Happy 2018 from
Laughing Waters and
Hickory Nut Forest!
Every new year we like to reflect back on the previous one and share these reflections with you. 2017 held many memorable events, and the Hickory Nut Forest community continues to grow and evolve.
John received some bad news about his health in April, challenging us to try to complete as many community projects during the remainder of the year as possible. We are very grateful for the conservation and recreation achievements that were finalized by the end of the year. Our hard-working partners at Conserving Carolina honored John in December at a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony commemorating the completion of the Wildcat Rock Trail, the opening of the John Myers climbing area at Little Bearwallow Falls, and the addition of a 38 acre conservation easement of land adjacent to the existing 35 acre conservation easement which abuts Laughing Waters and Hickory Nut Forest. A big thanks to Conserving Carolina for all their hard work to assist in the realization of these dreams that have been envisioned for many years, and to the greater community for the commitment we all share in the stewardship of this magnificent piece of Mother Earth.
|
|
|
Little Bearwallow Falls, site of the new climbing area. It has already seen a lot of ice climbing activity in 2018!
|
|
|
|
We welcome Milan and Joan, new lot owners, to Hickory Nut Forest! They currently live in the Tampa Bay area and heard about our community from their friends there, Chris and Maria, who are about to finish the construction of their beautiful new home in Hickory Nut Forest. In fact, Milan and Joan will join 3 other families from that area of Florida who are relocating to the neighborhood. Maybe we will start to call that corner of Hickory Nut Forest "Little Tampa!"
|
|
|
|
There were many upgrades this year at Laughing Waters, and we received our designation as a conference center from Henderson County. A new paved parking area, easier handicap access, updated signage by a local wood worker, and improvements to our wedding meadow were a few of the details that helped to increase the comfort and enhance the magic of the environment for retreats, workshops and weddings. Several non-profits had their annual meetings at Laughing Waters as well. In 2017 non-profit groups such as Muddy Sneakers, the Lord's Acre, Our Voice, and the YWCA.utilized Laughing Waters for staff retreats, board meetings, and therapeutic activities.
|
|
|
|
We had many beautiful weddings at Laughing Waters in 2017. Please text or call Heidi at (828) 774-9838.to book a tour if you are interested in having your wedding here this year! Gerton residents can enjoy a 10% local discounted rate!
|
|
|
|
It was an amazing group effort to plant these fruit trees in the community orchard.
|
|
|
|
The community garden had 5 families working together in 2017. A new shed was designed and built by Marcia, providing a protected place for us to store our seeds and tools. The garden picnic was a perfect, idyllic day! If you would like to be a part of the garden this year please let us know.
|
|
|
|
Each year we gather the community for apple picking and cider pressing!
|
|
|
|
We have certainly seen a good bit of snow at the end of 2017 and into 2018! It is such a peaceful sight to see Gerton under a blanket of snow.
|
|
|
As each year passes, we are reminded how blessed we are to live in this amazing place. We give thanks for each day, each breath, each moment of grace. Life is truly a journey made even better sharing it with friends and community! Please come for a visit, a hike, a retreat, a gallon of fresh apple cider.
Love, Heidi, Jane and John
|
|
|
|
|
|
