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About
Lost Cove Farm:
Lost
Cove is nestled in the Walnut Mountains of Madison County, in
scenic western North Carolina. During the past 150 years, a succession
of self-sufficient families have made a living here by growing
their own food, grazing cattle, relying on a cash crop of tobacco,
and occasionally selling timber. Until a few decades ago, Lost
Cove was truly isolated. Residents walked in and out of this remote
valley and hauled their crops on horse-drawn sleds. Although this
sounds romantic, it was a demanding lifestyle – well suited
only to the heartiest, most self-reliant individuals.
Watch Us Grow!
Check this link periodically to see some of our demonstration
wildlife habitat landscaping projects.
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The
128-acre mountainside farm at Lost Cove, with varied habitats ranging
from pastures, old fields, second-growth timber, a ridge-top meadow,
and several stands of mature hardwood forest, provides the perfect
setting for learning about nature. At various times throughout the
year, Lost Cove is the host site for one-day and weekend workshops
that focus on nature photography or that teach individuals how to
landscape backyard habitats to attract wildlife. |
Pat and Connie Toops discovered Lost Cove in February 2000 and
were immediately charmed by its picturesque views, historic structures,
and diverse wildlife. At the time, Pat was a wildlife biologist
soon to retire from a 28-year career with the National Park Service.
Connie is a widely published nature writer and photographer. She
is the author/primary photographer of Hummingbirds: Jewels
in Flight, Bluebirds Forever, Owls, Florida Everglades, Great
Smoky Mountains, and several other natural history books.
She is a contributing editor for Birder’s World
magazine. Connie is also a founding member of the North American
Nature Photography Association and travels widely to present photo
workshops and illustrated programs on natural history topics.
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Workshops
are based in a quaint log cabin that provides a comfortable place
for AV presentations and student discussions. The real charm of Lost
Cove is the opportunity for participants to learn by doing. Wildlife
habitat landscaping classes often move outside to the hummingbird
and butterfly gardens to watch these captivating creatures in action
or to study the prairie restoration area first-hand. |
Photography
students practice their craft by focusing on abundant wildflowers,
cooperative songbirds, intriguing insects, brilliant autumn foliage,
or by using various photo blinds. Through all of their efforts
at Lost Cove – which range from wildlife habitat restoration
and demonstration areas to development of subject matter for nature
books and photo essays – Pat and Connie maintain a philosophy
of the utmost respect for our natural world, allowing native plants
and animals to coexist in harmony with humans.
Due
to the secluded location of Lost Cove, site visits are by appointment
only. Contact us via email
for details.
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