Biography: Kip is a horticulturist who enjoys the lively intersection of plants, people, and thoughtful design. With training in horticulture, permaculture, garden design, and medicinal herbs, she curates the herb garden at Tanglewood Arboretum for the Forsyth County Extension Master Gardeners. She’s been featured as an expert in gardening videos on YouTube and Vimeo, speaking to groups of all sizes—from neighborhood garden clubs to international audiences.
Her writing appears in publications including the award‑winning Triangle Gardener magazine.
You can find her on Instagram at @winstonsalemgardener.
We are excited to host our next speaker, Mike Santucci, of the Piedmont Land Conservancy, who will talk with us about the recently donated Needham property over on Kilmurry Hill Rd.
A little bio on Mike:
“If there’s one word that defines Mike Santucci, it’s passionate. For nearly four decades, Mike has dedicated his life to forestry and conservation, blending deep expertise with an enthusiastic love for the outdoors. As the Nature Preserve Manager at Piedmont Land Conservancy, he lives his calling every day, stewarding the land with care and commitment.
Mike is a devoted advocate for the natural world. His calling is fueled by a deep belief that every plant and creature holds intrinsic value. With a rich blend of experience and enthusiasm, he brings the outdoors to life for everyone he encounters. His genuine warmth and knowledge inspire others to forge meaningful connections with nature, honor its rhythms, and commit to protecting its future. Mike’s dedication ensures that the beauty and benefits of the natural world will be cherished by generations to come.”
To check out a little more info on the Bashavia Creek Preserve, check out the link to their website. We are truly lucky to have such a place in our area!
For our final official meeting of 2025, The Old Richmond Grange will host the president of the Piedmont Forest School, Sheri Grace. The Piedmont Forest School is play based, child-led learning in the classroom of nature. Please join us to find out more about this very special local school.
The lecture is Monday, October 27, at 6pm and is open to the public. ORG is located at 6591 Tobaccoville Road, Tobaccoville, N.C. 27050
About the School:
Piedmont Forest School Mission and Vision:
The mission of Piedmont Forest School is to provide to children of all abilities and backgrounds authentic forest school and nature-based education programs which foster the development of the whole child, while engendering in them a love of and a commitment to caring for the natural world. PFS envisions progressive and equitable educational programs where children of all abilities and backgrounds learn together year-round through creative play while immersed in nature.
Bio For Sheri Grace:
A North Carolina native and the founding director of Piedmont Forest School, Sheri received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in New York City, NY. Her passion for wanting to make a difference in early childhood education led her to gain her doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She holds a Forest School Teacher Institute Certificate as a Level One Forest School Leader, and a Forest School Director, and is completing their “train the trainer” program. Sheri never imagined she would found a Forest School, but now cannot imagine a better place for children to learn and grow, or for her to work. If Sheri cannot be found in the woods with her students, she is kayaking, camping, or walking barefoot in the creek observing and appreciating the natural world around her.
Join the Old Richmond Grange on Monday, August 25 at 6pm for an inspirational and informative talk by Lynn Byrd on her work tracking and rescuing lost animals.
About Lynn: “Animal guardian, active pet tracker, and artist Lynn Byrd (“Byrdie”) is a life-long learner blessed with an overabundance of curiosity. She has been involved with rescue efforts and schooled by animals for decades, but what she loves best is helping people connect with animals and nature and writing about the human and beyond human bond. Lynn and her husband Jamie Cheshire craft little pet chapels which can be found in several local parks. They are gifts for the community and are specifically attuned to people who have loved and lost their beloved companions, regardless of species.
This lecture will be preceded by potluck at 5pm, and followed by our regular meeting at 7pm. Guests are welcome. The Old Richmond Grange is located just off Hwy 67 at 6591 Tobaccoville Rd. Tobaccoville, NC 27050.
Our Booth at the Black Walnut Festival was a success!
Some of our intrepid members at the beginning of the day.
In coordination with the National Grange, and the Pfizer Rural Life Initiative, we presented information about how we each can get the best out of our visits to the doctor, about managing our prescriptions, as well as what to know about respiratory syncytial virus.
Coming Up – Our Annual Harvest Moon Festival, Saturday, October 19.
The Old Richmond Grange 