Thousands of people hike the trails at FENCE each year and most have no clue just how much work it takes to keep them passable. For the past three and a half years and on and off for over 30, much of that work has fallen onto the shoulders of Chuck Hearon. Chuck is the volunteer “Trail Boss” for FENCE though he prefers to be called “maintainer.” Chuck says being “boss” would make people think he has a crew. For the most part, it’s just Chuck who is out on the trails taking care of business. He can ask for help from Joey and Roy, the FENCE maintenance crew members but they have enough on their plates taking care of everything else the nearly 400 acre nature center needs to keep humming along. So Chuck spends several days a week inspecting trails and maintaining them. It’s a never-ending job and Chuck enjoys the challenge and the work.

​It should be noted that he’s 76 years old. When I asked Chuck if I could use his age, he said, “Sure,” and then went on to say, “Hard work is good for you if it doesn’t kill you, but if it kills you, you get the next day off.” Chuck Hearon does have a great sense of humor.

​Chuck says he could use some volunteers and has a gentleman who has recently stepped forward. It’s not easy work and of course, there are those dangers associated with slopes, dead trees, creek crossings, and power equipment. It just isn’t enough to walk along with a pair of snippers these days, but he welcomes stick kickers…where people can enjoy kicking loose branches and twigs off the trails as they hike. Chuck thinks that could be a popular sport on day. He says he’s fortunate that FENCE has graciously provided the equipment needed to make the job possible including a Kawasaki Mule, tractor, chipper, bush hog, and an assorted of chainsaws, pole saws, and other professional gear. 

Chuck knows plenty about trails. In 1999 he became a member of an elite cadre of long-distance hikers when he backpacked the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail in a single season. These days he’s happy just to be able to enjoy and take care of the five and a half miles of trails at FENCE.

Chuck has been involved with FENCE since its earliest year and is pleased to have known all of the founding fathers and has worked with most of them. Dave Kirby, one of those founders, was a special mentor. He says Dave had an amazing work ethic. If Dave Kirby walked with you along a trail and made note that something needed doing and then a month later noticed that the work had not been touched, he would say something to the effect of, “Haven’t we talked about this before?” Dave was a man who liked to see action and Chuck follows that principle to this day. Chuck sees the need and takes care of it. There’s always something to do. The December snow we had followed by the ice left years worth of work to be done. 

Chuck works closely with Tracie Hansen, the FENCE executive director, but for the most part he’s his own shop. He sees a need, makes his notes, collects the gear, and starts to work. His pay comes from seeing the delight of hikers walking and running and experiencing the outdoors at FENCE.

​Chuck says it’s a thrill when he’s coming or going and sees a family about to start out on their own adventure or a couple taking a stroll with their dogs. It brings joy to their lives and that makes Chuck beam with pride. Chuck says seeing these people using FENCE is his reward for his work. It makes it all worth it.

​Chuck experienced how the trail towns he passed through on his AT hike had a welcoming feel to hikers. He wants FENCE to be that welcoming place for hikers when they’re out on “his” trails. Dave Kirby had a favorite saying, “If you love the outdoors, come love it at FENCE.” Chuck takes that to heart and he’s determined to help you love your nature experience at FENCE. 

More to know

FENCE is located at 3381 Hunting Country Road outside of Tryon and its trails are open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Check FENCE.org for information on upcoming programs. Volunteers are welcome and Chuck would be happy to have you giving him a hand out on the trails. But if you’re out on your own, feel free to kick some sticks off the trail.

Sandra’s dad, James Blackwell, started putting on this festive show in 1973. At the time James was head of maintenance at Bigelow Sanford in Landrum and was put in charge of decorating the company’s property. That set off a spark in James’s mind and that ignited an idea to start decorating the home that was built in 1884. James’s wife, Doris, must have given her nod of approval because decorating the Blackwell home was underway. And now, 45 years later it is one of the most visited winter attractions in the Upstate. Officially the house is now referred to as “The Christmas House.” It’s an obvious choice.
 
Bill & Sandra took over the house and grounds decorating in 2005 and have made this a mission of love. The live for this season, which begins the second weekend in October when the first decorations are moved from their storage buildings to the grounds. Setting up for something of this scale takes a small army made up of relatives, neighbors, and friends. On some days as many as a dozen elves are on-site helping with the setup and late in the evening it might be just Bill out there taking care of ever last detail. 

This is no small operation. Every single item is checked and repairs or rebuilds are made when necessary. Just about all of the displays are homemade and even store-bought items are reimagined to make them better. Bill and Sandra estimate that this year’s display contains over 100,000 bulbs. Their power bill nearly triples during this season but they say it’s worth every penny to see the joy it brings people. Folks have told them that they came as a child and now they bring their own kids. No doubt in thirty years from now, those kids will be bringing their own wide-eyed youngsters. 

Bill keeps photos of each year’s display to help remember just where they had everything placed the year before. But things change. New ideas are constantly brewing in their minds. Bill mentioned a couple of ideas already on the drawing board for the 2019 version but I’m sworn to secrecy.  It’s all about being organized and being creative. Bill and Sandra live for this and see it as one way they can remind people that Jesus is the reason for the season.
 
Families driving through are caught up in the moment and probably can’t appreciate what it takes to make this happen. Just last year alone they had to buy 15,000 light bulbs to make sure they had what they needed. Bill says one of the best things to happen recently was the invention of LEDs, making lighting the displays more energy-efficient. The extra expense is worth it. It’s a good thing their son-in-law is an electrician as plenty of upgrades had to be made over the years. Even with that, it’s not simple to get this show running. The miniature donkeys and a sheep get moved from the pasture into their viewing barn and then about ten minutes before opening, Bill has to flip 14 switches and plug in four outlets. Then he and Sandra retreat into their beautiful home (also decorated) and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie as the real entertainment outside begins.