Today we’d like to introduce you to Keefe Miller.
Keefe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The catalyst for the nature park was the covid stimulus check which was used toward insurance and a new entrance/parking area. Several other factors that encouraged the decision to start the farm and nature experience included overcrowded existing parks and covid’s push of people to the great outdoors. Plus Silva Terra’s land already felt like a park with its towering trees, clear sandy bottom creek, friendly farm animals, local farm history, and recently completed trail system comprising 3 miles of trails. The main attractions are the holiday-themed trails designed to keep kids entertained while hiking.
It’s a win-win for families. The kids have plenty of games and sights to interact with and the parents get to go for a hike/walk. Typically it is less than a one-mile loop for the holiday trails which takes about 1.5 hours, run for 4-6 weeks to avoid overcrowding on the actual holiday and it is fairly easy terrain yet feels like a mountain escape. Some of the highlights so far in our first year since we have been open were the Halloween Trick or Treat Trail, Winter wonderland Trail, Cupid’s Trail, the Bunny Hop Trail, and May the Forest Be With You Trail!
There is also a historic sharecropper’s house to see which includes a history room, nature room, snack shack, and restroom. We also cater to bday parties, homeschool groups, and field trips where they experience a safe, fun, educational and amazing outing! Several repeat customers and smiling satisfied visitors keep us going as any new business can be a rollercoaster of uncertainty at first!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The look on the kid’s, parents, and grandparents’ faces as they come off the trail of pure joy and excitement makes it all worthwhile. Hearing about what a great time they had and what all their favorite parts of the trail experience are what makes any obstacle to starting a new business disappear real quick!
There are always struggle’s with any new business but another thing that made it work out at the nature park was how our visitor’s experience and gratitude were relayed to their friends, neighbors, and family in the form of word-of-mouth marketing! Getting people to visit and then having your visitors share with a friend has been the key!
You have to be patient in the first year to get the word out anymore since people are bombarded with so many ads and marketing on several different platforms.
We’ve been impressed with Silva Terra Nature Park, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a historical cotton farm offering animal visits, local history, nature, education, and excitement on the trails. There are over 50 points of interest along the trails and an ever-changing holiday-themed trail. Several chairs along a nice sandy bottom foothills creek make a good halfway point to relax and take a load off. Clean safe family fun! We have room for large events as well such as weddings and business/team building field trips.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Come see for yourself the beauty of the foothills land and share with a friend. If you are unable to visit at this time but would like to support us please buy some day passes/passes online from the square link on our website.
If you are a photographer, nature enthusiast, just want to have fun, or want to collaborate please reach out. We are offering yoga monthly and always looking to add more events to the list. We also have a small gift shop and snack shack if you have goods you’d like to consignment.
Pricing:
- $ 5-day pass/self-guided tour.
- $90 family annual pass (6 people).
- $15 yoga.
- $40 single annual pass.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.silvaterra.org
- Instagram: @silva_terra_nature_park
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvaterranaturepark/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ajsdlkfjasdlk
