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Like the birds, we are always careful to build a stong nest and we are looking for the best materials to build our nest with. That's why we appreciate donations year around. You don't have to wait for a special holiday, we will always carefully nurture and protect your investment in FENCE so it will continue to grow and serve its mission now and into the future. Thank You!
FENCE Nature Center
FENCE offers 384 acres of hardwood forest, meadow, and wetland for hikers, birdwatchers, gardeners, astronomers. Our entire property is protected by a conservation easement, so it will always be available for future generations. During the school year, some eight thousand elementary and junior high school students join our Project FENCE natural history curriculum.
FENCE TROT Program
FENCE is proud to offer TROT, a therapeutic riding program teaching horsemanship skills to adults and children with physical, developmental and cognitive challenges in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
FENCE Equestrian Center
The FENCE Equestrian Center has gained a reputation as one of the finest facilities of its kind in the Southeast. With permanent stabling for over 300 horses in eleven barns, all-weather footing in three lighted showrings (including a covered arena), on-site parking and spectator seating, the Equestrian Center hosts events in all disciplines year-round.
- Upcoming Events
- FREE Yoga Friday FENCE is offering free yoga on Fridays at 9:30am in the great room. This yoga class is designed for all levels. First time yoga students welcome! Dec 20, 2024 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- FENCE Office CLOSED Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025
- FENCE Office CLOSED Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025
- FENCE Closed Winter Break Office is closed however our hiking trails will remain open from dawn to dusk each day Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025
- FENCE Closed Winter Break FENCE office closed however hiking trails will remain open from dawn to dusk each day Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025
- Recent News
- Retaining Wall & Walkway replaced : Thank you very much to the Samuel and Stephanie White Fund Grant at Polk County Community Foundation for funding a much-needed project. FENCE was able to replace the dilapidated wall and walkway leading to the downstairs bathrooms. The newly completed retaining wall and a paver sidewalk are a beautiful addition to our facility for all the community to enjoy. Read more…
- THANK YOU : Thank you to the Kirby Endowment Fund at Polk County Community Foundation for helping maintain our trails. With the help of our volunteers, we can keep our 5.5 miles of walking/hiking trails clean and ready for visitors each day. Maintenance on the trails is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Read more…
- Cross Country Schooling : Attention Trainers: Our Cross Country course is open for schooling Read more…
- Knights of Columbus present donation to Therapeutic Riding of Tryon : On Wednesday, March 6, The Knights of Columbus presented Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) at FENCE with a donation. “TROT is beyond grateful for the kind donation from the Knights of Columbus,” said Summaiya D’Adamo, TROT’s director. “Their generosity helps our students TROT on!” The donation to TROT will be used to help cover the program’s tuition for providing equine-assisted activities to adults and children with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. Read more…
- New program at FENCE : E.A.S.E (Equine Assisted Senior Engagement) is a new program at FENCE aimed at early stage dementia, MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and Parkinson's participants. It is a four-week program consisting of a Spring and Fall session. The goal of this program is to inspire connection and improve the lives of those impacted by dementia, MCI, and Parkinson's through equine engagement. The program focuses on a sensory experience for each student while creating a sense of awareness, confidence, and social connection within a structured and supervised environment. The program takes place at Rosemary's Barn. Participants will spend time and connect with equine animals and other therapy pets in a beautiful, natural setting. Read more…