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PRODID:-//Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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X-WR-CALNAME:Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://appalachian.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
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DTSTART:20220101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230503T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230503T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083715Z
CREATED:20260910T160640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083715Z
UID:103033-1683115200-1683118800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Lunch and Learn: Birding for Beginners
DESCRIPTION:When: Wednesday\, May 3 at 12 pm\nFree. Open to the public. \nBirds are everywhere. There are about 10\,000 species in the world\, a fact that helps any beginning birder find birds. If you have ever been curious about what it takes to become a birder\, join us for this beginning birding program to learn tips on how to bird and how you can connect more deeply with nature. Presentation by Chris Soto\, SAHC Trustee and member of the Elizabethton Bird Club and Joe McGuiness\, vice-president of activities for the Elizabethton Bird Club.  \nWe will also record the Virtual Lunch and Learn to share on SAHC’s YouTube Channel. \n\nClick HERE to Register for Virtual Lunch and Learn \n\nThis is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In conjunction with this online webinar program\, we will offer an in-person event the following week on Wednesday\, May 10 at 8:30 am. Put your new birding skills to use at our Beginning Birder Walk at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. You are not required to sign up for both\, although we recommend it. The bird walk outing is FREE\, but registration is required – Click HERE for more info and register for the Beginner Birder Walk.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/virtual-lunch-and-learn-birding-for-beginners/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Golden-Winged-Warbler.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230428T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230428T140000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083715Z
CREATED:20260910T160640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083715Z
UID:103030-1682674200-1682690400@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2023 Roan Garlic Mustard Pull with Appalachian Trail Conservancy
DESCRIPTION:Ready to get your hands dirty for a volunteer work day? Our partners at Appalachian Trail Conservancy are hosting a garlic mustard pull in the Highlands of Roan. This invasive plant spreads readily along roadways and heavily trafficked trails\, squeezing out native species and disrupting ecosystems. Garlic mustard is prolific but easy to pull\, so the ATC has issued a Garlic Mustard Challenge along the Appalachian Trail\, in which volunteer groups from Maine to Georgia compete to see who can pull the most garlic mustard. \nClick HERE for More Info and Volunteer Sign-Up
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2023-roan-garlic-mustard-pull-with-appalachian-trail-conservancy/
CATEGORIES:Roan Stewardship Volunteer,Upcoming,Volunteer Opportunity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_6696.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230311T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230311T170000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083715Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083715Z
UID:103027-1678525200-1678554000@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Farm Workshop: Planning and Planting Agroforestry Systems on Contour
DESCRIPTION:Please join us\, rain or shine\, for any part of the day so that you’re able to learn\, observe and take part in PLANTING DAY of our first phase (8 acres!) of what will be a long standing vision at our Community Farm property: the first and only demonstration project currently in NC which will be open to the public and managed in perpetuity\, so that we can all learn about the numerous benefits and beauty of a perennial agroforestry and silvopasture system on conservation land. \nContour Lines is the nonprofit we’re fortunate to be working with for this workshop series. They have planted over 7\,000 agroforestry systems in three countries and offer a multitude of expertise of this fascinating\, progressive farming practice. \nFolks will get a good introduction on how to plan and plant a silvopasture agroforestry site that includes thousands of fruit and nut trees (hazelnut\, mulberry\, and several others) on a berm and swale contour system which will be grazed in future. \n\nSAHC received a Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant to support this project; the ultimate goal of the effort is to increase ecosystem sustainability and diversity by scaling up agroforestry practices on historic livestock pastures like ours. \nSuggested donation: $20 (No one turned away for inability to pay)\n\nLunch will be provided midway between our morning classroom portion and then the rest of the day will be hands-on work in the adjacent field learning as we plant with the team from Contour Lines! Again\, we want everyone to feel welcome\, so if you leave early/come late or just observe the team during the active planting\, please feel free. Children welcome as well\, and if you register after 3/8 please BYO lunch as that’s the date we’ll place orders\, thanks!\n \nPlease bring a waterbottle\, gloves\, raincoat/work clothes if you’re planting\, tools will be provided.\n \n\n\nLocation: SAHC Community Farm Education Center on Mag Sluder Rd in Alexander\, NC (20 minutes from central Asheville) \n\n\nRegister for This Workshop\n\n\n\n\nClick HERE to pay for this workshop AFTER REGISTERING \n\n\n\n\n\n\nSilvopasture at the Community Farm\nSAHC received a $6\,000 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant to support this project\, and Contour Lines is donating plant material\, design and expertise for hands-on workshops to help execute a silvopasture project on the SAHC Community Farm. This demonstration agroforestry plot is designed as an educational tool that will demonstrate regenerative agriculture and soil conservation techniques. This site will serve as a model for larger scale land restoration projects including native species reforestation\, diversified fruit and nut production\, and silvopasture farming. \nThe Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is focused on implementing silvopastures and forest farming practices; the ultimate goal of the effort is to increase ecosystem sustainability and diversity by scaling up agroforestry practices. SAHC’s project is part of a growing Agroforestry Regional Knowledge (ARK) Exchange that serves as a framework for future growth of agroforestry adoption. The ARK Exchange will support ecocultural learning\, workforce development\, and networking of producer peers\, nonprofit organizations\, academic institutions\, and governmental and nongovernmental partners. \nOur aim with the silvopasture acreage on the SAHC Community Farm is to make productive and educational/demonstrative use of our hilly pasture\, which sees a lot of visitors (both adults and school groups from the community). We currently have no agroforestry or silvopasture production open to the public in our community\, and SAHC feels it will be a valuable learning site for current and future growers in the area! Carbon sequestration\, value added products and perennial/no till crops are just a few of the beneficial environmental and economic factors which lead us to initiate this specific multi crop plan\, and we are confident it will be a great fit for our farm and the needs of our region. \nDuring our first phase we will begin converting 8 acres of pasture land into silvopasture by cutting in swales slightly of contour.  We will be planting a multi-species perennial crop of trees and shrubs for multiple outputs.  Varieties being planted include locust\, mulberry\, paw-paw\, hazelnut\, sycamore\, indigo\, cottonwood\, elderberry and others.  We will produce food\, fodder\, fuel\, shade\, habitat\, water conservation and other positive impacts.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/farm-workshop-planning-and-planting-agroforestry-systems-on-contour/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)
CATEGORIES:Farm Workshop Series,Upcoming
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230302T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230302T160000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083715Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083715Z
UID:103026-1677765600-1677772800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Farm Workshop: Navigating Food Safety on Small Farms with NC Cooperative Extension Part 2
DESCRIPTION:In this two-part workshop\, we’ll review aspects of food safety and post-harvest handling suitable for small and micro farms\, whose scale necessitates creative solutions for recommended best practices. Participants will gain an understanding of practical ways to maintain general food safety\, and the requirements farms must follow under the FSMA Produce Safety rule. You must register for the webinar on March 1 in order to participate in the on-farm portion of the training. Presented by NC Cooperative Extension\, Buncombe County Center.\n \nWednesday\, March 1\, 2023. 6pm – 8pm – Online Workshop\nDay 1 offers a webinar format that will address important aspects of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)\, and highlight required actions for farms of any size. \nThursday\, March 2\, 2023. 2pm – 4pm – In-person Workshop in Alexander\, NC\nDay 2 will be an on-farm workshop at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander\, where we will walk through a small-scale wash/pack facility and discuss design considerations. \nClick HERE to Register for Workshop
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/farm-workshop-navigating-food-safety-on-small-farms-with-nc-cooperative-extension-part-2/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)
CATEGORIES:Farm Workshop Series,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SAHCCommunityFarm_JorjaSmith.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230301T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230301T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083714Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083714Z
UID:103025-1677693600-1677700800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Farm Workshop: Navigating Food Safety on Small Farms with NC Cooperative Extension Part 1
DESCRIPTION:In this two-part workshop\, we’ll review aspects of food safety and post-harvest handling suitable for small and micro farms\, whose scale necessitates creative solutions for recommended best practices. Participants will gain an understanding of practical ways to maintain general food safety\, and the requirements farms must follow under the FSMA Produce Safety rule. You must register for the webinar on March 1 in order to participate in the on-farm portion of the training. Presented by NC Cooperative Extension\, Buncombe County Center. \nWednesday\, March 1\, 2023. 6pm – 8pm – Online Workshop\nDay 1 offers a webinar format that will address important aspects of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)\, and highlight required actions for farms of any size. \nThursday\, March 2\, 2023. 2pm – 4pm – In-person Workshop in Alexander\, NC\nDay 2 will be an on-farm workshop at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander\, where we will walk through a small-scale wash/pack facility and discuss design considerations. \nClick HERE to Register for Workshop
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/farm-workshop-navigating-food-safety-on-small-farms-with-nc-cooperative-extension-part-1/
CATEGORIES:Farm Workshop Series,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SAHCCommunityFarm_JorjaSmith.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230214T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230214T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083714Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083714Z
UID:103024-1676376000-1676379600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Lunch and Learn: Roan Highlands Visitor Use Management
DESCRIPTION:Do you love the Highlands of Roan? Join Marquette Crockett (Roan Stewardship Director at Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy)\,  Jen Barnhart (District Ranger at U.S. Forest Service\, Pisgah National Forest\, Appalachian Ranger District)\, Morgan Sommerville (Director\, Visitor Use Management at Appalachian Trail Conservancy)\, and Jerry Kyle (High Country Regional Manager at Appalachian Trail Conservancy) for a special presentation on visitor use management in this fragile landscape. \nThe Roan Highlands are one of the most unique landscapes in the Eastern United States – How Can We Keep It That Way?\nOur public lands have become even more popular than in years past with the readily available information online and social media. We want folks to get outdoors\, connect with their public lands\, and hopefully become stewards of those lands. Unfortunately\, this can also cause visitor use management issues that can have negative ecological impacts\, loss of character of that landscape\, and/or decreased visitor experiences. What are land managers and stakeholders to do? Come learn what the US Forest Service and partners are doing to address these issues in the Roan Highlands through the collaborative efforts of the Roan Highlands Visitor Use Management committee. \nClick HERE to Register in advance for this webinar: \nRegister Now \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. \nTo learn more\, check out this PDF about the Roan Highlands Visitor Use Management Committee: Roan Highlands_VUM_Committee_About.Us_1.27.2023
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/virtual-lunch-and-learn-roan-highlands-visitor-use-management/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_9349.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230213
DTSTAMP:20260910T160638Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T160638Z
UID:103022-1676160000-1676246399@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2023 Community Farm Tour - February
DESCRIPTION:Date: Sunday\, February 12th\nTime: Starting at 1:00pm\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 3 miles\nDifficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines are present on the trail.\nCost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.\n  \nJoin the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on our beautiful Community Farm to hike along our Discovery Trail! \nOur Community Farm is a 140-acre educational and working farm just outside Asheville. The farm is a continually evolving home for conservation projects and agricultural production. Highlighted by our stream restoration project\, shortleaf pine reforestation project\, farm incubator program\, and education center\, there is always something new to see. \nParticipants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 3-mile loop allowing us to view all of the amazing farm projects before returning to the parking area. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy while overlooking the farm and surrounding mountains. \n  \nIf you are currently participating in our 3rd annual Winter Hiking Challenge this is a great way to accrue miles with friends! \n  \nPlease note that our Community Farm is an active farm not open to the public unless accompanied by SAHC staff. To ensure safety\, staff capacity\, and a positive experience for everyone involved it is critical that ALL hike participants pre-register for events before visiting the farm. You will receive an email with specific information about where to meet on the farm and other necessary details. If you do not receive this email\, as well as a confirmation email following your registration\, we do not have you registered for the hike. The majority of this hike is not disability accessible.  \nIf you have any questions\, please reach out to travis@appalachian.org. \n  \nThank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!\n\nI am sorry to say that our outing is currently full and we cannot accept any more attendees at this time. However\, if you are still interested in the hike\, please contact me at travis@appalachian.org  and your name and email will be put on a wait-list. I will contact you if a spot becomes available.  If you have any questions\, you can contact me at travis@appalachian.org.  \nThank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC! \nTravis Bordley \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2023-community-farm-tour-february/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20220212-DSC04619.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230128
DTSTAMP:20260910T160638Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T160638Z
UID:103020-1674777600-1674863999@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2023 Coldest Day Of The Year Hike - Elk Hollow Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, January 27th \nTime: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm   \nWhere: SAHC’s Elk Hollow Preserve \nDistance: 5 Miles \nDifficulty: Moderate (6/10)  \nCost: The hike is FREE for SAHC members\, 10$ for non-members \n  \nJoin us on Friday\, January 27th\, for a pleasant stroll through the Elk Hollow Preserve on the Everett J. Bowman Memorial Trail and warm up on historically one of the coldest days of the year! The trail will lead us through beautiful forests of oaks\, maples\, and beech trees\, as well as early successional meadows perfect for bird spotting. The Preserve boasts a bounty of rare wildlife\, including Golden-winged Warblers\, Southern Appalachian brook trout\, and Gray’s lilies. Additionally\, SAHC has installed a camping platform\, intact trail system\, and a moldering privy which will leave you excited to visit us again. This hike is part of our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnership with Highland Brewing Company\, celebrating the final release of Thunderstruck Coffee Porter. The walk will be co-led by Jay Leutze\, author and SAHC Senior Advisor to the Board\, who will talk about the history of the tract. Continue with us after this hike for additional miles as we press further up Roaring Creek along the Overmountain Victory Trail to Yellow Mountain Gap. Here at the intersection with the AT we will reflect on the significance of this Nationally Historic trail that commemorates the journey of Revolutionary War heroes and be grateful it is only cold weather we are battling.  \n  \nPlease expect COLD weather on January 27th. Wear study hiking clothes and pack extra layers including hats and gloves. Pack food and water to sustain yourself for multiple hours in the woods. There will be time to revisit your car between visiting Elk Hollow Preserve and continuing on the Overmountain Victory Trail. The Elk Hollow Preserve is an hour and a half drive north of Asheville NC and an hour from Johnson City TN. Please plan accordingly! \n  \nFREE for SAHC members\, $10 for non-members. If you are not a member but would like to become one\, click here! \n  \nThank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!\n\nI am sorry to say that our outing is currently full and we cannot accept any more attendees at this time. However\, if you are still interested in the hike\, please contact me at travis@appalachian.org  and your name and email will be put on a wait-list. I will contact you if a spot becomes available.  If you have any questions\, you can contact me at travis@appalachian.org.  \nThank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC! \nTravis Bordley
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2023-coldest-day-of-the-year-hike-elk-hollow-preserve/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_6233.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230125T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230125T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T083714Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T083714Z
UID:103016-1674648000-1674651600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Lunch and Learn: Alphabet Soup - Navigating Government Farm Programs
DESCRIPTION:Lunch & Learn: Alphabet Soup – Navigating Government Farm Programs\nWednesday\, Jan. 25 | 12:00 p.m.\nUSDA\, Extension\, FSA\, NRCS\, Rural Development – at times\, the acronyms and jargon associated with farming programs can seem overwhelming. Hosted by our partner Stephen Bishop\, NC FarmLink Western Director\, this presentation will provide a brief overview of the most common government farm assistance programs\, as well as tips and advice on applying for assistance and where to get started. \n \nRegister in advance for this FREE webinar:\nClick HERE to Register \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/virtual-lunch-and-learn-alphabet-soup-navigating-government-farm-programs/
CATEGORIES:Farm Workshop Series,Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/communityfarmcompostspreading.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230102
DTSTAMP:20260910T160638Z
CREATED:20260910T160638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T160638Z
UID:103017-1672531200-1672617599@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2023 Community Farm Hike - January
DESCRIPTION:Date: Sunday\, January 1st\nTime: Starting at 1:00pm\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 3 miles\nDifficulty: Moderate. Several inclines are present on the trail.\nCost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.\nHelp the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy kick off our 2023 Winter Hiking Challenge on the first day of the new year at our beautiful Community Farm! Accrue miles for the challenge along our Discovery Trial or come out just for the fun of catching fresh air with new friends. You do not need to be a part of the challenge to attend this tour.  \nOur Community Farm is a 140-acre educational and working farm just outside Asheville. The farm is a continually evolving home for conservation projects and agricultural production. Highlighted by our stream restoration project\, shortleaf pine reforestation project\, farm incubator program\, and education center\, there is always something new to see. \nParticipants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 3-mile loop allowing us to view all of the amazing farm projects before returning to our education center. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains. This tour will likely be cold so please plan accordingly with warm clothes\, sturdy shoes\, and water. \nPlease note that our Community Farm is an active farm not open to the public unless accompanied by SAHC staff. To ensure safety\, staff capacity\, and a positive experience for everyone involved it is critical that ALL hike participants pre-register for events before visiting the farm. You will receive an email with specific information about where to meet on the farm and other necessary details. If you do not receive this email\, as well as a confirmation email following your registration\, we do not have you registered for the hike. The majority of this hike is not disability accessible.  \nIf you have any questions\, please reach out to travis@appalachian.org. \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2023-community-farm-hike-january/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20220212-DSC04619.jpg
END:VEVENT
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