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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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TZID:UTC
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DTSTART:20230101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240503T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240503T123000
DTSTAMP:20240410T214206Z
CREATED:20240321T211425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240410T214206Z
UID:24908-1714726800-1714739400@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 Hampton Creek Cove Bird Walk
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, May 3rd\nTime: Starting at 9:00 AM\nWhere: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area\nDistance: 2-3 miles\nDifficulty: (3/10 difficulty) Easy\nCost: FREE\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nBirdwatching\, also known as birding\, is a popular hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. With approximately 250 species of birds inhabiting the Southern Appalachian Mountains\, there is no shortage of opportunities for birders to observe and appreciate these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of birdwatching\, joining a bird walk can be an excellent way to learn tips and techniques for spotting and identifying native bird species. \nThe Elizabethton Bird Club\, in collaboration with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy\, invites individuals to participate in a leisurely spring bird walk at Hampton Creek Cove. This 693-acre preserve offers an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species\, including the elusive Golden-winged Warbler. Thanks to the conservation efforts of multiple agencies\, including SAHC\, the habitat of the Golden-winged Warbler has been protected\, providing birdwatchers with a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful birds in their natural environment. \nDuring the bird walk\, participants will have the chance to learn from experienced birders and representatives of the Elizabethton Bird Club\, including Debi Campbell\, Joe McGuiness and SAHC board member Chris Soto. These knowledgeable individuals will share their expertise on bird identification and behavior\, helping attendees develop their skills as birdwatchers. \nWhile participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars\, a limited number of pairs will be available on a first-come\, first-served basis. Binoculars are essential tools for birdwatching\, allowing observers to get a closer look at birds while maintaining a respectful distance. \nWhether you’re interested in learning more about birds or simply enjoy spending time outdoors\, the spring bird walk at Hampton Creek Cove promises to be an enriching experience for all participants. So grab your binoculars and join us for a memorable journey into the world of birdwatching! \nIf you have any questions\, please reach out to katie@appalachian.org.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/24908/
LOCATION:Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Birders4_HamptonCreekCove_CourtlandWhite_06-10-2023_websize.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240507T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240507T130000
DTSTAMP:20240419T183602Z
CREATED:20240419T183602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240419T183602Z
UID:25340-1715083200-1715086800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 Lunch and Learn: Made X Mountains
DESCRIPTION:Virtual Lunch and Learn with Made By Mountains Partnership Building Outdoor Communities Program \nTuesday\, May 7 at 12:00pm\n\n\nThe MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities\, growing outdoor businesses\, and amplifying outdoor culture. This work is funded by Appalachian Regional Commission\, Dogwood Health Trust\, and Mountain BizWorks.\n\nJoin the Building Outdoor Communities Program Specialist\, Bradley Spiegel to learn about the 7-month capacity building program that 19 WNC counties have completed to holistically and proactively plan for outdoor assets that balance conservation and community development. FREE virtual presentation.\n\n\n  \n\n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2024-lunch-and-learn-made-x-mountains/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BOC-Web-Banner-Climbing-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240517T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240517T180000
DTSTAMP:20240517T224452Z
CREATED:20240405T223949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T224452Z
UID:25094-1715961600-1715968800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 May Community Farm Tour
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, May 17th\nTime: Starting at 4:00 pm\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 2.5 miles\nDifficulty: Moderate (4/10)\, several steep inclines are present on the trail\nCost: Free for Members\, $10 for non-members\n  \nJoin us for a scenic tour of SAHC’s Community Farm on a guided hike led by Engagement and Education AmeriCorps member\, Katie Greer. Participants will hike along the The Discovery Trail\, a 2.5-mile loop that traverses through the forests and fields of the farm. Along the way\, we may encounter the resident Scottish Highland cow herd\, Texas longhorn cattle\, white-tailed deer\, red-tailed hawks\, and more as we make our way across the farm grounds. \nOur 140-acre Community Farm\, located just outside of Asheville\, is a dynamic hub for conservation projects and agricultural initiatives. An ideal place for photographers\, nature-lovers\, and individuals interested in regenerative agriculture\, our stream restoration project\, shortleaf pine reforestation project\, farm incubator program\, and education center\, are a few of the highlights. \nPlease be aware that the Community Farm is an active facility not open to the public without the accompaniment of SAHC staff. To ensure the safety of all participants\, maintain staff capacity\, and create a positive experience\, pre-registration for the hike is mandatory. Upon registration\, you will receive an email containing specific information about where to meet on the farm and other essential details. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible. \nIf you have any questions or require further details\, feel free to reach out to Katie Greer at katie@appalachian.org. \nEmbrace this opportunity to connect with nature\, learn about conservation efforts\, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the SAHC Community Farm. We look forward to having you join us on this memorable journey! \n*This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see you out at the farm in June!
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2024-may-community-farm-tour/
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cattleatSAHCCommunityFarm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240518T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240518T140000
DTSTAMP:20240517T014211Z
CREATED:20240311T230324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T014211Z
UID:24878-1716026400-1716040800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 Black History Bicycle Ride & Lunch with Pathways to Parks
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, May 18th\nTime: Bike Ride @10:00am & Lunch @12:30pm\nDifficulty:  Bike ride moderate (6/10) – 16 miles roundtrip\, elevation gain: 1\,109′\nTotal ride time is estimated to be 2-2.5 hours\, including stops.\nCost: FREE for all participants\, but registration is required and space is limited \nJoin us and special guests from Pathways to Parks on a special countryside bicycle ride exploring farmland conservation and rural black history in Alexander\, NC. This loop rolls over gentle hills through the Alexander/Leicester area with views of open farmland valleys and breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. \nThe ride will begin at the SAHC Community Farm and then proceed to the historic Alexander Chapel Baptist Church\, site of a historic African American church and cemetery. At this stop\, riders will be joined by Annette Coleman\, whose family was from this area. Annette will share information about the history of the church and preservation efforts to care for the site.  Annette is one of the members of ASCORE – the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equity – which desegregated public spaces in Asheville in the 1960s. \nThis ride will start and end at the SAHC Community Farm where afterward everyone will enjoy a catered lunch courtesy of Pathways to Parks. If you are not interested in the bike ride but are still interested in the event\, please still join us for lunch\, where we will have a remarks and presentation on the history of the Alexander Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to join us for lunch and fellowship after the ride\, starting at 12:30pm. \nThis ride is FREE and open to the public\, but some road cycling experience and proper safety equipment are recommended. Helmets are required\, and we recommend water bottles as well as a snack for emergency energy. You may want to consider bringing a spare tube and pump. Less experienced riders should feel comfortable on this route\, however\, riding in this region always involves some hill climbing and this route is no exception. There are three climbs with a 1-2% grade that will require low gears and moderate to high effort. We will be riding on rural roads with no bike lanes alongside some vehicle traffic. This is a no-drop ride\, so nobody will be left behind! \nThank you for your interest in this event but the registration is currently FULL. If you are still interested in the ride and would like to be added to the waitlist\, please email Travis@appalachian.org. Thank you!
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2024-black-history-conservation-bicycle-ride-with-pathways-to-parks/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)\, 180 Mag Sluder Road\, Alexander\, NC\, 28701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Event,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bikeridegrouppic.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240521T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240521T140000
DTSTAMP:20240515T000755Z
CREATED:20240501T193824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T000755Z
UID:25435-1716285600-1716300000@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2024 May SAHC Community Farm Volunteer Workday
DESCRIPTION:Date: Tuesday\, May 21st\nTime: Starting at 10:00 AM\nLocation: SAHC Community Farm\nJoin us for a public volunteer workday at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander\, NC. The focus is on planting trees and cover crops in our new food forest and silvopasture area totaling 17 acres. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Engage with the land\, learn regenerative farming practices\, and make a tangible impact on our local ecosystem and foodshed.  \nIf you have any questions\, please reach out to travis@appalachian.org. \nRegistration for this event is REQUIRED. Please register below.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2024-2024-sahc-community-farm-volunteer-workday-may/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Market Stand area)\, 228 Mag Sluder\, Alexander\, 28701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming,Volunteer Opportunity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dji_fly_20240401_172750_579_1712006965398_photo_optimized.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240531T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240531T150000
DTSTAMP:20240531T164203Z
CREATED:20240412T003153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240531T164203Z
UID:25156-1717160400-1717167600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:50th Anniversary Celebration - Rooted in the Past and Growing for the Future
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 31 from 1 to 3 pm\nTN Visitor Center on I-26\, Unicoi County\n \nYou are invited to celebrate with all of the SAHC family at our special 50th anniversary event. Soak in the beauty of protected land and savor the benefits conservation in the Southern Appalachians. Looking over a view of the 10\,000-acre Rocky Fork watershed\, one of SAHC’s keystone successes\, we will toast milestone achievements of the past 50 years and announce major projects for the future of conservation. \nSAHC has grown from a small group of committed volunteers brought together by a love of hiking the Roan Highlands to a sophisticated\, multi-state\, non-profit organization at the forefront of nationally recognized conservation efforts. Share the good stories\, reminisce about the hard times\, resonate with the poetry of place\, and be inspired by epic conservation plans on the horizon. \nThis celebratory gathering will feature special guest speakers and light refreshments.\n  \nPlease RSVP for this Event.\nIf you plan to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration on May 31\, please let us know! \n\n  \n  \nFeatured Speakers: \n Dr. Mamie Parker \nFormer Head of Fisheries for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)\, Dr. Mamie Parker has been breaking barriers as a professional fish and wildlife biologist\, success coach and principal consultant at Ecologix Group\, Inc. She spent a successful 30-year career as a biologist and senior executive in the federal government as the FWS Chief of Staff\, Assistant Director of Habitat Conservation/Head of Fisheries. \nDr. Parker made history serving as the first African American FWS Regional Director of the 13 Northeastern states after working in the Great Lakes and Big Rivers regions and in the southeastern United States. While serving as board chair of Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries Commission\, the board passed a diversity resolution that’s become a model for other states\, changed the board name from “game” to wildlife\, and protected migratory birds threatened by major bridge construction. Instead of “rubber-stamping” a project that would have displaced many birds (allowed under the weakening of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act)\, the Department drafted a  regulations to protect migratory birds across Virginia. Read More >> \nWiley Cash\nWiley Cash is the New York Times bestselling author of four novels – When Ghosts Come Home\, The Last Ballad\, A Land More Kind Than Home\, and This Dark Road to Mercy – and the founder of This Is Working\, an online creative community. He’s been a fellow at Yaddo and the MacDowell Colony\, and he teaches fiction writing and literature at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. He lives in North Carolina with his wife\, photographer Mallory Cash\, and their daughters. Cash’s short stories and essays have appeared in The Oxford American\, Garden & Gun\, Our State Magazine\, and other publications\, and his fiction has been adapted for the stage and film. He has taught creative writing and literature at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill\, Bethany College\, the University of North Carolina-Asheville\, and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. He holds a Ph.D. in American Literature from UL-Lafayette\, an M.A. in English from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro\, and a B.A. in Literature from UNC-Asheville. Read More >> \nCarl Silverstein\nSAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein joined the SAHC staff in 2000. He graduated from Stanford University in 1984 with a BA in History\, and the University of Alabama Law School in 1988. Carl practiced law in Seattle before moving to Asheville in 1995. Carl serves on the Claims Committee of Terrafirma Risk Retention Group. Terrafirma is a charitable risk pool created by the national Land Trust Alliance to insure its members against the legal costs of defending conservation interests. With 24 years of experience as Executive Director of SAHC\, Carl has guided staff through countless obstacles and navigated successful conservation outcomes for some of the most exciting and worthwhile projects in our 50-year history.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/50th-anniversary-celebration-rooted-in-the-past-and-growing-for-the-future/
LOCATION:TN Visitor Center on I-26 Erwin\, Unicoi\, 100 Fiddlers Ln\, Erwin\, TN\, 37650\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Event,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/anniversary-header-scaled-e1712866529441.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240531T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240531T170000
DTSTAMP:20240529T220627Z
CREATED:20240405T011129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T220627Z
UID:25057-1717167600-1717174800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:50th Anniversary Hike at Rocky Fork State Park
DESCRIPTION:Photo by Witt Langstaff\, Jr. \nDate: Friday\, May 31st\nTime: Starting at 3:00 pm\nWhere: Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park\nDistance: ~2 miles\nDifficulty: Easy (3/10)\, trail is accessible via all-terrain wheelchair reservation\nCost: Free\, registration is required\n  \nHelp us celebrate together Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy’s 50th anniversary with a hike in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park! Few things represent better our dedication to conservation\, past\, present\, and future\, than this special location. This community-oriented\, walk in the woods will be hosted immediately following our 50th Anniversary Campaign Kick-off event at the I-26 Welcome Center\, located 10 minutes away. Guests have the option to join us for the event and the hike\, or just the hike! \nThe hike will start at the parking area and walk along the crystal clear Rocky Fork River for .8 miles to the historic Flint Creek Battle Site. Here we will be joined by members of the Friends of Rocky Fork who will provide us with the special history of the area. From here folks will have the option to return to their cars\, hike further into the park to the Appalachian Trail\, or explore the Whitehouse Cliffs Trail. The 10\,000 acres of Rocky Fork that SAHC was critical in protecting from threat of development\, has something to offer everyone! \nIf you’d like to join us for this hike\, please register below! \nThis hike is currently FULL! If you’d like to be added to the waitlist please email travis@appalachian.org.  \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/50th-anniversary-hike-at-rocky-fork-state-park/
LOCATION:Rocky Fork State Park
CATEGORIES:Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WittLangstaffJrcopyright-Rocky-Fork-Hike_crossingbridge.jpg
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