Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of FENCE to use the grounds or attend a program?

 No. A tax-deductible contribution to FENCE is always welcome, but it is not a requirement to enjoy our grounds and programs.

Is there an entry fee to visit the grounds?

No. Our grounds, including our trails, nature pond and gardens, are open at no charge from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Our administrative building, the FENCE Center, is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

Can I walk my dog at FENCE?

 Yes, but your dog(s) must be leashed and under control at all times as many of our walking trails and other areas of the grounds are shared with horseback riders.

Can I ride my horse at FENCE?

FENCE's riding trails and grounds are part of the Foothills Equestrian Trails Association trail system, a network of privately-owned trails, and are normally open only to FETA members for trail riding. For information about FETA membership, please visit www.fetatrails.org. Anyone is welcome, however, to participate in any of our regularly scheduled equestrian events. You can find a schedule of such events here.

Can I camp at FENCE?

Because of insurance regulations and fire hazards, we do not allow camping outside of organized group events, such as Boy or Girl Scout events.

Does FENCE offer riding lessons, or can I rent a horse to ride?

No, we do not offer lessons or horses for hire. However, we can provide on request a list of area stables which offer riding instruction.

What kind of programs does FENCE offer? How do I find out about them? How much do they cost?

We offer a year-round schedule of family events, such as Family Concerts, Go Fly A Kite (March), and our popular Summer Day Camps for children aged five to twelve, and many other nature-themed activities, in addition to our schedule of equestrian competitions. Click here for a monthly program schedule. Most of these activities are offered at no charge.

Can my child's school come to FENCE for a visit?

Of course! We welcome school groups all year round; and many area elementary and middle schools are part of our Project F.E.N.C.E. nature education program, approved for both North and South Carolina schools. Project F.E.N.C.E includes classroom programs in nature education supplemented by field trips to our grounds. To learn more, please call 828-859-9021 or email natureeducation@fence.org .

Who "runs" FENCE? How can I volunteer at FENCE?

FENCE has a small paid staff. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Volunteers help plan, organize and staff our programs and public outreach efforts, and new volunteers are always welcome. Those interested can complete our volunteer application form, or are invited to call us at 828-859-9021.