ecinteractions

Carolina Eco-Interaction

Experiential, educational programs in one of the most extraordinary environments in our nation.

Explore, play, learn, investigate, and discover!

eXPLORATION FOR:

THE mIND, bODY AND sOUL

Carolina Eco-Interaction is exploration at its finest.  It is a journey into a deeper understanding of self and others, in an extraordinary environment that rekindles our love and appreciation for the natural world.  As highly experienced guides and educators, we bring many years of experience in living, working, exploring, and raising our families in this magnificent mountain community.

Our Mountain Home and Wilderness

The South Toe Valley is nestled between Seven Mile Ridge and the Black Mountain Range, which includes Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Rockies.  We are surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest and are just a 2-minute walk from the South Toe River, which begins in the high elevation springs of Mt. Mitchell.

Wildlife is rich and varied here, including hellbenders, beaver, trout and otters in our waters; ravens, hawks and pileated woodpeckers in the air; bears, coyotes and rare salamanders in our forests.  The Black Mountains have some of the most extensive, remaining virgin forests in the Eastern US.    Our explorations will take us into one of the most biologically diverse areas in the entire nation – containing biodiversity that ranges from North Carolina to Canada. 

NUMEROUS PROGRAM OPTIONS

We can take a wide range of easy, moderate or challenging hikes and water explorations.  We can experience streams, ponds, caves, waterfalls, fascinating rock and mineral formations, and high mountain overlooks. Eco- Interaction  also offers:  

Experiencing Community and Sustainable Living

Eco-Interaction is located in the heart of the oldest rural, environmental land trust community in the U.S. Thus students can have direct experience with models of human and social ecology in action.  This includes examples of simple living and food production, natural resource protection, energy conservation, solar homes, a cooperative crafts and food store, and much more.   

Skills and knowledge from Native Americans and early pioneers:

*Identifying trees and finding edible and medicinal plants.*

*Learning wild animal tracking and stalking skills.*

*Crafting from local wood and fiber.* 

*Orienteering, shelter building and other mountain survival skills.*

*Experiencing the ancient art of making fire-by-friction.*

Wilderness inspired art and photography.

Music with the Cherokee River Cane flute, Native American hoop drum, Appalachian jug band or...  

Council Fire, Storytelling, African Dance, Mud Bathing, Games

Our activities often convey an ecological theme in a fun and inspiring manner.

Personal and social growth

Our program provides opportunities to learn and to blossom under the sunshine of affirmation, cooperation, positive communication and respect for self, others and all living things.  Our many years of experience with people of all ages enable us to do this in an inviting and integrative manner.   

In addition, we can, upon request, offer activities that teach conflict resolution and communication skills that come from experience with the “Children’s Creative Response to Conflict” program (grades 1-6) and the “Help Increase the Peace” program (mid to upper school groups, colleges and adults).

who we can serve

Carolina Eco Interaction serves youth, school, adult and corporate groups.  Our facilities limit us to a maximum group of 36 participants.   

PROGRAM LEADERS

Michael Fishbach and Herb Walters are Eco-Interaction co-directors and program leaders.  They have each been working in environmental education with children and adults for over twenty years.  They have directed many successful wilderness programs and have led nature expeditions and conflict management training throughout the world.   Herb and Michael are fun loving professionals who teach from the head, the heart and from their many fascinating life experiences. 

"You can slow down and enter a world where every step offers possibilities in discovery, beauty, fun and inner peace."

            Mike Sanderson, Wildlife Biologist

sAFETY

Safety is a high priority with all Carolina Eco-Interaction programs and all our staff have excellent safety records.   Our minimum staff to child hike ratio is one to twelve.  We also require that one adult from your school or organization accompanies each hike group.  We are very close to the Celo Health Center and are a 20-30 minute drive from a hospital in Spruce Pine. 

I have co-led many wilderness field programs for kids with Michael and Herb.  They have earned my highest esteem as knowledgeable and highly talented naturalists whose compassion, sense of wonder, and enthusiasm are contagious.  I am also grateful for the social skills they teach and model in every program.  Kids (and adults), learn from them on so many levels.  . Anyone who has an opportunity to experience outdoor adventure with either of Herb or Michael will be very fortunate indeed.  

Keith Rittmaster, Natural Science Curator, NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC, USA

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