Bio Way Farm

Bio Way Farm is a private organic farm in Laurens County that is owned and operated by Chris Sermons.  Chris Sermons is a naturalist who has studied native species, farming, permaculture and conservation for over 20 years. Chris is not only knowledgeable, but willing to teach and share on a moment’s notice. Chris is passionate about preserving and restoring native habitat and believes this balance is an integral part of the farm’s health. The farm has a lot of logging roads and trails to explore. A description of the operation can be found at: Bio Way Farm | Organic Produce | Native Plants | CSA | Ware Shoals.

The 120-acre property has been a family farm since 1987 and an organic farm since 2004. The property has mostly 50+ year old mixed deciduous piedmont forest coupled with a 5-acre lake built in 1995. Upland areas contain significant prairie/meadow habitat with lots of native grasses and forbs. Forested areas around farm buildings are being managed for Post Oak woodland restoration. Downstream of the 5-acre lake, there are beaver pond remnants and good riparian habitat. A stream flowing through the property is headwaters for Beaverdam Creek, a tributary of the Reedy River. It is possible to walk to a neighboring property which contains a north facing bluff and many uncommon Piedmont plant species including Canada Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea canadensis). Uncommon butterflies seen on property include Checkered White, White M Hairstreak and county first N. Oak Hairstreak. Also, the property is an eBird hotspot with second highest species count in Laurens County (eBird hotspot link: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L11396469). The property also has an iNaturalist project link: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/bioway-farm-ware-shoals-sc.

~Ron Ahle

DIRECTIONS:

To get to Bio Way Farm, starting from exit 5 on I-385:

• Drive west approximately 5.2 miles on SR 49 and turn left onto Hwy 221 (Lucas Ave)
• Go 2.7 miles and turn right on Hwy 76 (Hillcrest Dr) towards Ware Shoals.
• Stay on 76 as it weaves through town for 3.5 miles.
• Turn left on SR 252, go approximately 1.4 miles.
• Turn right on Hwy 25 and go north for 12 miles.
• Turn right at Henley Circle and travel 3.4 miles.
• Turn on Bio Way which is the farm’s gravel driveway. Bio Way is marked by a green street sign across from 2 mailboxes.
• Proceed down Bio Way and go past a large greenhouse and down a short straightaway
• Park on your right or left. The meeting place will be the main parking lot. There are amenities such as water and bathrooms offered at the parking location.