology and life science, environmental science, natural history)

More from LEARN NC

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More on the web

• All About Birds Multimedia field guide that includes images, migratory range maps, audio recordings of bird song and extensive information about each species including description, habitat, food, behavior, reproduction and conservation status.
• NatureWorks Learn about animal adaptations, habitats and interdependence or go straight to the facts about North American animals and birds.
• eNature.com Includes a field guide with over 5,000 species, a habitat gallery of places for wildlife near you, migration information, an ask-the-expert area, and more. You can also listen to an audio clip of the bird of the day!

FENCE is an outdoor education classroom, recreation facility, equestrian complex and nature preserve located on 397 acres in Polk County. The Board of Directors have worked for 21 years to fulfill its mission to provide facilities and focus for education, recreation and preservation in nature studies and equestrian activities with the aim of enhancing these endeavors to enrich the quality of like for the community.

One of its primary community outreach programs is Project FENCE. This nature and science education component was created several years ago to reach elementary school students in Polk County. Due to high success of and interest in the project, Project FENCE has expanded its scope to Rutherford, Henderson, Spartanburg and Greenville counties and into the Middle Schools. Between 2004 and 2005 Project FENCE was able to educate 7000 students in its programs. During 2005-2006, 7500 students have participated or are enrolled to attend at least one of our education programs.

Each program we offer is a two part series. The first section brings FENCE to the classroom. Project FENCE’s Education Coordinator arrives at the classroom with education boxes to provide an hour of curriculum based lessons in one aspect of the sciences. Each presentation is a hands-on learning experience for the students and has been created to meet all North & South Carolina curriculum guidelines.

The second part of each lesson is held at FENCE. Lessons shared in the classroom are brought to life on our property through hikes on the trails, around the 2 ½ acre pond and hands on sessions in our nature classrooms. Project FENCE encourages a diverse array of people by marketing to all public, private, parochial and home school children in the region to attend our sessions. FENCE fundraising, events, grants and sponsors ensure that no student will be denied the opportunity to learn about environmental concerns, stewardship and growth management of our pristine natural properties.

For information or to schedule a program, call 828-859-9021 or send email to info@fence.org.