A community of green space for the benefit of human kind

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Founded from a single seed in 1984, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) was established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to nature education and outdoor recreation. Built upon an original 112-acre land grant generously donated by the Mahler family, who came to Tryon in the 1920s. 

FENCE has grown over the decades into a thriving community resource that today, encompasses 384 acres and serves thousands of visitors each year, offering programs and experiences that connect people with nature, animals, and the land.

FENCE is sustained through the leadership of its Board of Directors, the dedication of a small professional staff, and the invaluable support of volunteers. Volunteers and charitable donations are essential to preserving FENCE’s ecosystem and ensuring it remains open and accessible for all to enjoy

FENCE is dedicated to serve as a community resource for the preservation of green space and for educational and recreational opportunities linking nature, animals, and people for a sustainable future.