06/22/2026
Dear Members, Friends, and Community,
After nearly 20 months, the wait is almost over. Pearson's Falls and Glen reopens July 24!
We are so grateful for your patience and support as we've restored this beloved place following Hurricane Helene. The creek is still shifting, the trees are still settling, and the road crews have kept us on our toes, but nothing is stopping us now.
July 24. Rain or shine. Road work or not. We open the gates.
Here's what's new and exciting:
Admission is now $10. A small price for something truly magical, and every dollar goes straight to preserving this extraordinary forest for generations to come.
Your visit will feel different - in the best way. Scheduled visits and thoughtfully limited capacity mean more peace, more quiet, and a deeper connection with the Glen. Less crowds, more nature. Just the way it should be.
The Kirby Education Pavilion is open! Thanks to the Polk County Community Foundation, we've built a stunning new space for school groups, nonprofits, and community gatherings, carrying forward the legacy of conservation and community we've built here for generations.
Amazing new programming is on the way. Guided hikes, night hikes, geology talks, nature photography, forest bathing, yoga, and more - all open to the wider community. There has never been a better time to explore the Glen.
Membership tiers and giving options are now available. Everything goes directly to operations, maintenance, and bringing students and nonprofits into this remarkable place.
And we are thrilled to welcome Jen CK Jacobs as our first-ever full-time Executive Director! Jen has been part of our team since last fall and brings tremendous energy and passion to this role. She'll be working hand in hand with the irreplaceable Andy Ruff, our Operations Director and Guardian of the Glen, to make every visit unforgettable.
Watch your inbox, in the next two weeks we'll be sharing everything you need to know about membership tiers, programs, and how to reserve your visit.
We are so proud of what this community has built together, and we cannot wait to throw open the gates and welcome you home.
See you on the trail!