Christmount Hike

Last Saturday, SAHC led our first guided hike of 2017 through the protected woods of our 400-acre conservation easement at Christmount. The weather was lovely, with a clear blue winter sky, allowing for beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Black Mountains. Hikers had a chance to learn about the connected landscape of protected lands in the region and to see other places SAHC has worked to protect, including the Montreat Wilderness and our Laurel Ridge preserve.

We were also joined by Margot Wallston, statewide coordinator for the Hemlock Restoration Initiative, who discussed chemical and biological methods of control for the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. Hikers learned and asked questions about ways they can treat their own hemlocks and work to help restore hemlock health in the region.