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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
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DTSTART:20230101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241108T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241108T120000
DTSTAMP:20241101T224416Z
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UID:26433-1731060000-1731067200@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 Community Farm Discovery Trail Hike
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, November 8th\nTime: Starting at 10:00 AM\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 2.5 miles\nDifficulty: Moderately Strenuous (4/10)\, several steep inclines are present on this trail\nCost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nLace up those hiking boots\, grab those trekking poles and come explore The Discovery Trail on a guided hike with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.  This 2.5-mile loop trail will lead participants through the forests and fields of our 140-acre Community Farm in Alexander\, NC.  Along the way\, we may encounter the resident Scottish Highland cow herd\, Texas longhorn cattle\, white-tailed deer\, red-tailed hawks\, and more as we make our way across the farm grounds. \nAs you hike\, you’ll come across interpretive signs that highlight some of the farm’s stories and local wildlife\, but the focus here is on enjoying nature and connecting with other hikers. \nPlease be aware that the Community Farm is an active facility not open to the public without the accompaniment of SAHC staff.  To ensure the safety of all participants\, maintain staff capacity\, and create a positive experience\, pre-registration for the hike is mandatory.  Upon registration\, you will receive an email containing specific information about where to meet on the farm and other essential details. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible. \nRegistration will close at end of day on Wednesday\, November 6. \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2024-community-farm-discovery-trail-hike/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Incubator Program)\, 24 Mag Sluder Road\, Alexander\, NC\, 28701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Farm-tour-above-silvopasture-area-e1730484322917.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241120T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241120T130000
DTSTAMP:20241120T200654Z
CREATED:20240925T001439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T200654Z
UID:26320-1732104000-1732107600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 Lunch and Learn: Elk Habitat Management
DESCRIPTION:Virtual Lunch & Learn: Elk Habitat Management with Wildlife Biologist Justin McVey\nWednesday\, November 20 at 12:00 pm EST\nJoin NC Wildlife Resources Commission‘s Wildlife Biologist Justin McVey and SAHC’s Stewardship Director Sarah Sheeran for a virtual Lunch & Learn about Elk\, their habitat\, and ongoing research and management at SAHC’s Stevens Creek Preserve adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 2001\, 52 Rocky Mountain Elk were released into Cataloochee Valley as part of an experimental program to reintroduce elk to the park. Native elk had been eliminated from the region by over-hunting and loss of habitat. A 2022 DNA study estimated there are now approximately 240 elk in Western North Carolina. \n\nIn 2023\, SAHC’s partners at NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) received grant funding to improve elk habitat on SAHC-owned land on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. SAHC’s 147-acre Stevens Creek Preserve\, located at the northern end of Cataloochee Ridge in Haywood County\, was purchased in 2017 to protect habitat for elk\, turkey\, deer and other wildlife\, to protect water resources\, and to provide a buffer on the edge of the national park. \n“We had noticed a few elk using the Stevens Creek tract\, mostly bachelors\,” said Justin McVey\, District Biologist with NCWRC. “However\, more elk which have been living just over the ridge since the release have not used the tract. We were curious – ‘why not?’ We wondered if the open areas on SAHC’s tract were converted to native grasses and plants\, would more female and young elk come onto that property? It’s so beautiful\, just a gorgeous little valley\, and we’d love to see more elk using that space. The elk population is slowly growing\, and we have high hopes that if we continue to create quality habitat we will increase the number of elk.” \nWith that in mind\, NCWRC applied for a grant from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to support removing non-native plants in favor of native vegetation on SAHC’s property at Stevens Creek. In conjunction with the grant for habitat management\, they secured funds to put radio collars on elk to track their movements and see if more elk use SAHC’s property. Read more about the project at – appalachian.org/elk-habitat-management-at-stevens-creek. \nClick here to read more about the 147-acre Stevens Creek Preserve protected in 2017\, and here to read more about the nearby 13-acres protected in 2021. \nBiologist Justin McVey conducting Elk research.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/lunch-and-learn-elk/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TrailcameraElkbyJustinMcVey.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241123T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241123T120000
DTSTAMP:20241107T232701Z
CREATED:20241107T232701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T232701Z
UID:26450-1732352400-1732363200@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 November Scotts Ridge Hike
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, November 23rd\nTime: Starting at 9:00 AM\nWhere: Scotts Ridge\nDistance: 3.5 mile\nDifficulty: Moderately strenuous (5/10)\, This includes steep inclines and slippery surfaces.\nCost: Free for Members\, $10 for non-members\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nImmerse yourself in the beauty of fall with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on a guided hike at Scott’s Ridge – a stunning 139-acre preserve that adjoins Pisgah National Forest. \nThe 3.5-mile loop trail offers a moderately challenging route through a vibrant forest\, showcasing the season’s beautiful foliage and the peaceful ambiance of the woods. As you walk through rolling terrain and shaded trails\, you’ll have the chance to connect with nature\, rejuvenate your spirit\, and enjoy the crisp fall air. \nThis hike is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Southern Appalachian landscape\, meet fellow nature enthusiasts\, and discover the restorative power of the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us for this memorable autumn adventure! \nEach participant will need to register separately as space is limited. If you have any questions please email Justin Tucker at justin@appalachian.org \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2024-november-scotts-ridge-hike/
LOCATION:Scotts Ridge\, Pisgah Forest Access Road - Baldwin Field Branch\, Candler\, NC\, 28715\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0903.jpg
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