Guided Bird Walk Today at Chimney Rock Park

photo by Christopher L. Wood

July 1   Simon Says Guided Bird Walk Join world-traveled birding expert Simon Thompson to see and hear our feathered friends, including Worm-eating, Swainson's, Black-and-white, Hooded and Yellow-throated Warblers. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and hosts the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock.

Family Wellness Today at Chimney Rock Park

June 2  "On the Move" Family Wellness Day   For decades Chimney Rock Park has promoted hiking as a great way to stay fit and connect with nature. During 2nd annual Family Wellness Day both adults and children are encouraged to get “On the Move” at Chimney Rock and learn how to establish a healthier exercise routine and diet.

In conjunction with National Trails Day (June 2) there will be guided hikes, health screenings and lots of information on healthy living from many community partners.

Chimney Rock Park Getting Ready for Spring

Chimney Rock Park is getting closer to reopening the elevator and Sky Lounge. With this year's capital improvements nearing completion there are  many exciting happenings at Chimney Rock in 2012. The Survival Skills Workshop Series kicks off Saturday, March 10 with Basic Wilderness First Aid.
There will be a series called "Spring into action" every Saturday in March from 1-2 PM. The series is  a fun, low-cost activity to get you and your family outdoors this spring.  You;ll enjoy the  fresh air, sunshine and beautiful scenery on a guided hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Hickory Nut Falls,  an incredible 404 feet. The  Spring for Free guided hikes are included in the cost of admission.  Along the trail to the Falls, you'll see how spring's approach is changing the Park's diverse landscape. No registration required. Meet a Park naturalist for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts by 1 PM.

The Park is  looking forward to celebrating the reopening of the new Outcroppings trail to the Chimney in April, restoring access by foot only to the upper mountain. For a link to Chimney Rock Park and more information click HERE.

Take a Hike: Riverlink's free guided nature walks

Riverlink's March guided nature walks theme is "On the Lookout for Amphibians". The Walks series is a program designed to share the beauty and splendor of the region along the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay.

Groups will meet at the RiverLink office, located at 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District, at 3:00 PM on March 17. Part 1 of each day will consist of a presentation outlining common species of amphibians found in the area, and defining characteristics of each. There will also be an audio presentation on frog and toad calls.

Part 2 of the day will consist of a drive over to Bent Creek Experimental Forest to go on the hunt for these beautiful creatures. Be prepared to get dirty while searching through the leaf litter on the hill sides and in the streams. Care will be given to leave the forest floor unaltered, and to safely release each salamander where it was found.

 

These outings are free and open to the public. They are designed to be beneficial and of great interest to beginners and experts alike. The nature walks will extend through August, with a new theme each month.

Take a Hike: Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock Park

March 3  -  Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls    Forget those winter blues and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine at Chimney Rock.  Enjoy a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast, Hickory Nut Falls, at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery.

Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail. Meet the trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 1 PM.  Get information for Chimney Rock NC HERE

Take a Hike: The Birds of Paddy's Creek at lake James Park

February  26   The Birds of Paddy's Creek  Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver and hike to identify birds found around Paddy’s Creek and Lake James. Easy hike, 1 mile. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek bridge parking lot of Lake James State Park at 10 a.m. For more information, call 828-584-7728.

Take a Hike: Hike Paddy's Creek Trail in Lake James Park

February 25   Hike the Paddy's Creek Trail   Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver for a nature hike on the Paddy’s Creek Trail. Moderate hike, 2 miles roundtrip. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office of Lake James State Park at 10 AM. For more information, call 828-584-7728.

Get a link for this hike and more Marion NC area events HERE

Take a Guided Hike through the WInter Wonderland at Chimney Rock Park

February 18 Off the Beaten Path Guided Hike: Winter Wonderland.  The Park’s beauty changes with each season. Bare tree branches sparkle with frost and clear views reward wintertime hikers. Enjoy the serenity of Chimney Rock during the off season and learn how to recognize trees and shrubs without their leaves.

Participants will see about 30 different trees along this easy 2-hour woodland excursion. Meet the trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 1 PM. Get a link for this guided hike and other Chimney Rock Park events HERE

Take a Hike - in the Greak Smoky Mountains

October 4, 2011  Explore Cataloochee Valley on Guided Hike with expert Danny Bernstein. This is a moderately difficult 6.5 mile hike with a total elevation gain/descent of 1,500'. It features trail improvements by the Trails Forever crew. Time permitting, hikers will also visit the elk herd in Cataloochee Valley. Space is limited. Contact Friends of the Smokies to register for the Little Cataloochee Trail hike. Email: grtsmoky@bellsouth.net or call 828-452-0720.

November 1, 2011 - Road to Nowhere Hike. You won't find costumed ghouls or pre-recorded shrieks on the Friends of the Smokies' November hike, but you will trek along a trail called "The Road to Nowhere" and explore a dark, 365-foot tunnel. Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage, will lead this 9.4 mile hike. The hike is moderate in difficulty and has a total elevation gain/descent of 1,370 feet. SAVE THE DATE NOW- MORE SPECIFICS SOON- VERY LIMITED SPACE!

Sponsored by Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since 1993, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, has raised more than $34 million to support educational programs, historic preservation projects, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and wildlife research and protection in the Smokies.

BECOME A FRIEND - 

Membership in Friends of the Smokies pays for itself.  Visit our membership benefits page to save in the Smokies when you stay, play, eat, or recreate.  And Friends memberships make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or stocking stuffers. There is also also  a great little line of merchandise for your online shopping pleasure!

Take a Hike: Cool Off on the Beech Mountain Trails.

You already know Beech Mountain has cool winter skiing, but did you know it's also one of the COOLEST places in the NC Mountains to escape the summer heat? There are lots of summer activities on Beech Mountain including the regular Summer Guided Hikes.
June 21 hike:  Upper and Lower Pond Creek Trail - Experienced guides explain the flora and fauna of the various seasons on hikes over some of the 23 miles of maintained trails on Beech Mountain.

Easter Day Spring Hike

April 24 Enjoy all the glory of Spring in the NC Mountains on a Wildflower Hike. Join a Ranger on a 1 mile hike to see the wildflowers of Spring. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty while leaving it undisturbed for others to enjoy. The hike takes place at New River State Park's Wagoner Access at 2:00 p.m. 336-982-2587 The park is located near West Jefferson in Laurel Springs NC.

Click here for more information about  NC Wildflowers from Graham County NC

Take a Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

April 2 the Friends of the Smokies will host a hike on the Smokemont Loop Trail amid early spring wildflowers and intriguing historic remnants.  Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein (Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Heritage), will lead this 6.2 miles hike that is moderate in difficulty and has a total
elevation gain/descent of 1,400/1,400 ft.

Fresh air, rushing waters and stunning vistas – it’s Spring and time to get out into our backyard national treasure, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Join Friends of the Smokies as we hike amidst early spring wildflowers and intriguing historic remnants on the Smokemont Loop trail.

The group will depart from Asheville at 8:30am and Maggie Valley at 9:00am, returning to Asheville by 5:30pm. Exact meeting locations specified upon registration. A donation of $15 is requested to benefit the Smokies. Space is limited. Contact Friends of the Smokies to register for the Smokemont Loop hike: grtsmoky@bellsouth.net or 828-452-0720.

The Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a not-for-profit organization supporting educational programs, historic preservation projects, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and wildlife research and protection in the Smokies. Specific information about helping to maintain and improve these special trails can be found at www.SmokiesTrailsForever.org.

April is for the Birds

April 8: Brenda Hull from Young Harris College will lead a bird walk along Little Brasstown Creek at John C. Campbell Folk School. See open field and riparian forest birds, warblers and birds of prey. Meet at the vegetable garden at 8:00 am.

April 15: Join LTLT & the Franklin Bird Club while John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, Otto, NC at at 8:30 am. This is stop #53 on the NC Birding Trail with the Preserve's bird list at 122 species.

Sponsored by Little Tennessee Land Trust (LTLT)

To RSVP and for more information contact Jill   at 828-524-2711 ext. 209 or outreach@ltlt.org

This Weekend's Nature Center and Park Events

March 12   Eco-Explorers: Tracking   Who made those tracks? What is scat? What bird left that feather? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we explore the exciting world of animal tracking. Ages 8-13. 

March 12   Turtle Fans  aAquick and easy turtle craft for kids. Meet at the Catawba River Area office (old office) of Lake James State Park at 1:00 p.m. Supplies are limited so register by calling the park office at 828-652-5047. Free.  

March 12   2nd Saturday Program at the Heritage Museum   The History of Transylvania - American Chestnut: Don Surrette 

March 13   Go Fly a Kite at FENCE   It is a sure sign of spring when the kites are flying on Hawk's Ridge at FENCE. This wonderful annual event is for kids of all ages. Free kites to the first 200 kids.

March 13   Red Fox, Grey Fox, Which is Which?   Join Park Ranger Nora Coffey for a hike on the Fox Den Loop trail to learn about the two foxes found around Lake James. Moderate level hike of about 2 miles. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the Catawba River Area office (old office) of Lake James State Park at 2:00 p.m. Free

  

NC Valentine's Weekend Event: Naturalist Meetup Party

The Compleat Naturalist is hosting a Naturalist MEETUP FREE party, Friday Feb. 11, 6:00-7:30pm. Celebrate the end of the week with drinks and snacks. Stop by and stay for the whole time or leave when you wish. This week we are focusing on the geology of the Southern Appalachians. For "show & tell," Hal will have a display of a portion of our extensive rock and mineral teaching collection, and will talk a little bit about our upcoming Rock and Mineral ID Class. Bring your naturalist stories and ideas to share! Please email if you plan to attend or if you have questions: Laura@compleatnaturalist.com

Join the  new Compleat Naturalist Meeup Group to be notified of upcoming events. Meet other nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and similarly inquisitive minds. The Compleat Naturalist Shop is located at  2 Brook Street, Historic Biltmore Village,  Asheville NC.

Spirit of Christmas Giving - Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Remember the Mountains-to-Sea Trail during the Holidays
submitted by Kate Dixon, Executive Director, Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Happy Holidays! This year, as you think about charitable gifts at year end, we hope you will make a special donation to build, protect and promote the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

More and more people are hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail each year to experience the extraordinary beauty of North Carolina - in the mountains, piedmont, coastal plain and outer banks. Ian Fraher, who completed the MST just before Thanksgiving, wrote about his journey:

"I had an amazing experience walking across North Carolina. I cannot think of a better way to experience a land than to walk across it, and I fell in love with North Carolina.

It's exciting to be one of the first 20 people to hike the entire MST, to be a pioneer in some ways. Being an early thru-hiker comes with certain challenges: road walking and knowing when I can and cannot camp. But I'll be able to help the MST grow and become more hiker-friendly with the information I gathered on my trip, information I can share with others interested in walking the trail."

Members of FMST are pioneers too - just like Ian and others who have been early hikers of the MST. Your support helps the MST grow and makes these challenging, life-changing, inspiring journeys possible -- now in the early days and in the future too.

2010 has been a year of exciting progress for the MST.

• President and First Lady Obama hiked on the MST near Asheville.
• The MST was voted one of North Carolina's Top 10 Natural Wonders.
• State Parks opened 25 new miles built by FMST volunteers along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone and Jefferson.
• FMST volunteers built the final mile of trail at Falls Lake -- now, at 60 miles, the longest stretch of MST in the Piedmont.

You can help make this grand vision possible by making a special year-end gift to build, protect and promote the MST.

Your support of the MST will be greatly appreciated by all who travel the trail and experience the beauty of North Carolina. Please join with me and others to support the trail that is uniquely North Carolina.

Halloween Event: Trick or Trail at Lake James State Park

On Oct 29 Old fashioned Halloween spirit is alive and well at Lake James State Park with campfire stories of local legends, face-painting, treats, and a short night hike on one of the trails. The Trick or Trail fun begins in the campground parking lot at 6:30 p.m. and continues in the outdoor amphitheater along the Lake Channel Overlook Trail. Register by calling the park office at 828-652-5047. Lake James State Park is located in Nebo, NC - near Marion.

Hike the Trails on Beech Mountain

June 15   Beech Mountain North Carolina   Beech Mountain Summer Guided Hikes  Experience the beauty and fun of hiking on Beech Mountain. Weather permitting. Experienced guides will explain the flora and fauna of the various seasons. There are 23 miles of maintained trails. Call the Chamber of Commerce to receive a map and for appropriate clothing. 1-800-468-5506

Take a Hike

April 20, 10AM, Lake James State Park, Nebo (near Marion) North Carolina. Hike to Sandy Cliff Overlook. Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey on a leisurely hike to one of the Parks most beautiful vistas, Sandy Cliff Overlook. Easy level hike approximately .5 miles roundtrip. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Get more information about Lake James Park...

Naturalist Series - Winter Trees and Plants at Chimney Rock

Jan 16, 10AM-3PM, Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina. Winter survival strategies of plants include dormancy, seed cycles, anti-freeze and even physical movements. Join the morning program and afternoon hike to see these plant adaptations in Chimney Rock’s woodlands and fields.