Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate Earth Day at the Anne Springs Close Greenway with exciting outdoor activities happening all weekend including lead-line horse rides, fishing clinics, kayaking, guided hikes, reptile encounters, historic cabin tours and more. Start the celebration early by entering our
Love the Greenway Month Photography Contest or Earth Day Recycled Art Show
Earth Day Schedule Key
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
Meet members of the Greenway Hiking Club at the Blue Star Entrance for 3.5-mile hike.
Meet at the Greenway Gateway
Register here to visit all five Greenway entrances to learn about the activities and history of the Greenway.
Musical Guest: Natty Boh Duo
Live music at the Gateway Canteen will take place on the Gateway Lawn prior to our Greenway Speaker Series event with Blair Braverman at 6:30pm. The band will pause during the event and resume at 7:30pm.
Learn more here about the Greenway Speaker Series event featuring Blair Braverman, dogsledder and author.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23 (AM)
Come meet Wish and her new friend Billy! Talk with Greenway staff about the general care of these animals and learn about caring for a new calf while the staff bottle-feeds Billy.
Meet at the cow pen near the Graham Cabin. To find the Graham Cabin, follow the solid-surface trail past the Dairy Barn.
Take deep cleansing breaths of fresh air during this free yoga practice at the Anne Springs Close Greenway! This yoga class will focus on energetic bodies and patterns of movement. The yoga class is free for Earth Day Weekend to allow familiar faces and brand new visitors to come enjoy the property and its programming.
Rise & Shine Yoga will be held at the Comporium Amphitheater. From the Founders Dairy Barn parking lot, follow the trail past the barn to the grove of trees. The Comporium Amphitheater will on your left.
Join us for a hike around Lake Haigler in honor of Greenway founder and namesake, Anne Close. The Earth Day hike was a treasured tradition for Ms. Close and to honor her legacy, we will lead the hike around the lake in her honor. Meet at the Greenway Gateway at 8:00am (breakfast biscuits & coffee will be available for purchase that morning) and the hike will leave at 8:30am. All hiking levels are welcome. The hike will last about one hour.
Paddle the day away! Register here in advance for kayak rentals. Supplies limited.
The Greenway and the Town of Fort Mill are partnering to clean up the town! Register to volunteer today to make the most out of your Earth Day weekend.
Meet at the Greenway Gateway
Register here to tour by van to all five Greenway entrances to learn about the activities and history of the Greenway.
Our trail ride is currently full.
Come see our equestrian staff share their talent and skills during the English riding and jumping demonstration.
Meet members of the Greenway Hiking Club at the Greenway Gateway for a 2.5-mile hike.
So many creatures live on the Greenway and many make their own homes. Fairies and gnomes need our help though! Come join us as we build a fairy or gnome home. All supplies will be provided. Once complete, the homes will be left in nature for our fairy and gnome friends to collect.
The Williams Nature Center is located adjacent to the Domtar Forest Porch behind the Greenway Gateway.
No registration is required for this free yoga practice for children! Come breath the fresh air while you stretch for the clouds or stand strong and still as a tree.
Yoga for Kids will be held at the Comporium Amphitheater. From the Founders Dairy Barn parking lot, follow the trail past the barn to the grove of trees. The Comporium Amphitheater will on your left.
Meet at Lake Crandall dock. Reach Lake Crandall by foot via the gravel road just off the Adventure Road Entrance parking lot.
Cast your hook in one of our beautiful lakes! New to fishing? Have no fear! Let us show you how to bait, cast and catch with confidence! We will provide the rods, bait and tools to experience the fun of fishing! Feel free to bring your own rod if you wish. Water bottle and close-toed shoes required.
So many creatures live on the Greenway and many make their own homes. Fairies and gnomes need our help though! Come join us as we build a fairy or gnome home. All supplies will be provided. Once complete, the homes will be left in nature for our fairy and gnome friends to collect.
The Hampton Wildlife Fund Adventure Center is located down the drive across from the Bob Reid Field Trial Barn.
Join scouts from Boys Scout Troop 108 for a day of floating on Lake Crandall. Canoeing is a favorite Earth Day tradition. Canoes are first come, first served.
Grooming is an important part of taking care of horses. Come out to the Greenway Stables and see what it takes to keep our ponies looking sharp!
Our trail ride is currently full.
Join us in the donkey pasture to meet our donkeys and the volunteers who care for them. Come ask questions, learn about donkeys and maybe even pet them! This drop-in event is weather dependent.
Find the donkey pasture by parking at the Founders Dairy Barn and walking along the wide trail, Blue Star, past the Founders Dairy Barn. The donkey pasture will be on your left before you reach the swinging bridge over Steele Creek. If parking at the Lake Haigler entrance, pass by the Greenway Gateway and turn left on the wide trail, the Historic Nation Ford Road. Cross the swinging bridge over Steele Creek. The donkey pasture is up the hill on the right.
Meet at the Faires-Coltharp Cabin.
Bring the whole family for this hands-on, interactive, guided hike. Each family will receive a scavenger hunt card to help spark interest in and hone our observation skills of the natural world around us. Be prepared to use all five senses on our adventure!
This 1-mile hike is for all ages but, due to uneven ground, we do not recommend strollers.
Find the Faries-Coltharp Cabin at the Dairy Barn Entrance on the hill just past the Comporium Amphitheater.
Come learn about the many ways you can be involved at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Representatives from our affinity groups (Colonel's Club, Friends of the Greenway, Greenway Ladies Guild), the Greenway Hiking Club, FLYERS Afterschool Program, Catawba Master Naturalist program, Leroy Springs & Co. Human Resources and more!
Located outside the Williams Nature Center adjacent to the Domtar Forest Porch.
Come meet our animal ambassadors and learn all about reptiles.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23 (PM)
Meet at the Marion Walsh Outdoor Classroom.
Get a taste of the great outdoors. This class will cover how to start a campfire and several examples of campfire meals. Bring your appetite and practice your culinary skills on the open fire. Water bottle and close-toed shoes required.
Find the Outdoor Classroom near the Hampton Wildlife Fund Adventure Center. Follow the trail on the right side of the drive.
Come see why equestrian birthday parties are such a treat at Greenway Stables! See what a party set-up looks like and chat with our staff about planning your next event!
Join our Natural Resources team on a scenic hike around Lake Haigler! Learn some interesting nature facts and how to identify trees and plants in nature.
Meet at Field Trial Barn
Join the Anne Springs Close Greenway and Charlotte ReCyclery/Trips for Kids for an afternoon of mountain bike fun! In addition to a guided ride, bike mechanics will be on-site to give you tips on keeping your bike in great shape. A mobile kids skills track will provide a great experience for younger riders and Charlotte ReCyclery will be accepting donations of gently used biking equipment and gear.
Have you ever wanted to try out archery before? Well now is your chance! No supplies are needed as we will provide all necessary equipment and staff will be leading you through trying out shooting a bow and arrow.
Meet at the Archery Range. The Archery Range is located past the Hampton Wildlife Adventure Center on Prairie Loop.
Meet at the Faires-Coltharp Cabin.
The pioneers who settled in the Carolinas came down the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, part of which ran right through the Anne Springs Close Greenway! Explore the nature and history of the area with a walk down the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road with a local history guide.
Find the Faries-Coltharp Cabin at the Dairy Barn Entrance on the hill just past the Comporium Amphitheater.
Falcons and birds of prey are fascinating creatures! Come learn from local birders about these amazing animals and the art of falconry.
Have you met all the animals that call the Anne Springs Close Greenway home? Join us at the petting zoo at the Greenway Stables entrance and meet our goats, miniature horse and all of their friends. Chat with the volunteers who lovingly care for these four-legged members of the Greenway family!
How do I find the petting zoo?
From the parking lot at the Greenway Stables, head down the road past the Gibson House and toward the barn. Follow the trail that turns right at the hangar. The animal area will be on your left.
Come see our equestrian community share their talent and skills during the English riding and jumping demonstration.
Meet at Field Trial Barn
Join the Anne Springs Close Greenway and Charlotte ReCyclery/Trips for Kids for an afternoon of mountain bike fun! In addition to a guided ride, bike mechanics will be on-site to give you tips on keeping your bike in great shape. A mobile kids skills track will provide a great experience for younger riders and Charlotte ReCyclery will be accepting donations of gently used biking equipment and gear.
Meet members of the Greenway Hiking Club at the Adventure Road Entrance parking lot for a 2-mile hike.
Learn what it takes to manage 2,100 of nature with our Ranger Chat + Trail Demo! You will find our Rangers and natural resources crew at the Prairie Loop trailhead (near the map kiosk). Come ask questions about how and why we maintain our trails and see the tools we use to do it!
Lead-line rides are an Earth Day weekend tradition and the perfect way to introduce our members 8 and under to horseback riding. Lead-line rides are first-come, first-served, and free to the public on Saturday and Sunday of Earth Day Weekend.
Located outside the Williams Nature Center adjacent to the Domtar Forest Porch.
Come meet our animal ambassadors and learn all about reptiles.
Come meet Wish and her new friend Billy! Talk with Greenway staff about the general care of these animals and learn about caring for a new calf while the staff bottle-feeds Billy.
Meet at the cow pen near the Graham Cabin. To find the Graham Cabin, follow the solid-surface trail past the Dairy Barn.
Meet at the Greenway Gateway
Come out to the Anne Springs Close Greenway to explore nature after dark. We will discuss adaptations that help nocturnal animals thrive and look for constellations. This 1 to 2-mile hike is for all ages but, due to uneven ground, we do not recommend strollers.
Earth Day Weekend is a great time to celebrate everything we love about being outside, and there’s no better way to experience nature than camping! With all the great activities and events at the Greenway this weekend, why not just stay the night with us too?
Campers should bring their own dinner to cook over the fire, or purchase dinner at the Gateway Canteen. After dinner, hop on the guided night hike or just relax by the fire. No other time of year gives us so many opportunities to Love the Greenway!
When: Check-in between 2 and 4pm. Check out by 10am Sunday.
Cost: $16 per person, members receive a 20% discount. Children age 3 and under are free
SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Come meet Wish and her new friend Billy! Talk with Greenway staff about the general care of these animals and learn about caring for a new calf while the staff bottle-feeds Billy.
Meet at the cow pen near the Graham Cabin. To find the Graham Cabin, follow the solid-surface trail past the Dairy Barn.
Paddle the day away! Register here in advance for kayak rentals. Supplies limited.
Come see our equestrian community share their talent and skills during the Western riding demonstration.
Meet at Greenway Gateway
Register here to tour by van to all five Greenway entrances to learn about the activities and history of the Greenway.
Meet at Scoville Dock. From the Greenway Gateway, follow the historic Nation Ford Road past Rush Pavilion to Lake Haigler.
Cast your hook in one of our beautiful lakes! New to fishing? Have no fear! Let us show you how to bait, cast and catch with confidence! We will provide the rods, bait and tools to experience the fun of fishing! Feel free to bring your own rod if you wish. Water bottle and close-toed shoes required.
Meet members of the Greenway Hiking Club at the Founders Dairy Barn parking lot for a 3.1-mile hike.
Grooming is an important part of taking care of horses. Come out to the Greenway Stables and see what it takes to keep our ponies looking sharp!
Located outside the Williams Nature Center adjacent to the Domtar Forest Porch.
Come meet our animal ambassadors and learn all about reptiles.
Join us in the donkey pasture to meet our donkeys and the volunteers who care for them. Come ask questions, learn about donkeys and maybe even pet them! This drop-in event is weather dependent.
Find the donkey pasture by parking at the Founders Dairy Barn and walking along the wide trail, Blue Star, past the Founders Dairy Barn. The donkey pasture will be on your left before you reach the swinging bridge over Steele Creek. If parking at the Lake Haigler entrance, pass by the Greenway Gateway and turn left on the wide trail, the Historic Nation Ford Road. Cross the swinging bridge over Steele Creek. The donkey pasture is up the hill on the right.
Meet at the Faires-Coltharp Cabin.
The pioneers who settled in the Carolinas came down the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, part of which ran right through the Anne Springs Close Greenway! Explore the nature and history of the area with a walk down the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road with a local history guide.
Find the Faries-Coltharp Cabin at the Dairy Barn Entrance on the hill just past the Comporium Amphitheater.
Border Collies are an integral part of farm life and are happiest when they are working. Come see how these working dogs can herd large groups of livestock and learn how they are trained to do their job.
Border Collie demonstrations are located in the pasture behind the Founders Dairy Barn.
Meet at the Marion Walsh Outdoor Classroom.
Get a taste of the great outdoors. This class will cover how to start a campfire and several examples of campfire meals. Bring your appetite and practice your culinary skills on the open fire. Water bottle and close-toed shoes required.
Find the Outdoor Classroom near the Hampton Wildlife Fund Adventure Center. Follow the trail on the right side of the drive.
Come see why equestrian birthday parties are such a treat at Greenway Stables! See what a party set-up looks like and chat with our staff about planning your next event!
Meet at the Faries-Coltharp Cabin
Bring the whole family for this hands-on, interactive, guided hike. Each family will receive a scavenger hunt card to help spark interest in and hone our observation skills of the natural world around us. Be prepared to use all five senses on our adventure!
This 1-mile hike is for all ages but, due to uneven ground, we do not recommend strollers.
Find the Faries-Coltharp Cabin at the Dairy Barn Entrance on the hill just past the Comporium Amphitheater.
Border Collies are an integral part of farm life and are happiest when they are working. Come see how these working dogs can herd large groups of livestock and learn how they are trained to do their job.
Border Collie demonstrations are located in the pasture behind the Founders Dairy Barn.
Have you met all the animals that call the Anne Springs Close Greenway home? Join us at the petting zoo at the Greenway Stables entrance and meet our goats, miniature horse and all of their friends. Chat with the volunteers who lovingly care for these four-legged members of the Greenway family!
How do I find the petting zoo?
From the parking lot at the Greenway Stables, head down the road past the Gibson House and toward the barn. Follow the trail that turns right at the hangar. The animal area will be on your left.
Come see our equestrian community share their talent and skills during the Western riding demonstration.
Border Collies are an integral part of farm life and are happiest when they are working. Come see how these working dogs can herd large groups of livestock and learn how they are trained to do their job.
Border Collie demonstrations are located in the pasture behind the Founders Dairy Barn.
Located outside the Williams Nature Center adjacent to the Domtar Forest Porch.
Come meet our animal ambassadors and learn all about reptiles.
Have you ever wanted to try out archery before? Well now is your chance! No supplies are needed as we will provide all necessary equipment and staff will be leading you through trying out shooting a bow and arrow.
Meet at the Archery Range. The Archery Range is located past the Hampton Wildlife Adventure Center on Prairie Loop.
Lead-line rides are an Earth Day weekend tradition and the perfect way to introduce our members 8 and under to horseback riding. Lead-line rides are first-come, first-served, and free to the public on Saturday and Sunday of Earth Day Weekend.
Meet members of the Greenway Hiking Club at the Greenway Gateway for a 3-mile hike.
Come meet Wish and her new friend Billy! Talk with Greenway staff about the general care of these animals and learn about caring for a new calf while the staff bottle-feeds Billy.
Meet at the cow pen near the Graham Cabin. To find the Graham Cabin, follow the solid-surface trail past the Dairy Barn.