BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://appalachian.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Halifax BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20250309T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20251102T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20260308T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20261101T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20270314T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20271107T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20280312T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20281105T050000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260708T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260708T120000 DTSTAMP:20260602T151013Z CREATED:20260428T182049Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T151013Z UID:30485-1783504800-1783512000@appalachian.org SUMMARY:Creek Week 2026 - SAHC Community Farm Hike DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, July 8th\nTime: Starting at 10:00 am\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 2.0 miles \nDifficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10)\, a few steep inclines are present on this trail\nCost: FREE\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nEnjoy a guided hike on the 2-mile Discovery Trail loop trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander\, NC. Learn about how our stream restoration project on our Community Farm in 2013 improved water quality in the French Broad River watershed. \nAlong this hike you will also learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project\, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard\, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk\, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program. \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. Summer 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. \nPlease note that the SAHC 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 Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org \n\n\n\n  \nTo Register for this Hike\, Fill Out Form Below: URL:https://appalachian.org/event/creek-week-2026-sahc-community-farm-hike/ CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_8706.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260718T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260718T140000 DTSTAMP:20260715T151509Z CREATED:20260630T184041Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T151509Z UID:31004-1784368800-1784383200@appalachian.org SUMMARY:July Beaver Creek Watershed Hike DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, July 18\, 2026\nTime: 10:00 AM\nDistance: 2.5 miles\nElevation: ~400 feet gain then loss.\nDifficulty:  Moderate (6/10) due to uneven and slick terrain\, minor scrambling.\n\nJoin Park Greer\, SAHC’s Preserve Manager and Erin Goodpaster\, SAHC Outreach Program Manager for an untraditional hike as we explore the aquatic environments of the Beaver Creek Watershed on SAHC’s South Yellow Mountain Preserve near Spruce Pine\, NC. The trek begins with a short safety and ecological talk before heading up the creek. Along the way participants have the opportunity to relax by calming waterfalls\, search for and learn about critters\, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness!\n\n\nThe path up the creek is undeveloped and most walking between stopping points will be on game trails and will involve minor scrambling\, requiring the use of hands. The walk back to the parking area will be on a gravel road.\n\nPlease come prepared with plenty of water\, snacks\, lunch\, hiking gear that can get wet\, and a good attitude.\n\n\nREGISTER HERE: URL:https://appalachian.org/event/july-beavercreek-watershed-hike/ CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,South Yellow Mountain Preserve,Upcoming ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-141755.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260724T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260724T090000 DTSTAMP:20260708T205007Z CREATED:20260708T205007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T205007Z UID:31039-1784880000-1784883600@appalachian.org SUMMARY:Morning Yoga on the Farm DESCRIPTION:Where: SAHC Community Farm\nGentle Flow Yoga\nDate & Time: Friday\, July 24th\, 8:00 AM\nCost: Free for Members\, $10 for Non-members (Pre-Registration is Required!)\nBring your own mat\nJoin Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on Friday\, July 24th\, for a grounding 60-minute practice exploring connection to the body\, breath\, and awareness. This session will be held outside\, under the oak tree at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander\, NC\, led by our Outreach Program Manager\, Erin Goodpaster. During this busy summer season\, we hope to offer an invitation to slow down\, ground\, and turn inwards. \nThis class is suitable for beginners as well as experienced students and will offer some flow\, including some movements up and down off of the mat. Postures may include\, but are not limited to\, sitting\, hands & knees\, standing poses\, balancing poses\, etc. Expect modifications and cues to help you have the safest practice possible. This flow will be a relaxing way to wake up with the sun and ease your way into the weekend. \nErin is a certified 200 hr yoga instructor and has been practicing yoga since 2015. \nREGISTER HERE: URL:https://appalachian.org/event/morning-yoga-on-the-farm/ CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/yogaerin-e1783536821139.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260725T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260726T170000 DTSTAMP:20260709T153943Z CREATED:20260709T153943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T153943Z UID:31055-1784966400-1785085200@appalachian.org SUMMARY:Wilderness First Aid Training at SAHC Community Farm with SOLO Southeast DESCRIPTION:Where: SAHC Community Farm\nDate: Saturday\, July 25th and Sunday the 26th\nTime: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM\nCost: $165\nWill not include CPR Training\n  \nJoin Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on the weekend of July 25th and 26th for a Wilderness First Aid Training with SOLO Southeast at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander\, NC\, about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. \nThis entry-level course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers to the outdoor industry. The 16 hours of instruction cover patient assessment and how to provide basic care for sick or injured patients. Students will participate in hands-on scenarios in addition to classroom lectures and activities. Successful completion of this course provides a two-year certification. Participants can expect to spend time learning as a group in both a classroom setting as well as outside with hands-on action in real world scenarios. \nPlease Note: Registration is strictly limited to 8 spots. Registration will close when we hit capacity. \nREGISTER HERE: URL:https://appalachian.org/event/wilderness-first-aid-training-at-sahc-community-farm-with-solo-southeast/ CATEGORIES:Upcoming ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PXL_20260709_150303583-e1783609752633.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260729T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260729T130000 DTSTAMP:20260717T213850Z CREATED:20260716T155755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T213850Z UID:31083-1785326400-1785330000@appalachian.org SUMMARY:2026 Lunch & Learn - Intro to Deer Hunting DESCRIPTION:Virtual Lunch & Learn – Introduction to Deer Hunting with Lisa Fierman\, Artemis Sportswomen Ambassador\nWednesday\, July 29 at 12:00 pm EST\nJoin North Carolina’s Artemis Sportswomen ambassador Lisa Fierman for an introduction to deer hunting. We invite you to learn more about the relationship between hunting and conservation and the tenets of an ethical hunter. This presentation will include an overview of the skills and knowledge it takes to become a successful deer hunter\, and how to find a place to hunt. \nArtemis Sportswomen is an official program of the National Wildlife Federation. By investing in sportswomen’s communities\, skills\, and leadership\, Artemis continues to create an intergenerational cohort of outdoors leaders and champions for hunting\, angling\, and conservation. Artemis is dedicated to creating lasting positive impact on sporting and the outdoors\, and the land\, water\, and wildlife upon which we all depend. \nThis Lunch & Learn will be accompanied by a free\, in-person deer scouting event on Saturday\, August 1 at 7 am at Bent Creek Experimental Forest. More details and sign-up in your Webinar registration. URL:https://appalachian.org/event/intro-to-deer-hunting-lunch-and-learn/ CATEGORIES:Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Rub.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260731T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260731T150000 DTSTAMP:20260716T184906Z CREATED:20260716T184906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T184906Z UID:31148-1785493800-1785510000@appalachian.org SUMMARY:Waterfalls Park Volunteer Work Day DESCRIPTION:Friday\, July 31st\, 10:30 AM\nNewland Waterfalls Park – Newland\, NC\nJoin the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and the Roan Stewardship team for a volunteer workday at the Newland Waterfalls Park located in Newland\, NC. This popular SAHC acquisition was heavily damaged from Hurricane Helene and is still in need of trail improvements for the many people who recreate here daily. \nTasks will include: \n\ntrash cleanup\nbrush clearing\nchainsaw work\nbridge improvements\ntrail improvements\n\nWhat To Bring: \n\nWater (2 liters)\nLunch & snacks\nPants\nClosed-toed shoes\nGloves\nHat\, sunglasses\, & sun protection\nAny trail tools you might prefer working with\n\nAll and any ability levels are welcome! If you have any questions\, please reach out to Roan Stewardship Technician Travis Bordley at travis@appalachian.org \n  \nREGISTER HERE URL:https://appalachian.org/event/waterfalls-park-volunteer-work-day/ CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming,Volunteer Opportunity ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-16-141634.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260801T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260801T090000 DTSTAMP:20260716T171303Z CREATED:20260716T155751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T171303Z UID:31087-1785567600-1785574800@appalachian.org SUMMARY:2026 Lunch & Learn Outing - Deer Scouting at Bent Creek with Artemis Sportswomen DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, August 1\nTime: 7-9 AM\nWhere: Bent Creek Experimental Forest\, Ledford Branch Trailhead Parking\nDifficulty: 5/10\nPre-registration is REQUIRED\nJoin Artemis Ambassador Lisa Fierman for a cool summer morning learning more about deer behavior\, spotting deer sign\, and how to set yourself up for success while hunting. Expect to be walking in the woods\, on and off trail\, for roughly 2 hours. There will be some elevation again and loss. This outing is a compliment to the Virtual Lunch & Learn on July 29. Please come prepared with sturdy footwear\, plenty of water\, snacks\, and outfitted for time in the woods – including bug spray and/or permethrin treated clothing and an awareness of poison ivy. \nArtemis Sportswomen celebrates and uplifts women hunters and anglers\, creating community and developing leaders in the sporting and conservation worlds. While this outing is in partnership with Artemis\, please register no matter your gender identity. Our goal is to create a supportive learning environment for all people! \nREGISTER HERE URL:https://appalachian.org/event/bent-creek-scouting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260801T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260801T160000 DTSTAMP:20260713T173151Z CREATED:20260713T173151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T173151Z UID:31079-1785578400-1785600000@appalachian.org SUMMARY:Roan Highlands BioBlitz with MountainTrue DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 1\nJoin the Roan Stewardship team\, our partners from MountainTrue\, and the Buladean Community Center  to explore and document incredible natural biodiversity on SAHC preserves in the Highlands of Roan. Celebrate conservation and participate in MountainTrue’s 10th Annual BioBlitz while exploring our beautiful Wiles Creek and Big Rock Creek preserves (and likely a few others). Attendees will participate in groups with expert naturalists that will guide them in identifying as many species as possible. Data collected on SAHC’s preserves will aid in long term protection of the land. \n\nWhat is a BioBlitz?\n\n\nA BioBlitz is part social event\, part scientific expedition. Armed with the iNaturalist app and guided by experts\, we’ll head into the field to document the rare and rugged ecosystems in the Highlands of Roan. \n\nExplore: Navigate diverse terrains with expert naturalists.\nLearn: Discover how to identify local flora and fauna.\nContribute: Every observation you upload becomes part of a global database used by scientists to track environmental health.\n\n\nJoin the Expedition\n\n\nReady to become a citizen scientist? Space is limited to ensure a high-quality experience for all participants and to minimize our impact on the land. \nImportant Reminders:\nPlease leave pets at home. Kids able to hike 4 miles are welcome to attend as long as accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the event. \nLocation:\nBioBlitz gathering location (Buladean Community Center) URL:https://appalachian.org/event/roan-highlands-bioblitz-with-mountaintrue/ CATEGORIES:Roan Stewardship Volunteer,Upcoming,Volunteer Opportunity ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WilesCreek_BeeBalm_Travis-Bordley_20200805-DSC06687-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260815 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817 DTSTAMP:20260629T193258Z CREATED:20260210T150755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T193258Z UID:29873-1786752000-1786924799@appalachian.org SUMMARY:2026 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off DESCRIPTION:We need YOUR help on the mountain!\nSaturday\, August 15 – Sunday\, August 16\nCamp out or come for a day. Join other volunteers as we work to maintain the globally rare grassy and shrub balds found on Grassy Ridge\, one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant sites in the Roan Highlands. We’ll cut invasive blackberries and other shrubs using weed whackers and brush cutters. Enjoy great company and great job satisfaction! Our annual Grassy Ridge Mow-Off is more than just a work day — it’s an incredible way to experience the Highlands of Roan and to share cherished moments with friends. \nBackpackers and day trippers are both welcome.\nThe hike to Grassy Ridge is a rugged 2.5 miles over three balds\, generally gaining over 650 feet in elevation. If skies are clear\, the views are gorgeous\, and we have a job suited to almost everyone. There are several different ways to help: flagging rare plants\, cutting or raking blackberries\, camp organization or cooking\, taking photographs\, and more. \nDo you plan to join the group camp out on Grassy Ridge on Saturday\, August 15th? If so\, please be sure to note that on the registration form below. \nGrassy Ridge Mow-Off  Planned Schedule:\nSaturday\, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Campers arrive\, set up your tent and return to the work site. \nSaturday\, 10:00 a.m. Day hikers arrive. Sign in/Orientation \nSaturday\, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Work time! (lunch break at 1 pm) \nSaturday 4:00 p.m. – bedtime. Clean up and store equipment. Fun and Fellowship for campers! \nSunday 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A short work day and pack out. *Everyone should be prepared to pack out group trash. \nFor questions\, contact Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org.\n  \nREGISTER HERE TO VOLUNTEER\nWe are at capacity for this event! If you would like to be added to the waitlist\, please get in touch directly with Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org. URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2026-grassy-ridge-mow-off/ CATEGORIES:Roan Stewardship Volunteer,Upcoming,Volunteer Opportunity ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GRMO-IMG_2952-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260820T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260820T140000 DTSTAMP:20260715T162531Z CREATED:20260715T162531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T162531Z UID:31130-1787220000-1787234400@appalachian.org SUMMARY:Stabilizing & Revegetating Streams: A Landowner Workshop DESCRIPTION:What: FREE workshop on stabilizing and repairing streams\nWhen: Thursday\, August 20 from 10 am to 2 pm\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\, 180 Mag Sluder Rd\, Alexander\, NC 28701\n\nDo you want to repair and stabilize stream banks on your property? Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and our partners from Riverlink and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service for an informative workshop paired with look at a successfully restored stream area. \n\n\nNRCS Working Lands for Wildlife and CHIRAM (Collaboration on Helene Impact and Recovery Assessment and Monitoring) are partnering with local nonprofits SAHC and Riverlink to this host outreach workshop for landowners in Buncombe County\, providing information and resources on best practices for streambank stabilization and revegetation. The workshops were created in response to needs identified following Helene\, with the goal of supporting communities and their recovery work\, particularly with private landowners. \n\n\n\nHosting and Presenting Partners:\n\n\n  \nPlanned Workshop Agenda\n\nMorning sessions\n9:45 – 10 am: Participants meet at the SAHC Community Farm Education Center\n10 – 10:30 am: Group Introductions\n10:30 – 11 am:  RiverLink presentation – Eli Smith\, Watershed Program Specialist\n11 – 11:30 am: NRCS presentation\n11:30 am – noon: SAHC presentation – Chris Link\, Community Farm Manager\n  \nBreak\n12 – 12:45 pm: Time for questions/conversations\, resource distribution\, lunch break (bring your own)\n  \nAfternoon Project Tour\n12:45 to 1:45 pm: Field tour of SAHC’s stream restoration project on the farm property\n1:45 – 2:15 pm: End of workshop wrap-up\n  \n\n\nFREE for attendees\, but pre-registration is required.\nSAHC Community Farm Manager Chris Link (chris@appalachian.org) will email additional info to registered participants prior to the event. To participate\, please fill out the registration form below.\n\n  \nWorkshop Registration\n\nThank you for your interest in a workshop with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Registration for this outing is closed at this time. Please check our calendar of events for additional opportunities to connect! URL:https://appalachian.org/event/stabilizing-revegetating-streams-a-landowner-workshop/ LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)\, 180 Mag Sluder Road\, Alexander\, NC\, 28701\, United States CATEGORIES:Farm Workshop Series,SAHC Community Farm,Upcoming ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_1942.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260821T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260821T130000 DTSTAMP:20260812T145403Z CREATED:20260731T194515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T145403Z UID:31233-1787310000-1787317200@appalachian.org SUMMARY:2026 August Blue Hole Falls Hike and Swim DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, August 21st\nTime: 11:00 am\nDistance: 0.3 miles\nDifficulty: 5/10\n  \nJoin SAHC for a short hike\, picnic\, and swimming at Blue Hole Falls in Elizabethton\, TN on Friday\, August 21st! This very short trail leads to a beautiful natural waterfall and swimming hole. The trail includes a steep section as well as roots and wooden steps that can be slick. Bring your own lunch to enjoy after a morning of swimming! \nAbout Blue Hole Falls: In 2023 SAHC purchased 29 acres in Carter County\, TN near the Blue Hole Falls recreation area.  This land adjoins Cherokee National Forest on three sides\, with the upper part of Mill Creek running through the property and into Blue Hole Falls downstream. SAHC transferred the property to the U.S. Forest Service in 2025 and is now a part of the Cherokee National Forest. Conservation of the property helps protect water quality in trout waters and downstream in Blue Hole Falls\, as well as scenic views from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. \nREGISTER HERE:\n\n\n \n Participant Contact InformationHiker Name(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State\n AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific\n \n ZIP Code\n \n \n \n Hiker Email Address(Required)\n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n \n Phone(Required)Emergency Contact and Safety InformationPlease provide contact info for a person who is not accompanying you\, in case of an emergency.Emergency Contact Name(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Emergency Contact Phone(Required)Are you over 18 years old?(Required)\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Parent Signature Required(Required)Please list first and last names\, separated by commasDo you have any allergies\, dietary restrictions\, or health conditions that we should be aware of?(Required)\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Allergies\, dietary restrictions\, etc.(Required) Add Remove\n Submit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n \n  \n  URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2026-august-blue-hole-falls-hike-and-swim/ CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Blue-Hole-DSC05586.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270101 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270302 DTSTAMP:20260724T145915Z CREATED:20260724T145730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T145915Z UID:31222-1798761600-1803945599@appalachian.org SUMMARY:2027 SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge DESCRIPTION:Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce the 7th Annual Winter Hiking Challenge!\nThe Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days\, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked\, ran or hiked – in your neighborhood or through the woods – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st\, 2027). No matter your background or ability this event is designed to get folks outside in the cold winter months! Registration opens December 1st and the registration fee is $25 per person. Your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time\, please use the coupon code: SAHC2027. \nParticipants will receive informative emails throughout the challenge with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN\, including some new properties SAHC has recently protected. You may enter miles at any date during the 60 days\, as long as they are all entered by 11:59 pm on March 1. \nThose who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch\, designed by Solstice Handmade\, and all participants are invited to an in-person celebration on Saturday\, March 13 at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium. \nNew this year! We will be introducing a private Facebook Group and Strava Club for challenge participants to connect with one another\, share hiking recommendations\, and create community throughout the challenge. More information will be provided in your registration details. \n\nRegistration Opens December 1\, 2026\n\n  \nInterested in sponsoring the challenge? Get in touch with Membership Director Cheryl Fowler at cheryl@appalachian.org. URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2027-winter-hiking-challenge/ CATEGORIES:Special Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAHC-WHC-celebration.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20270313T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20270313T180000 DTSTAMP:20260724T151228Z CREATED:20260724T142937Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T151228Z UID:31215-1804950000-1804960800@appalachian.org SUMMARY:2027 Winter Hiking Challenge Celebration DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, March 13\nTime: 3 to 6 pm\nLocation: Wicked Weed Funkatorium\, 147 Coxe Ave\, Asheville\, NC 28801\nYou’re invited to join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to celebrate the conclusion of the Winter Hiking Challenge! This gathering will be a chance to connect with other hikers who participated in the challenge\, meeting fellow members of the conservation community. SAHC will be there with merchandise for sale and plenty of staff members if you have questions about our work. \nThere will be freebies\, raffles\, and auction items available\, with proceeds benefitting SAHC’s conservation work. Additionally\, there will be a few vendors who helped with the challenge – more information to come. You will NOT receive your patch at this event. Patches will be mailed to finishers upon conclusion of the challenge. \nThere is public street parking available along Coxe Ave and other nearby streets\, a private parking garage The Ironwood Parking Garage at 45 Federal Alley (2 minute walk)\, and a public parking deck at 11 Sears Alley (9 minute walk). Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the venue. The Funkatorium specializes in sour beer\, but regular beer\, wine\, and non-alcoholic options are also available. Additionally\, there is a full kitchen on site serving pizza\, sandwiches\, and more. Find their menu online here. \nCheck back for an RSVP form closer to the event date. URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2027-whc-celebration/ LOCATION:Wicked Weed Funkatorium\, 147 Coxe Ave\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SAHC-WHC-celebration.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR