The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Twilight Garden Club members met Monday, Oct. 28, at the Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church and then went to the public library for a presentation by Mike S. Hayslett, local biologist.
Along with slides, Hayslett presented to club members “The Natural Wonders of the Alleghany Highlands.”
Club members learned that the word “alleghany” has a meaning of “endless.” When viewing the mountain ridges, they fill the horizon.
The area has waterfalls, wetlands, rivers, forest, mountains, wildlife, caves, caverns and even pasture. They also have mineral and rock formations.
Because of industrialization, the shift went from farming to useful. Now with the growing appreciation for outdoor activities, residents are taking advantage of what has always been there.
Tourism has had a positive impact economically. Many are enjoying and using the mountains, rivers and forests.
Hayslett explained the age-old formation of mountains and rock striae and outcroppings that are a result of continental pressures. He also explained the water shaping of caverns and caves.
Culturally, indigenous persons created pastures for grazing and hunting bison, elk and deer. This was done in part with fire burning the forest and brush.
Hayslett also told of a clerical error documented by a man named Pendleton. It explained that there was a mix-up between naming Pocahontas County and Alleghany. Thus, we might have now been in Pocahontas County. In this document it indicated that in the late 1800’s there were bobcats and mountain cougars in Clifton Forge proper.
The business part of the meeting was continued at the church.
Minutes of the September meeting and the treasurer’s reports were read and approved. The exhibit judges were Shirley Mayo and Lana Dodson.
Exhibit awards included:
• For houseplant in dirt: Sarah Puckett, blue;
• Requested general specimen: Jaunita Savage, blue;
• General fresh material- Jaunita Savage- blue;
• Artistic requested: Debbie Strott, blue; Jo Fincham, red.
Bulbs for planting were given to each member by the Garden Therapy Committee. Refreshments were enjoyed and the meeting was adjourned.
If you are interested in joining the club, please contact Debbie Strott or any member.
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Local biologist Mike Hayslett was the guest speaker for the Oct. 28 meeting of the Twilight Garden Club. Hayslett presented a program titled “The Natural Wonders of the Alleghany Highlands.” (Photo Courtesy Twilight Garden Club)
