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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20250713T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20250713T130000
DTSTAMP:20250620T190553Z
CREATED:20250620T134217Z
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UID:28236-1752400800-1752411600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Mindful Morning Walk: Sandy Mush Game Lands
DESCRIPTION:Date: Sunday\, July 13\nTime: Starting at 10 am\nWhere: Sandy Mush Game Lands\nDistance: 2 miles (out and back)\nDifficulty: (4/10)\, Easy\nCost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nJoin us for the 2025 Sandy Mush Game Lands: Morning Meditative Hike \nStart your morning with intention on a meditative hike through the peaceful setting of the Sandy Mush Game Lands. This easy 2-mile out-and-back walk invites you to slow down\, breathe deeply\, and fully immerse yourself in the sights\, sounds\, and rhythms of nature. \nAlong the way\, we’ll engage in gentle mindfulness practices including focused breathing\, quiet observation\, and intentional pauses to reflect or journal. Binoculars are encouraged for those who want to take a closer look at birds and wildlife. You’re also welcome to bring a journal\, sketchbook\, or any tool that helps deepen your connection with the natural world. \nThis experience is perfect for anyone seeking a calm\, grounding start to the day or a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Southern Appalachians. \nPlease note: This hike passes through pasture and wildlife habitat. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering ticks\, bees\, or snakes. \nThank you for your interest in this Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy event. We look forward to sharing this peaceful morning on the trail with you. \nA pre-hike email sent to registered participants prior to the day of the outing will include additional information such as the group meeting location. We estimate this outing experience to last approximately 3 hours. If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org. \n \nSAHC’s involvement in conservation:\nThe Sandy Mush Game Lands consist of 2\,765 acres of land in Buncombe and Madison Counties\, owned by the State of NC and managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Sandy Mush Creek and Turkey Creek flow through it. \nIn 2004\, SAHC assisted the State of NC in the acquisition of the land\, once owned by CP&L/Progress Energy\, for conservation and public ownership. In 2011\, we acquired an 88-acre tract  because it formed a critical linking bridge and wildlife corridor between non-contiguous portions of the game lands — and in 2017 we transferred this tract to the state for inclusion in the Sandy Mush Game Lands. In 2023\, SAHC assisted our partners at NCWRC with the adding 67 acres to the Sandy Mush Game Lands on the Madison County side\, by providing a matching contribution which helped NCWRC secure grants from the NC Land and Water Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program to make the acquisition possible.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/mindful-morning-walk-sandy-mush-game-lands/
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sandy-Mush-Game-Lands_Brian.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20250718T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20250718T140000
DTSTAMP:20250630T195011Z
CREATED:20250620T134039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T195011Z
UID:28244-1752827400-1752847200@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Rocky Fork State Park Hike – Snakeden Ridge Loop
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, July 18\nTime: Starting at 8:30 am\nWhere: Rocky Fork State Park\nDistance: 6.6 miles (Loop)\nDifficulty: (9/10)\, Strenuous\, Challenging\nCost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nJoin us for the Rocky Fork State Park Hike – Snakeden Ridge Loop \nJoin SAHC for a challenging and rewarding 6.6-mile loop through the scenic beauty of Tennessee’s Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. With approximately 1\,200 feet of elevation gain\, this hike is ideal for those seeking a vigorous adventure and stunning natural views. \nWe’ll start on the Flint Creek Trail\, following the stream through lush forests and peaceful hollows. The trail then curves to meet the Blockstand Creek Trail\, where a steady climb brings more significant elevation gain. Upon reaching Snakeden Ridge\, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain vistas and the chance to observe wildflowers\, wildlife\, and the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this special park. \nThe route includes portions of uneven and rocky terrain\, particularly along the ridge. It combines segments of the Rocky Fork Trail\, Flint Creek Trail\, and Blockstand Creek Trail to provide a varied and immersive experience that highlights the best of Rocky Fork State Park. \n\nInteresting tidbit: The name “Snakeden Ridge” refers to snake dens allegedly found along its lower reaches. Snake dens are common at mid-level elevations in this section of the park\, according to folklore. The Cherokee word for snake is “inada”.\n\nRegistered participants will receive a pre-hike email with additional information the week of the outing. We estimate this outing to last approximately 5.5 hours. If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org. \n \nSAHC’s involvement in conservation:\nThe 10\,000-acre Rocky Fork watershed is comprised of the 2\,076-acre Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park and approximately 8\,000 adjoining acres owned by the U.S. Forest Service and part of Cherokee National Forest. \nSAHC worked from 2006-2012 to protect this iconic area\, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy\, The Conservation Fund\, the State of Tennessee\, the U.S. Forest Service\, and other public and private partners. The Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund provided $6 million for the State of Tennessee to acquire the land for the Park\, which was officially designated Tennessee’s 55th State Park in October 2012. A section of the Appalachian Trail crosses the southwest corner of the massive Rocky Fork conservation project area\, approximately a half mile from the state park. \nRead more HERE >>
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/rocky-fork-state-park-hike-snakeden-ridge-loop/
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WittLangstaffJrcopyright-Rocky-Fork-Hike_crossingbridge.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20250726T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20250726T120000
DTSTAMP:20250620T134109Z
CREATED:20250620T134109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T134109Z
UID:28247-1753524000-1753531200@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:July Community Farm Tour
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, July 26\nTime: Starting at 10 am\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 2.5 miles \nDifficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10)\, several steep inclines are present on this trail\nCost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nJoin us for a July Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm \nCelebrate the height of summer with a guided hike along The Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander\, NC. This 2.5-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges\, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm in full bloom. \nAs you explore the 140-acre property\, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures\, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods\, or hawks soaring overhead. July is a lively time on the farm\, when native pollinator plants blooms\, birds and wildlife are active\, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display. \nThe SAHC Community Farm hosts a range of exciting programs and projects\, including a stream restoration project\, shortleaf pine reforestation\, a farm incubator program\, silvopasture project\, food forest\, Story Walk\, and a growing education center. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast\, photographer\, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture\, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand. \nPlease note that the Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all\, pre-registration is required. After registering\, you’ll receive directions\, meeting instructions\, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible. \nIf you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/july-community-farm-tour/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)\, 180 Mag Sluder Road\, Alexander\, NC\, 28701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CommunityFarm_hike2_web.jpg
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