This North Carolina Nature Reserve Makes For The Perfect Peaceful Day Trip

As folks enter this stunning nature sanctuary in North Carolina, they might expect to find a magical sword in a stone. Located at the top of Toxaway Mountain (4,500 feet) in the western part of the state, Southern Highlands Reserve is an enchanted 450-acre native plant arboretum and research center in Lake Toxaway. The height serves a purpose as the forests are home to rare forest ecotones (transitional areas of vegetation between two different plant communities) that provide unique opportunities for research and education. The property is also the only source of red spruce seedlings for restoration in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Welcome to this gorgeous property founded by Betty and Robert Balentine.

They wanted to bring their children closer to nature of which we have all benefited. Here you'll find the most diverse plant collections in the world.

No matter where you stand, the stunning reserve brings beautiful landscapes and new views.

Each garden "room" is specifically designed to connect with nature and provide an emotional experience.

The Wildflower Labyrinth or pollinator garden brings a peaceful and meditative experience. The combination of shorter and taller plants represents the challenges and joys life brings.

Lean in a little closer to capture the details of such plants as the lovely native mountain laurel.

Some other varieties include creeping phlox, heartleaf foamflower, American alumroot, and Freeman maple.

Follow the stone steps to the pretty Azalea Walk.

Or stroll down the path to the Vaseyi Pond - you can see the viewsite in the background.

Take a seat where the panoramic scenery is breathtaking.

Visitors Day takes place the first Tuesday of the month from April through October with tours led by docents. The fee is $25 per person with a maximum of four per party. Private tours are also available.

Besides being a delightful and captivating space, researchers know the red spruce is the greatest hope for rebuilding the ecosystem.

For example, the Carolina northern flying squirrel can be infected by a nematode which prevents the squirrel from reproducing. An anecdote to the nematode called conifer oil is produced by the red spruce tree which allows the squirrel to thrive. Then the squirrel dispenses spores through its waste which nourish the red spruce seedlings. As we can see - valuable work is in progress here.

Discover more about this stunning nature sanctuary in North Carolina on the Southern Highlands Reserve website. For more information about the red spruce tree, read the "Ecology and Decline of Red Spruce in the Eastern United States." And while you're in Lake Toxaway, stay at this all-inclusive luxury resort.

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