Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

2023 Round Bald Rubus Roundup
2023-07-28 | NC
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy needs volunteers to help remove Canada Blackberry (Rubus canadensis) and other woody vegetation from Round Bald.
Volunteers will help hand-mow and “lop” brushy areas (using weed-whackers and hand tools) to maintain globally rare, grassy habitat atop Round Bald on July 28th (rain date TBD), meeting at Carver’s Gap at 9:30 am.
This is a great chance to learn about what SAHC does to manage these rare habitats, without the commitment of a long hike in. In general, we will be working within less than a 0.5 mile from the parking area. We encourage anyone who is new to conservation or to the Roan to join us for this event.
Volunteers should bring water and lunch, leather work gloves and eye protection. SAHC will provide cutting equipment and individually packaged ear protection.
Contact Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org for questions.
Volunteer Sign-Up has CLOSED for this event. Thank you for volunteering!

2023 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off
2023-07-15 08:30 - 2023-07-16 13:00 UTC | NC
We need YOUR help on the mountain! Grassy Ridge Mow-Off, July 15-16
Camp 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.
Backpackers and day trippers are both welcome.
The hike to Grassy Ridge is about 2.5 miles one way, 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, taking photographs, and more.
Do you plan to join the group camp out on Grassy Ridge on Saturday, July 15th? If so, please let us know in the registration form below.
Note: Camping spots may be available on nearby SAHC preserves for those not able to backpack; if interested in this possibility please contact Marquette directly.

Grassy Ridge Mow-Off Planned Schedule:
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Campers arrive, set up your tent and return to the work site.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Day hikers arrive. Sign in/Orientation
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Work time! (lunch break at 1 pm)
Saturday 4:00 p.m. – bedtime. Clean up and store equipment. Fun and Fellowship for campers!
Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A short work day and pack out. *Everyone should be prepared to pack out group trash.

Thank you for taking interest in volunteering with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I am sorry to say that this event is currently FULL and we cannot accept any more attendees at this time. However, if you are still interested in volunteering, please contact Marquette Crockett, Roan Stewardship Director at marquette@appalachian.org and your name and email will be put on a wait-list. You will be contacted if a spot becomes available.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SAHC!

2023 July Community Farm Tour
2023-07-13 09:00 - 11:30 | NC
Date: Thursday, July 13th
Time: Starting at 9:00 am
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on our beautiful Community Farm to hike along our Discovery Trail! Conservation land trusts like Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy play a critical role in helping to conserve land for public enjoyment as well as privately-owned preserves that protect view-sheds and wildlife corridors near national trails. Land trusts work to protect and manage a wide variety of important land and water resources, including habitat for rare plants and animals, farmland, and sources of drinking water for millions of people.
Our 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, silvopasture project, and education center, there is always something new to see.
Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2.5-mile loop allowing us to view all of the amazing farm projects before returning to the parking area. Participants are welcome to bring snacks and water to enjoy as we venture across the farm property.
Please 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.
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Farm workshop: Agroforestry Maintenance
2023-06-24 09:00 - 17:00 | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
So, you planned and planted an agroforestry project. Now what?
Earlier this year, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy planted thousands of trees and shrubs in a new demonstration silvopasture project on 8 acres of pasture at the SAHC Community Farm, with a lot of help from volunteers and our partners at Contours Lines! Contour Lines, a nonprofit, specializes in efficient establishment of agroforestry systems with a high seedling survival rate. Contour Lines has planted over 7,000 agroforestry systems in three countries. They are hosting a 2-part workshop series with SAHC to teach more people how to plan and plant a silvopasture agroforestry sites on contour, combining sloped soil management with sustainable agriculture.
This month, we are hosting Part 2 in our 2-part silvopasture workshop series. We invite you to come learn about agroforestry maintenance. This class will focus on the termination and management of cover crops, pruning, organic pest management, and mulching practices.
This workshop is great for anyone who is interested in learning more about silvopasture and agroforestry systems in the southern Appalachian mountains.
Cost: $20/per person (No one turned away for inability to pay)

About the project: SAHC received a $6,000 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant to support this project, and nonprofit organization Contour Lines Corp. (contourlines.org) is donating plant material, design and expertise for hands-on workshops to help execute the silvopasture project on the SAHC Community Farm. The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Yew Mountain Center, North Carolina State University.

Register for This Workshop
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Silvopasture at the Community Farm
Goal:
Our aim with this acreage is to make productive and educational/demonstrative use of the hilly pasture on the SAHC Community Farm, which sees a lot of visitors (both adults and school groups from the community). We currently have no other agroforestry or silvopasture production open to the public in our community, and we feel this 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. We are confident it will be a great fit for our farm and the needs of our region.
During our first phase we converted 8 acres of pasture land into silvopasture by cutting in swales slightly of contour. We planted a multi-species perennial crop of trees and shrubs for multiple outputs. Varieties planted included locust, mulberry, paw-paw, hazelnut, sycamore, indigo, cottonwood, elderberry and others. In our second phase, we will continue maintenance and management of the silvopasture project area, which will produce food, fodder, fuel, shade, habitat, water conservation and other impacts.
Partnership with Contour Lines:
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and Contour Lines Corp are teaming up to plant this demonstration agroforestry plot. The site 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.

2023 Juneteenth Celebration with Pathways to Parks at Deaverview Mountain
2023-06-19 17:30 | Deaverview Mountain, Mariposa Wy, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Location: Deaverview Mountain, Asheville, NC
Start Time: 5:30pm
Est End Time: 7:30pm
Distance: 2 Miles
Difficulty: 3/10, Easy
Leaders: Pender & Tanya Marie, Founders of Pathways to Parks
Please join Pathways to Parks and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for this fantastic hiking experience on June 19th, “Juneteenth”. Pathways to Parks and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy recognize this national holiday as a great opportunity to gather community and honor the end of legal enslaved labor in the United States on June 19, 1865. This is a young national holiday but is steeped in historical context that still resonates through our society today. This guided hike will be a great opportunity to share with each other the healing power of the outdoors while creating community and friendships for the future. Pender and Tanya Marie, the founders of Pathways to Parks, will lead this hike to show participants stunning views of Asheville from within city limits. The vision of Pathways to Parks is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state and local parks and to help make it easy and accessible for them to do so.
Deaverview Mountain is a name you might have heard in the news recently; this 343-acre tract has created a conservation buzz! Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has signed an option agreement to purchase this iconic ridgeline overlooking the city of Asheville and much of the French Broad River valley; the agreement allows us 3 years to come up with a permanent conservation solution for the land. The property was recently listed for sale for $9,995,000 under the subdivision name “The View of Asheville.” Clearly visible landmarks from Deaverview include the downtown Asheville skyline, Biltmore Estate, Mountain Mitchell, Mount Pisgah, the Grove Park Inn, Weaverville, the French Broad River, and more. Come visit this iconic property with us!
Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I 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.
Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 June Jamboree Drop-in Social
2023-06-10 | Little Cove Creek Preserve, 269 Stockton Rd, Roan Mountain, TN, 37687, United States
Location: Little Cove Creek Preserve, 269 Stockton Rd, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Start Time: 1 pm
End Time: 4 pm
We will hold a drop-in social on our Little Cove Creek Preserve in the afternoon of Saturday, June 10th. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating friends, family and shared hike experiences while learning about SAHC’s recent land protection news. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP so we have enough for everyone!
We look forward to seeing you and hope you all join us in celebrating the Roan Highlands!
Thank you for taking interest in our event with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I am sorry to say that our event is currently FULL and we cannot accept any more attendees at this time. However, if you are still interested in the event, 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.
Thank you for your interest in SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 Hike #4: Hampton Creek Cove Loop
2023-06-10 | Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area
Location: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, 760 Hampton Creek Rd, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Start Time: 10:00am
Est End Time: 2:00pm
Distance: 5 Miles
Difficulty: 7/10 Difficult
Leaders: Katie Gray, Park Greer & David Hagler

Join us on this high-milage adventure through Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. This hike will utilize three trails, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Shell Hollow Trail, and the Birchfield Creek Trail. Starting from the parking area we will follow the footsteps of the Overmountain Victory Men, heroes of the Revolutionary War, who hiked this route in 1780 through Hampton Creek Cove! The Overmountain Victory Trail will take us to the Shell Hollow Trail which will take us deep into the woods and through stands of old growth forest that surround the old Shell family homestead. Once completed the Shell Hollow Trail we will hike further into the state natural area along the Birchfield Creek Trail which will reward well-deserving hikers with cool shade and crisp mountain water that is tumbling off the Roan. Participants will enjoy secluded swimming holes perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day, before returning to their cars.

This hike will cover lots of variable terrain in both open fields, creeks, and deep forested habitats. Participants should expect to hike 5 miles before returning to their car. We hope participants will join us after this hike for the SAHC Drop-in Social at our Little Cove Creek Preserve. The distance from Hampton Creek Cove to the Little Cove Creek Preserve is 8 miles (16 minute estimated drive time).
Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I 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.
Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 Hike #3: Little Cove Creek Falls with Pathways to Parks
2023-06-10 | Little Cove Creek Preserve, 269 Stockton Rd, Roan Mountain, TN, 37687, United States
Location: Little Cove Creek Preserve, 269 Stockton Rd, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Start Time: 11:00am
Est End Time: 1:00pm
Distance: 2 Miles
Difficulty: 5/10 Moderate
Leaders: Pender & Tanya Marie, Founder of Pathways to Parks, Jay Leutze & Michelle Pugliese

Please join in this special collaboration hike between SAHC and our partners at Pathways to Parks! The vision of Pathways to Parks is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state, and local parks while creating more accessible spaces for everyone. Help us support Pathways to Parks founders, Pender and Tanya Marie by joining them on this special waterfall hike. This hike will start from the Nilsen Homestead and end at Little Cove Creek Falls at the boundary of the Cherokee National Forest. Expect to enjoy a slow meander through SAHC protected land with frequent stops along the way to discuss stress reduction techniques. Participants on this hike will traverse through fields, verdant forests, and visit a charming waterfall before returning back to their cars. The hike is 1.5 hours northeast of Asheville near Roan Mountain, Tennessee.
This hike will begin and end at the same location as the Drop-In Social and will conclude with drinks and refreshments! Come ready to hike 2 miles in total and plan to stay afterward to enjoy celebrating the Highlands of Roan with the rest of the June Jamboree participants.
Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I 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.
Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 Hike #2 Challenge Hike - Hackline Trail to Little Cove Creek Preserve
2023-06-10 | Carvers Gap, Carvers Gap, Fork Mountain-Little Rock Creek, NC, 28705, United States
Location: Carvers Gap Trailhead, TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Start Time: 10:00am
Est End Time: 2:00pm
Distance: 3 Miles
Difficulty: 8/10, Difficult, Steep downhill bushwhacking
Leaders: Travis Bordley & Ellie Huber
Come join us on this never before offered Hackline Trail and bush-wacking adventure. Starting at Carvers Gap, this route will descend the northern flank of Roan Mountain following the Hackline Road Trail (FS53281). The trail will drop a 1,000 ft in elevation over the course of a mile before we break off the designated route and bush-wack our way through the Cherokee National Forest to Little Cove Creek. From the creek, the group will continue following the creek down another 1,000 ft in elevation to SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve where we will be hosting a Drop-in Social with drinks and refreshments. This challenge hike will literally end at a party!
Overall, this hike will be a 3 three mile, one-way hike, with -2,000 ft of elevation change. The driving distance between the Carvers Gap and the SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve is 9 miles (18 minutes estimated drive time). Setting shuttle cars will be required for this hike and will be coordinated amongst registrants. This hike will not be high mileage but will cover rugged terrain.
Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I 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.
Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 Hike #5: Hampton Creek Cove Birding
2023-06-10 | Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area
Location: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, 760 Hampton Creek Rd, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Start Time: 9:00am
Est End Time: 12:30pm
Distance: 3 Miles
Difficulty: 4/10 Moderate
Leaders: Debi Campbell, Marquette Crockett, Adam Kluge
Have you ever wanted to go birding or wondered what type of birds live in the Southern Appalachians? Birds are everywhere but they’re particularly abundant in Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area where neo-tropical migratory songbirds, like the Golden Winged Warbler, come to spend their summer. Join us for this beginning birding walk to learn tips on how to listen for birds, spot their movements, then look for marks to help you identify them. This hike will be led by experienced birders but designed for beginners. This is a great opportunity to test out that new camera or pair of binoculars, or just explore the sights and sounds of Hampton Creek Cove!
This hike will be slow and methodical. Plan to hike less than three miles in open field habitat before returning to their cars. We hope participants will join us after this hike for the SAHC Drop-in Social at our Little Cove Creek Preserve. The distance from Hampton Creek Cove to the Little Cove Creek Preserve is 8 miles (16 minute estimated drive time).
Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I 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.
Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 Hike #1: Roll n’ Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens, Roan Mountain
2023-06-10 | Rhododendron Gardens, State Rd 1348, Bakersville, NC, 28705
Location: Rhododendron Gardens, State Rd 1348, Bakersville, NC 28705
Start Time: 11:00 am
Est End Time: 1:00 pm
Distance: 1 Mile
Difficulty: 1/10, Easy
Leaders: Hanni Muerdter, Jess Laggis & LaKyla Hodges
We anticipate that the Rhododendron Gardens on top of the Roan will be blazing with color this time of year. Participants will stroll approximately 1 mile across gentle terrain with stunning views of the Roan landscape. On this leisurely walk, participants will learn about a number of SAHC’s land protection projects that can be viewed from the gardens. This family-friendly offering is designed to provide people of all abilities with an opportunity to get outside and enjoy some of the properties SAHC has diligently worked to protect over the last four decades. This trail is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible. If participants want to do more walking after this event, there are many additional trails nearby.
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC drop-in social at our Little Cove Creek Preserve. The distance from the Rhododendron Gardens to the Little Cove Creek Preserve is 10 miles (30 minute estimated drive time).
Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I 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.
Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!
-Travis Bordley

2023 Land Trust Day
2023-06-03 08:00 - 17:00 | NC
Support SAHC on Land Trust Day! Shop and Dine for Conservation
On Land Trust Day – June 3 – local businesses have pledged to donate a portion of sales to support Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s ongoing land and water conservation efforts.
Land Trust Day coincides with National Trails Day and is celebrated each year on the first Saturday of June to recognize the incredible land protection accomplishments of land trusts in our region.

Special thanks to Mast General Store in Waynesville and Asheville for donating almost $200,000 since 2003 and many other local businesses for supporting SAHC on Land Trust Day over the years!
“Each year as we approach Land Trust Day, it is our hope that by working together we can help people understand that we must preserve our environment – its beauty, its water, its open spaces, its inhabitants. It is what gives us life, both literally and figuratively,” says Lisa Cooper at Mast General Store.
Please mark your calendars and plan to shop and dine to support conservation! Thank you to our 2023 Land Trust Day Sponsors:
Asheville and Waynesville stores

2023 Flying Squirrel Ten Miler
2023-06-03 07:30 - 13:00 | Jus’ Running
Experience some of the best road running in Asheville with The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler, Asheville’s premier 10 Mile road race. Enjoy the ease and convenience of a road race with the spectacular views and seclusion of a mountain race. The race starts and finishes just blocks from downtown Asheville and then promptly takes runners on the winding roads of Town Mountain. Participants will enjoy shaded mountain roads typically only used by locals, such as the beautiful Sunset Drive and Patton Mountain Road. One thing about The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler is sure: you’ve got to “earn” those views. The Southern Appalachians are hilly and so is The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler.
The course features five miles of gradual uphill and five miles of gradual downhill with a bit of flat at the beginning and end. Runners will gain over 1,400′ and lose over 1,400′ throughout the 10 mile long course.
Runners will Start and Finish just north of Downtown Asheville on the corner of Orange Street and South Liberty Street.
Navigating to the race Start/Finish: Enter 55 Orange St, Asheville, NC on your device.
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has been chosen again this year as the nonprofit beneficiary of the race!

Registration is NOW OPEN! Prices increase on April 2, 2023 – Register early to save!

2023 June Community Farm Tour - National Trails Day and Land Trust Day
2023-06-02 14:00 - 16:30 | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Friday, June 2nd
Time: Starting at 2:00 pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on our beautiful Community Farm to hike along our Discovery Trail! We will be celebrating Land Trust Day and National Trails Day a day early. Conservation land trusts like Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy play a critical role in helping to conserve land for public enjoyment as well as privately-owned preserves that protect view-sheds and wildlife corridors near national trails. Land trusts work to protect and manage a wide variety of important land and water resources, including habitat for rare plants and animals, farmland, and sources of drinking water for millions of people.
In light of National Land Trust Day, we are grateful to local businesses and citizens who recognize the importance of this work and have stepped up with their support for SAHC.
Our 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.
Participants 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.
Please 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.
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2023 May Community Farm Tour
2023-05-26 14:00 - 16:30 | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Friday, May 26th
Time: Starting at 2:00pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on our beautiful Community Farm to hike along our Discovery Trail!
Our 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.
Participants 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.
Please 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.
Oops! We could not locate your form.

Homeplace Beer Co. Celebrates Year of the Trail
2023-05-20 17:00 - 21:30 | Homeplace Beer Company, 321 W. Main ST., Burnsville, NC, 28714
2023 is the Year of the Trail!
Homeplace Beer Company and the Yancey Chamber of Commerce invite you to celebrate Yancey County, NC and all the amazing outdoor recreations in our “backyard” Saturday, May 20, 2023. NC High Peaks Trail Association lead a group hike to Phillips Knob from Homeplace Beer Company, starting at 9 am.

At 5 pm, vendors from the following organizations will be set up with information, ready to chat about all the work being done to connect folks to our wonderful natural landscapes:
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
Yancey Humane Society – Tails to Trails
NC High Peaks/Mount Mitchell State Park
NC Outdoor Adventure
Mountain BizWorks
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
The Conservancy Fund
Blue Ridge Conservancy

Hog Hollow Wood Fired Pizza will be serving delicious fare all night and the Homeplace Beer Co. taps will be flowing.

Crystal Fountains Bluegrass will perform live on the Homeplace stage starting at 6:30 pm.

CLICK HERE for more info.

Mosaic Art Walk and Benefit
2023-05-18 17:00 - 20:00 | NC
We have a winner! Thank you to all who came out to support conservation and see us at the Haen Gallery tonight! We have a raffle winner and they have been already been notified.
On Thursday, May 18, from 5-8 p.m., Mosaic Realty comes together with 12 downtown Asheville galleries to create a unique community art walk and benefit. This free fundraiser, open to the public, will be hosted by Mosaic real estate agents, with each gallery highlighting a different local nonprofit organization – including Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
Take in the eclectic work of local, regional and international artists while learning about the fantastic work being done by each nonprofit. There will be lite fare and beverages as well as the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win exciting prizes, with all proceeds going to the highlighted organization. Additionally, each gallery will contribute a percentage of sales to its featured nonprofit.
Haen Gallery is one of 12 galleries downtown that will host the first annual Asheville Art Walk in an effort to showcase Asheville’s talented local artists. Haen Gallery has chosen Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy as their non-profit beneficiary for the evening. SAHC will receive 10% of proceeds from the sale of artwork at Haen Gallery during the event. There will also be items for raffle, to benefit SAHC. Chris Foley, gallery owner, is donating a piece of his work for the raffle and Matt Christie of Green River Woods will contribute a hand-made butcher-block, plus SAHC and our partners at Chestnut, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Highland Brewing Company have put together a ‘local bundle’ of gift certificates and goodies.
Advance purchase of raffle tickets has NOW CLOSED. You can purchase tickets at the event. Drawing for the raffle will be 7:30 pm May 18.
The Mosaic Art Walk and Benefit is yet another way Mosaic connects community members, supporting organizations essential to the health and vitality of Asheville. Ready to take in Asheville’s art and entertainment scene, support worthy local causes, and meet Mosaic agents all at the same time? Visit MosaicArtWalk.com for more info about participating galleries, raffle prizes and featured nonprofit partners!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO at MyMosaicRealty.com

Blazing Star Flowers Workshop: Spring Floral Design
2023-05-13 11:00 - 13:00 | SAHC Community Farm (Market Stand area), 228 Mag Sluder, Alexander, 28701, United States
Treat yourself or a loved one to a colorful flower display from conserved mountain farmland while supporting a growing local business!
Blazing Star Flowers, growing in the Farm Incubator Program at SAHC Community Farm, is hosting TWO workshops this month – Saturday May 6 and Saturday May 13.
Learn to grow your own flower garden and design flower arrangements. Workshops run 11 am to 1 pm and will be followed by afternoon plant sales (1 to 5 pm). Workshops require pre-registration and class fee; afternoon plant sales are free to attend. Registration and details at www.blazingstarflowers.com/workshops
May 13 Workshop Details:
Enjoy a fun and informative visit to Blazing Star Flowers in Alexander, NC, located on the 140-acre SAHC Community Farm. Tour their half-acre farm area and take in spring mountain views. See their early season flower fields and learn about their sustainable growing methods.
Watch a demonstration in which you’ll learn general floral design principals and tips. Next you’ll create your own centerpiece to take home. Guidance will be given but students are encouraged to express their own personal style. All levels of experience are welcome. Small group size. Light snacks provided. Cost includes all tools and materials.
Makes a great companion to their Flower CSA DIY loose stem bucket options, when you can use your new skills to make weekly arrangements. After the workshop you’ll have the option to shop for flower and herb plants at the pop-up plant sale onsite from 1-5pm. They have a covered gathering space, so the workshop will be held rain or shine. Workshop refunds are not available but your space may be transferred to someone else. If the workshop is sold out, email them if you’d like to be placed on the waitlist.

Blazing Star Flowers will also have one-time seedling CSA share for a pick-up early May:
blazingstarflowers.com/product-page/cut-flower-collection-seedling-share
And a bi-weekly Flower CSA pick up starts May 17th at Olivette Farm (new in 2023): www.blazingstarflowers.com/product-page/olivette-biweekly-flower-csa-share
The rest of their Flower CSAs starts June 8th, with weekly pickups similar to previous seasons. Click HERE for more info.
BlazingStarFlowers.com

2023 Hampton Creek Cove Beginner Birder Walk
2023-05-10 08:30 - 12:00 | Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area
When: May 10, starting at 8:30 am
Where: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, TN
Distance: Approx. 1.5 to 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy, 3/10
Cost: FREE
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for this beginning birding walk to learn tips on how to listen for birds, spot their movements, then look for marks to help you identify them. The walk will be led by Chris Soto, SAHC Trustee and member of the Elizabethton Bird Club and Joe McGuiness, vice president of activities for the Elizabethton Bird Club. This will be a great event for beginning birders who want to get some hands-on experience!
Birding may begin in the parking area, as there are often a number of birds right there. The birds will determine where we go and stop along the route, but you can expect to walk about one to two miles on trails, through pastures, across the new bridge over the creek, and along the edge of the tree line. Hopefully we’ll see some Golden-winged Warblers! Along this route, we’ll be watching for birds near portions of the Elm Hollow Loop Trail and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, up to the base of the Shell Hollow Trail.
*A limited supply of binoculars will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This outing is Part 2 of a 2-part series, with a Virtual SAHC Lunch and Learn on May 3rd at 12:00pm: Birding for Beginners. You are not required to sign up for both, but it is recommended. Learn about birding, then join us at Hampton Creek Cove to put your new knowledge to work! Register separately for the virtual introductory program HERE.
If you have any questions, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.
Register for Beginner Birder Walk
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Blazing Star Flowers Workshop: Growing Your Own Flower Garden
2023-05-06 11:00 - 13:00 | SAHC Community Farm (Market Stand area), 228 Mag Sluder, Alexander, 28701, United States
Treat yourself or a loved one to a colorful flower display from conserved mountain farmland while supporting a growing local business!
Blazing Star Flowers, growing in the Farm Incubator Program at SAHC Community Farm, is hosting TWO workshops this month – Saturday May 6 and Saturday May 13.
Learn to grow your own flower garden and design flower arrangements. Workshops run 11 am to 1 pm and will be followed by afternoon plant sales (1 to 5 pm). Workshops require pre-registration and class fee; afternoon plant sales are free to attend. Registration and details at www.blazingstarflowers.com/workshops
May 6 Workshop Details:
Enjoy a fun and informative visit to Blazing Star Flowers in Alexander, NC, located on the 140-acre SAHC Community Farm. Tour their half-acre farm area and take in spring mountain views with other plant enthusiasts. See early season flower fields while you learn about sustainable low-till growing methods to start your own flower garden for yourself and our pollinator friends to enjoy. You’ll receive informative handouts and a few plants and seeds to get your garden started. You can also purchase additional plants at our on-site pop-up plant sale afterward.
This workshop is designed for home gardeners, not commercial growers, and it makes a wonderful companion to their Seedling Share Plant Collection or the flower and herb starts Blazing Star Flowers is currently selling at the River Arts District Farmers Market (Wednesdays from 3-6 pm) or the NC Arboretum Plant Sale (June 3 from 10-3). The workshop will discuss soil preparation, planting, maintaining, and harvesting a variety of flowers including dahlias.
In the case of substantial rain, the class will be postponed to the next day, Sunday 5/7 from 2-4 pm. You will be notified of a weather-related postponement via email by 5 pm on Friday, 5/5.
Registration closes at 8 am on 5/5/23. Refunds are not available but your space may be transferred to someone else if you notify us via email beforehand. If the workshop is sold out, you may email us to be placed on a wait list. A minimum of five students are required for the workshop to run.

Blazing Star Flowers will also have one-time seedling CSA share for a pick-up early May:
blazingstarflowers.com/product-page/cut-flower-collection-seedling-share
And a bi-weekly Flower CSA pick up starts May 17th at Olivette Farm (new in 2023): www.blazingstarflowers.com/product-page/olivette-biweekly-flower-csa-share
The rest of their Flower CSAs starts June 8th, with weekly pickups similar to previous seasons. Click HERE for more info.
BlazingStarFlowers.com

Virtual Lunch and Learn: Birding for Beginners
2023-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | NC
When: Wednesday, May 3 at 12 pm
Free. Open to the public.
Birds 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.
We will also record the Virtual Lunch and Learn to share on SAHC’s YouTube Channel.

This 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.

2023 Roan Garlic Mustard Pull with Appalachian Trail Conservancy
2023-04-28 09:30 - 14:00 | NC
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.

2023 Community Farm Tour - April
2023-04-22 | NC
Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: Starting at 2:00pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on our beautiful Community Farm to hike along our Discovery Trail!
Our 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.
Participants 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.

Please 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.

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Virtual Lunch and Learn: Women in the Wilderness
2023-04-20 12:00 - 13:00 | NC
What: Virtual Lunch & Learn: Women in the Wilderness – Safety, Communication and Awareness
When: Thursday, April 20 | 12 p.m.
FREE and open to the public
Presentation by Katie Gray, SAHC Community Engagement & Education AmeriCorps member.
As a woman who has spent a great deal of time in some of the country’s most remote wilderness areas, Katie Gray will cover topics about how to stay safe, comfortable and aware in the backcountry. Learn topics such as self defense, communication techniques, and Wilderness First Aid to keep in your back pocket on your next outdoor adventure.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

2023 Bill Popper Memorial Hike
2023-04-14 | NC
Date: Friday, April 14th
Time: Starting at 10:00am
Where: Popper Tract
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines
Cost: FREE
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED

We invite you to join us for a memorial hike to honor and remember our friend Bill Popper and his dedication to preserving the 573-acre property in Yancey County that he loved so much. This hike is a perennial favorite, taking participants through our Price’s Creek Preserve with numerous wildflowers this time of year, including May Apples, Blood Root, Lark Spur, and much more. We will hike through mature northern hardwood forest and make our way to a lovely spot on Price’s Creek for lunch, then loop back to the beginning, all the while enjoying the flowery splendor of Mother Nature!
We will be carpooling to the Price’s Creek Preserve. If you are willing to be a driver, please let me know in the comments section of your registration. If you would like to learn more about Bill Popper and his passion for this land that he loved, please read our recent memorial here.
NOTE: Due to limited parking availability, we will be hard capping this hike at 11 participants. Please register each party member individually to ensure we do not go over this number.
If you would like to learn more about Bill Popper and his passion for this land that he loved, please read our recent memorial here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.
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2023 Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park Hike
2023-03-24 | Rocky Fork State Park
Date: Friday, March 24th
Time: Starting at 10:00am
Where: Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines
Cost: FREE

Come join SAHC and folks from the Friends of Rocky Fork for a guided hike in this stunning Tennessee state park! This special hike will begin in the parking area, hike along crystal clear streams, traverse mountainsides, cross historic sites, and ultimately hit the Appalachian Trail before returning to our starting point. This unique route will use the Rocky Fork Trail, Flint Creek Trail, Appalachian Trail, Blockstand Creek Trail, and the Blockstand Access Trail. These trails are all beautifully designed and crafted by the Rocky Fork Gorillas and members of the Friends of Rocky Fork. These members have also volunteered to lead the way through this wild landscape and highlight historic events.
Rocky Fork State Park is named after the cool waters that run down its center and is located along the Appalachian Trail corridor and the Tennessee-North Carolina border, between Johnson City, TN and Asheville, NC. In January 2019, the park was renamed in honor of TN Senator Lamar Alexander. The property is adjacent to more than 22,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service-designated wilderness. Before Rocky Fork’s acquisition by The Conservation Fund and U.S. Forest Service, it was one of the largest unprotected tracts in the southern Appalachian Mountains. From 2006-2012, SAHC lobbied congress to secure funding to protect 10,000 acres of the Rocky Fork watershed that was previously slated for development. With help from Senator Lamar Alexander and many other partners, SAHC secured funding and the property was acquired from a timbering company. Come join us for this hike as we celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together!
If you have any questions, please reach out to travis@appalachian.org.

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Aleblazer Festival at Highland Brewing Co.
2023-03-18 12:30 - 16:30 | Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
Thanks to our partners at Highland Brewing Company for supporting Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy through the first ever Aleblazers Beer Festival!

Tickets on sale here.
Aleblazers Beer Festival takes place March 18, 2023 at the Event Center and Barrel Room at Highland Brewing Company.
This festival celebrates +25 North Carolina breweries and creativity in craft beer. It will feature new creations and some tried-and-true favorite from Birdsong Brewery, Resident Culture, Mother Earth, NoDa Brewing, Archetype Brewing, and more!
Proceeds from festival ticket sales will be donated to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
We need approximately 18 volunteers to help out with this event.

The Festival will take place from 12:30 – 4:30 pm, however some volunteers will need to be on hand early to help set up the SAHC tent and table with information and there is also a later shift where volunteers will need to stay to help breakdown. SAHC has three volunteer shifts available consisting of five people each shift that will help pour beer.
We sincerely appreciate your help! We will provide either a shirt or hat to each volunteer.

Farm Workshop: Planning and Planting Agroforestry Systems on Contour
2023-03-11 09:00 - 17:00 | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
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.
Contour 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.
Folks 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.

SAHC 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.
Suggested donation: $20 (No one turned away for inability to pay)

Lunch 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!

Please bring a waterbottle, gloves, raincoat/work clothes if you’re planting, tools will be provided.

Location: SAHC Community Farm Education Center on Mag Sluder Rd in Alexander, NC (20 minutes from central Asheville)

Register for This Workshop
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Silvopasture at the Community Farm
SAHC 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.
The 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.
Our 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.
During 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.

2023 Community Farm Tour - March
2023-03-04 13:00 - 15:00 | SAHC Community Farm (Incubator Program), 24 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Saturday, March 4th
Time: Starting at 1:00pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several steep inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on our beautiful Community Farm to hike along our Discovery Trail!
Our 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.
Participants 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.

Please 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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to travis@appalachian.org.

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Farm Workshop: Navigating Food Safety on Small Farms with NC Cooperative Extension Part 2
2023-03-02 14:00 - 16:00 | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
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.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 6pm – 8pm – Online Workshop
Day 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.
Thursday, March 2, 2023. 2pm – 4pm – In-person Workshop in Alexander, NC
Day 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.
