Chimney Rock Park Hosts 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees

April 27   3rd Annual Buzz on Bees at Chimney Rock Park   Did you know that more than one-third of the world’s food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honey bees for pollination? Head for Chimney Rock Park to observe enclosed live bee hives, chat with local beekeeping experts, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products.

Kids can enjoy “busy bee” crafts and activities, and a costume prize is awarded to the “best dressed” bee. Learn more about how our survival depends on honey bees, why they are disappearing and what you can do to help.

Get links for Chimney Rock NC cabins, inns, attractions and complete visitor information HERE. 

Backyard Habitats Workshop Today at Chimney Rock

March 31  Backyard Habitats Workshop: Attracting Butterflies, Birds & Bees Why are butterflies, birds and bees attracted to some plants more than others? Can you believe that native plants are up to four times more attractive to bees than non-natives? These pollinators and feathered friends have co-evolved with specific native plants in the region and depend on them for food.

Join expert Ron Hoover to learn how to identify the best host and support plants to get your backyard or butterfly garden darting and buzzing with activity! Appropriate for all ages (6+) and levels of experience. $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders; $20 for Youth (ages 6-15), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)

Get more local information on the Chimney Rock Visitor Guide

Survival Skills Workshop offered by Chimney Rock Park

March 10    Survival Skills Workshop: Basic Wilderness First Aid (1 of 3 in series) at Chimney Rock Park.   Don’t get caught in the wild without knowing basic first aid skills. In part 1 of the Survival Skills Workshop series, learn how to avoid and treat exposure to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, poison ivy, burns, blisters and more.

Understand the basics of splinting a sprained ankle and treating snake bites, bee stings and chiggers. Don’t let minor incidents stop you in your tracks – keep moving in the great outdoors with these essential first aid skills taught by local naturalist Clint Calhoun.  $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders for single workshop; $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders for all three workshops (includes Park admission for the day) 

Get a link for this and other Chimney Rock Park Events HERE

Take a Hike: Foothills Conservancy Special Spring Hike

March 10 - The Foothills Conservancy is hosting a special Spring hike to the Bottomless Pools, Pool Creek and Cane Creek Mountain. Reservations required - limit of 20 participants.

Meeting Time: 10:30am
Meeting Place: Back parking lot area between the Lake Lure Inn and the business/office building to the left immediately along US Hwy 74-A/64 at Lake Lure
What to bring: Lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes, and an outdoors jacket/coat.
Hike Length: 2.5 to 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-to-Strenuous
Estimated Completion/Back to Parking by 1:30pm
Put on your hiking boots and join Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina for a special Spring hike in the Hickory Nut Gorge along Pool Creek, including an opportunity to view the unique, privately-owned Bottomless Pools, as well as portions of Cane Creek Mountain that the conservancy acquired for Chimney Rock State Park. Tom Kenney, Foothills’ Land Protection Director, will guide the moderate-to-strenuous, 3-hour hike. Enjoy the day as you learn about Foothills Conservancy’s continuing efforts to preserve nearby land and protect Pool Creek. Call 828-437-9930 or e-mail info@foothillsconservancy.org for details & registration.  Hike will proceed rain-or-shine unless heavy rain or stormy weather occurs.

Winter events at the WNC Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region. Its mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences.And there are plenty of experiences at the Center during the winter months.

Petting Area Hours Will Vary During the Winter - If meeting the sheep and goats at the contact yard is a stop you don't want to miss when you visit, call ahead (828-298-5600 ) or check the board in the lobby when you come in to see when the petting area will be open.

Nibbles with Nibbles plush toy

February 2, Ground Hog Day at the Center presents Carlton Burke's program about groundhogs  at 2:00 PM. Explore the folklore of this native rodent species with stories and song, and meet live groundhogs, including Nibbles, the Nature Center's own Animal Ambassador.  Celebrate Ground Hog's Day in a special way: Adopt Nibbles, the Nature Center's groundhog,  in honor of Groundhog  Day!

Being a "Wild Parent" to Nibbles is great - she's cute, she's a Nature Center star, she'll let you know when to put away your winter clothes and bring out your spring clothes. Plus, she won't keep you up all night since we'll take care of feeding her for you. The Nature Center's  Wild Parent adoption packages begin at $25 and include an adoption certificate, a photograph of Nibbles, an invitation to the annual Wild Parents Day event at the Nature Center, and more. Adopt at the $50 level and a cute plush groundhog will be included in the package.   

Wild Walks begin in February - Wild Walks is a "behind the scenes" tour of the Nature Center.  If you've ever been curious about what happens behind the STAFF ONLY doors in the Appalachian Station, now's your chance to find out! Starting in February, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center will be offering a special look into the care of the Nature Center animals.  Dates and Times TBA $50 for adults / $25 for children (no strollers).

The WNC Nature Center four-day wildlife rehabilitation workshop will be held February 18-19 & 25-26, 2012 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The workshop is designed to educate those with or without prior rehabilitation experience to care for orphaned or injured small mammals, birds and reptiles. Workshops include lecture, demonstration and hands-on experience about all aspects of animal rehab, including feeding, housing and general medical care. Speakers will include state and federal licensed rehabilitators, wildlife vets, Nature Center staff, and more!

photo by Jessica Krippel

Nature photographers - professional and budding alike - are invited to share their very best glimpses into life at the WNC Nature Center by submitting photographs to the monthly photography contest.  Every month, a winner will be featured in the WNC Friends of the Nature Center Wild ENews.  Submissions are open to anyone, any age, and any experience level. Your photo should be from within the WNC Nature Center grounds, and can feature any of the animals and landscapes. Please include your name when submitting, so   proper credit to the artist can be attributed.  Submissions for February will be due Tuesday, January 31and should be sent  to Jill Sharp at americorps@wildwnc.org  Remember to specify in your email that your photo is for the contest.  Unselected photos will be under consideration for future months.

The WNC Nature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville NC. Operating hours are: 7 days a week 10 AM - 5 PM with admittance until 4:30. Get a link for the WNC Nature Center and other Asheville NC Attractions HERE.

The Loons of Lake James Boat Tour

November 12 -  The Loons of Lake James Boat Tour Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver on a boat ride to search for the loons that frequent Lake James during the winter months. Discuss how they survive during their winter migration and how they use the resources at Lake James to help them through the winter.

Participation is limited and passengers must be age 7 and above. Please call the Park Office at (828) 584-7728 for program registration. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office at 2 PM. Lake James is located in Nebo NC, just outside of Marion.

Get a link for Lake James Park and other
Marion area attractions, lodging and events HERE

Boat Tours in Lake James State Park

Sept 26    Wildlife of Lake James Boat Tour   Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey for an interpretive boat tour in search of wildlife along the shores of Lake James. Participants are limited and must be age 7 or older. Please call the Park Office at (828) 584-7728 to register. Suggested items to bring include water,  sunscreen, binoculars and a towel or cushion for seating. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office, 2 PM

Sept 29    Lake James Canoe Excursion   Join Park Ranger Nora Coffey for a leisurely afternoon paddle along the shores of Lake James. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Participants limited and paddlers must be age 7 or older. Pre-registration is required. Call the park office at (828) 584-7728 and meet at the new Paddy’s Creek Area office at 5 p.m. Free.

Lake James State Park  is an NC State Park tucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge, just outside Marion NC. Lake James is a 6,510-acre lake and  the centerpiece of Lake James State Park. Scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains and a variety of recreational  and educational activities are offered. 

Get a Buzz at Chimney Rock Park

August 20 Chimney Rock Park hosts  Get the "Buzz on Bees".  More than one third of the world's food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honeybees for pollination. Even your home garden and flowers wouldn't make it without them! Learn more about how our survival depends on honeybees, why they are disappearing and how you can help by joining us at the Park  from 11am-3pm.

Observe enclosed live bee hives, learn the basics of beekeeping and bee-friendly backyards, dress up to win the bee costume contest and bring home a variety of local honey products! Kids' activities will be offered too. No additional charge with paid admission.

WNC Nature Center Open Late Every Saturday in August

To help guests beat the heat this summer, the WNC Nature Center will be extending its hours on Saturdays in August, remaining open until 7:00 PM.

Coyotes featured at WNC  Nature Center

"Many of the animals at the Nature Center become much more active during the late afternoon," says Chris Gentile, Director of the Nature Center. "We hope that by extending our hours, guests will be able to see a side of the Center they've never been able to experience before."

Enjoy dinner and a nice glass of wine before or after your visit at Cafe Azalea or take the family to Chilis, both close to the Center on Tunnel Road and then have a cool treat at Ultimate Ice Cream. Please be sure to thank them for their support of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center features over 60 species of animals and area plants local to the Southern Apalachain region. It is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville NC.

Butterfly Identification Workshop in Asheville

Oftentimes folks who start out watching birds branch off into butterfly watching. Of course summer is the best time to learn about them.  The Compleat Naturalist is offering the rare opportunity to study butterfly specimens up close in this 2-hour workshop, using our teaching collection which includes nearly every species of butterfly found in North Carolina. Sat., July 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.    Click here for registration details.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Grandfather Mountain Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

Grandfather Mountain begins its  Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble on Memorial Day, May 30, and continues the Ramble through June 12. The event is one of Grandfather Mountain's special activities with staff naturalists designed to help you get the most out of the memorable siege of the Catawba Rhododendron at Grandfather.

Programs will occur daily at 1 PM and last for approximately one hour. See the Naturalist Information Board when you arrive to learn where that day's program will begin. Free with Park admission.  For details, phone 800-468-7325.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Plant and Flower Festivals

The NC Mountains are in full peak for Spring foliage and blossoms on Memorial Day Weekend. It's a beautiful time to be in the mountains and also the right time to get herbs, flowers and other plants for your own garden. Festivals, Farmer's Markets and local growers abound with starters and information to "green-up" your world.

May 28 - 29   Hendersonville NC hosts the  18th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival  including over 200 vendors selling thousands of plants, arts and crafts along with  garden talks,  clinics, garden accessories, and food. The festival covers 8 blocks of Main Street from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM both days. The festival is always held during the Memorial Day weekend. Hendersonville NC.

May 28 - 29   The Banner Elk Herb Festival  features Fantastic Spring herbs, great local bands, lots of arts and crafts vendors, farmers market items, a kid zone and of course thousands of herb plants for sale. The festival benefits the local volunteer firefighters. BAnner Elk NC.

May 28 - 29   Annual Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition  This popular event features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about selection, care and history of these elegant garden plants. A sale will be held in conjunction with the exhibition, which will include rose plants, fertilizer, and soil amendments.

American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter, Annual Rhododendron Truss Show

April 30 - May 1 in Asheville NC the Annual American Rhododendrons Society Southeast Chapter Show  is at the The North Carolina Arboretum. Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas are the favorites of the weekend. The Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection, and visitors are encouraged to explore the garden representing nearly every species native to the United States. Society members will be on hand to answer questions, and a guided tour of the Arboretum’s Azalea Repository will be offered each day. Noon to 5 Pm both days.

Asheville's North Carolina Arboretum hosts WNC Orchid Society Show

March 26 - 27  head for Asheville NC and the  WNC Orchid Society Show.  Thousands of orchids fill the Education Center in this annual American Orchid Society judged show. The event also features orchid plants and supplies for sale by world class vendors. Educational classes will be offered throughout the weekend, and WNC Orchid Society members are available to answer questions and provide orchid-growing advice.

The North Carolina Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville NC.

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

  

Watch the Birdie with the Compleat Naturalist in Asheville

FREE Naturalist Meetup March 11, 6:30 PM.

The March 11 Naturalist Meetup hosted by the Compleat Naturalist kicks off a series of events focused on bird song.  Stop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. for a glass of wine or juice and some snacks; meet other people interested in nature!  The event is FREE and open to anyone, but please call us at 828-274-5430, or email Laura@compleatnaturalist.com to sign up.  We'll have an informal presentation and conversation about birds, local birding, and bird songs beginning at about 6:45 p.m.         Come on over and bring a friend!

March 19:  Bird Song ID for Beginners Class, 2:00-3:30 pm Bird song is all around us.  Identifying birds by ear is a bit challenging, but in this class we will present the tools and techniques that are most helpful in getting started.  This is the best time of year to begin, as the resident birds are singing their spring songs, while summer residents have not yet arrived to complicate things!  Join Compleat Naturalist owners Laura and Hal Mahan for a slide and audio presentation to help get you started learning the most common backyard bird songs.  Please register by phone, by mail, or in person in the store.  Class Fee:  $10.00  Class size is limited.  For details, visit our website.  We'll also be leading free bird song ID field trips on March 26 and March 30!  Call us at 828-274-5430 for further information

New Crossley ID Guide for Eastern Birds

The new Crossley ID Guide has arrived!  Unlike other guides, which provide isolated individual photographs or illustrations, this is the first book to feature large, lifelike scenes for each species.  These scenes are each composed of at least ten color images showing the bird in a wide range of views—near and far, from different angles, in various plumages and behaviors, including flight, and in the habitat in which they live. These beautiful compositions show how a bird's appearance changes with distance, and give equal emphasis to characteristics experts use to identify birds: size, structure and shape, behavior, and color.    The Crossley ID Guide    $35.00

The Compleat Naturalist is located at 2 Brook Street in Asheville NC

Pearsons Falls open for the season

Pearson's Falls is located in the foothills of Western North Carolina  mid-way between Saluda and Tryon. It is a botanical preserve includin  268 acres of virgin forest, spring-fed streams and a 90 ft. waterfall.  Classified as
a deciduous climax forest the preserve hosts over 200 species of fern, flowering plants, algae and mosses.

Perason's Falls is owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club which was organized in 1928. The Club purchased the property in 1931 to ensure that it would be maintained as a natural preserve in perpetuity. Ir has been operated and preserved by the Club since that time. 

Tomorrow is Wednesday at PARI

Feb 16  -  Wednesdays at PARI   The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute offers an unparalleled opportunity for people of all ages to experience the wonders of scientific research first hand. .PARI volunteers share the history and future of the site. They emphasize the opportunities to explore the universe available through PARI to all ages. The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is located at 1 PARI Drive in  Rosman, NC - just outside of Brevarb North Carolina.