06/24/2026
From Mills to Meadows: The Living Landscape of Glendale Shoals and Goodall Environmental Center
By Christine E. - Master Gardener Volunteer, Class of 2025
I recently had the opportunity to explore Glendale Shoals Preserve, nestled along Lawson’s Fork Creek in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. What makes this destination so remarkable is the way it blends industrial history with environmental conservation, creating a landscape where the past and present coexist.
One of the highlights of my visit was learning about the area's rich textile heritage. The preserve is home to the Goodall Environmental Studies Center, a satellite campus of Wofford College housed in what was once the administration building of the historic Glendale Cotton Mill.
This former industrial center has evolved into a protected natural space that supports diverse plant and wildlife communities. Through restoration and conservation efforts, Glendale Shoals Preserve now serves as both an outdoor classroom and a living example of how historic landscapes can be re-imagined to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Native wildflowers, flowering shrubs, and diverse plant communities provide critical habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By protecting and restoring native vegetation, these sites help sustain the pollination services that support both natural ecosystems and agricultural production while offering visitors opportunities to learn about the important relationship between plants and pollinators.
Walking through Glendale Shoals Preserve feels less like entering a park and more like stepping into a landscape where history and nature are still in conversation. When you visit, be sure to pay special attention to:
1. Native Plant Gardens
The gardens surrounding the center showcase many plants native to South Carolina. Native plants are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than many non-native species.
2. Pollinator Habitat
The garden areas are designed to support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Pollinators play a critical role in producing many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we enjoy every day.
3. Bee Apiary and Pollinator Education
The property includes a managed bee apiary that demonstrates the importance of honeybees and other pollinators to healthy ecosystems and agriculture. Honey harvested from the hives has been made available through local community programs (1)
4. Watershed-Friendly Landscaping
The center's location along Lawson's Fork Creek highlights the connection between gardens and water quality. Plants help filter stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and improve stream health.
5. Sustainable Site Design
The Goodall Center itself is an example of environmental stewardship. The historic building was restored and renovated using sustainable design principles and earned LEED Platinum certification for its environmental performance (2) Features include water conservation measures and landscape irrigation supported by captured rainwater.
The Goodall Environmental Studies Center demonstrates how horticulture, conservation, and education can work together to create healthier communities and ecosystems while preserving the natural beauty and history of Glendale.
https://www.spartanburgconservation.org/glendale-shoals-preserve
(1) https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/glendale-nature-park-glendale-shoals
(2) https://spaces4learning.com/articles/2011/04/01/a-platinum-restoration.aspx?utm
Picture Credits: Christine E. and Nicole G.
