We invite you to join us at the 3rd Annual

Redlair NatureFest

Saturday, June 5
11:00 am until 4:00 pm

A free festival for everyone at the beautiful
Redlair Farm & Forest

144 Redlair Lane, Gastonia NC

We hope that you’ll join your friends at Catawba Lands Conservancy and the
Carolina Thread Trail for this free, family festival celebrating the land,
conservation and the great outdoors.

Redlair Farm & Forest is a private, 730-acre nature preserve with over 80 miles of hiking trails along the banks of the South Fork River.  On June 5, the preserve will be open to the public for this very special family event.

Set of Charlotte Observer photos highlighting the beauty of these properties.

NatureFest visitors will enjoy a host of activities, including:

Live music - Guaranteed to get your toes thumping!

Nature Walks and Hiking – Take part in guided nature walks or feel free to hike on your own and immerse yourself in one of the most ecologically diverse, picturesque places in our region. Online hike registration

Children’s Activities - Face painting, arts and crafts, and family fun.

Animals and Hay Rides – Visit with the animals or relax on a hayride…there is something for everyone at NatureFest.

Paddle and Float Trips – Hit the water on the South Fork of the Catawba River along the Carolina Thread Trail blueway. There are shorter and longer paddle options ranging from $10 - $20 per person. More details available on the events calender. To register for these events, call Heike Biller at 704-342-3330, ext. 210.

Local Artisans – From beekeepers to blacksmiths, talented local artisans will present their creations as we celebrate our region’s cultural heritage.

Great Food – Sample the barbecue, savor the brick-oven pizza and be sure to save room for ice cream.

Race For The Land –8K and half-marathon trail races that begin at 7:30 am.  Click here for more information and to register for races.

Special thanks to our lead Sponsor!

19th Annual Catawba Lands Conservancy Meeting

The day at Redlair Farm & Forest will kick off with the Conservancy’s Annual Meeting at 10:00 am when Executive Director Dave Cable will review last year’s successes and share an overview of priorities for 2010.  We will recognize those who have recently donated land, announce the 2009 Conservation Volunteer of the Year recipient and vote for new board members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting.  At 11:00 am, Redlair NatureFest festivities begin. 

Grab your picnic blanket or folding chair for relaxing, your friends, family and dog (please keep your pup on a leash) and join us at Redlair NatureFest. 
We look forward to seeing you there!

 Directions to NatureFest from Charlotte:

From Charlotte, take I-85 South to Exit 26, the Belmont Abbey College exit.  Turn left (north) at the light at the College onto old NC 273/Belmont-Mt. Holly Road.  Turn left at the first stop light onto Woodlawn Street. Take Woodlawn until it ends at Hickory Grove Road; then turn right. Take Hickory Grove past North Belmont Park on the right, pass Rankin Road on your left. The next left is Redlair Lane. There are sculptures and a large “R” sign on the road. Turn left on Redlair Lane, and the parking attendants will direct you to 144 Redlair Lane, Gastonia, NC.

Directions to NatureFest from Gastonia:

From Gastonia, take I-85 North to Exit 26, the Mt. Holly/Belmont/Belmont Abbey College exit.  At first light, turn left towards Belmont Abbey College on 7 East.  At next light (see car dealership on right), turn left onto Belmont-Mt. Holly Road.  Turn left at stop light onto Woodlawn Street. Take Woodlawn until it ends at Hickory Grove Road; then turn right. Take Hickory Grove past North Belmont Park on the right, pass Rankin Road on your left. The next left is Redlair Lane. There are sculptures and a large “R” sign on the road. Turn left on Redlair Lane, and the parking attendants will direct you to 144 Redlair Lane, Gastonia, NC.