When: September 11, 2025 (9:30 am-3:30 pm), Rain Date September 16, 2025
What: Tropical Storm Helene caused extensive damage to the red spruce-Fraser fir forest in and around Toll House Gap and Roan High Knob. Our partners at the U.S. Forest Service cleared this area of storm damaged trees under a compressed timeline, using tree material as matting to prevent erosion. We would like to “jump start” natural forest regeneration in this area by releasing small spruce and fir saplings and wildflowers that may be covered or bent over under matting or downed tree branches.
How: We will canvas the entire cleared area (roughly 25 acres), identifying and uncovering any healthy saplings that we can find and easily release. We will not use any mechanized tools or move large pieces of debris.
Heads Up: While this work is fairly gentle, it does require the ability to scramble over a very rugged area with uneven footing, potential holes, and rocks. Please do not sign up for this event if you have knee, back or balance issues. This event is not suitable for small children or dogs.
Where: Meet at the Roan High Knob (aka Cloudland) Parking Area at 9:30 am (Directions – https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYNgMT9rLegTH4Ci7)
What to Wear: Dress for the weather and work outside. Please wear long pants and sturdy work boots and bring rain gear.
What to Bring: Bring your lunch, water, and gear in addition to leather work gloves, eye protection, and any small hand tools (loppers, garden claws, small hoes) that may help uncover seedlings. Bathrooms and handwashing are available at the Cloudland Parking Area, but there is no potable water.
Schedule:
9:30 – 10:00 – Sign in, safety talk, split into crews and begin work
12:30 – 1:00 – Lunch with your crew
1:30 – 3:00 – Continue work (return to parking area when finished)
3:30 – Meet back at parking area for wrap up, thanks, and goodbyes
For questions or more information, contact Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org.
