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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://appalachian.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250405T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250405T140000
DTSTAMP:20250227T234226Z
CREATED:20250125T005154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T234226Z
UID:26945-1743847200-1743861600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2025 Hike Series: Kephart Prong Trail [Rescheduled Date]
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, April 5th\nTime: Starting at 10:00 am\nWhere: Great Smoky Mountains National Park\nDistance:  4.5 miles\nDifficulty: Difficult (7/10)\, several steep inclines are present on the trail\nCost: Free\, though pre-registration is required\nJoin Us for a Guided Hike at Great Smoky Mountain NP – Saturday\, April 5th \nOur previously-planned hike along The Kephart Prong Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been rescheduled to Saturday\, April 5 due to inclement weather.  This trail offers a scenic and historically rich hike\, leading to the Kephart Shelter.  We’ll begin with a footbridge crossing the Oconaluftee River and then navigate past the remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp from the Great Depression era.  Here\, you’ll find the chimney of the camp barracks\, rock framing for a signboard\, and remnants of a water fountain.  The CCC camp\, which operated between 1933 and 1942\, played a significant role in the construction of park roads\, footbridges\, and other structures\, some of which are still visible today. \nContinuing along the trail\, hikers will cross several more footbridges and climb steadily up the southern slopes of Mount Kephart.  At 2.1 miles\, you’ll reach the Kephart Shelter\, located at the junction of multiple trails\, where you can enjoy beautiful views and historical insights.  This area is named for Horace Kephart\, a key advocate for the Smoky Mountains National Park\, whose contributions to the park’s preservation and mountain culture are celebrated here.  Whether you’re exploring the rich history or simply soaking in the natural beauty\, the Kephart Prong Trail is a rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts \nWhile the Kephart Prong Trail is open to the public\, pre-registration is required for this guided hike.  Upon registration\, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with detailed information about the meeting location and event specifics 24-48 hours prior to the hike.  Please note that this hike is not wheelchair accessible\, so participants should be prepared for a moderate trail experience. \nFor more information and resources on Kephart Prong Trail\, visit: NPS Kephart Prong Resource \nRegistration for this event will close at end of day on Thursday\, April 3rd. If you have any questions\, please reach out to justin@appalachian.org. \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/hike-series-kephart-prong-trail/
LOCATION:Kephart Prong Trail\, US-441\, Bryson City\, NC\, 28713
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kephart-Prong-Trail_IMG-e1737142446256.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250408T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250408T130000
DTSTAMP:20250320T180012Z
CREATED:20250317T184423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T180012Z
UID:27430-1744113600-1744117200@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2025 Avian Diversity in the Craggies - Lunch & Learn
DESCRIPTION:Virtual Lunch & Learn: Cerulean Warblers and Avian Diversity in the Craggy Wilderness\nJoin National Parks Conservation Association’s Steve Goodman for a Lunch & Learn exploring ongoing avian diversity research in the Craggy-Big Ivy Forest area. Photo of Craggy Overlook by Steven McBride. \nAbundance of North American migratory birds is on the decline\, experiencing a 58% drop between 1970 and 2017 – a loss of 3 billion breeding birds. Steve’s current research is assessing avian species diversity and abundance in the 15\,576-acre Craggy Wilderness and National Scenic Area of the Southern Appalachians. Learn how NPCA and partners are using bioacoustic monitoring and collaborating with SAHC on this research. Listen to audio files collected in the first year of research highlighting species like Cerulean Warblers\, the Veery\, Yellow-billed Cuckoo\, Brown Creeper\, and more! \n\n  \nFurther Context on Steve’s Ongoing Research Project on Avian Diversity\nAbundance of North American migrant birds has declined 58% between 1970–2017\, a loss of three billion breeding birds (Rosenberg et al. 2016\, 2019). Eastern forest birds have declined 64% including Cerulean Warblers (72%)\, Canada Warbler (62%)\, Veery (40%)\, Wood Thrush (60%) and Yellow-billed Cuckoo (54%). Additionally\, in NC there are other several species of greatest conservation need (e.g.\, Brown Creeper) and those with knowledge gaps (e.g.\, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker) (NCWRC). Even common species have declined\, with some experiencing 50–90% range-wide declines including Chimney Swift (67%) and Eastern Towhee (43%). Sustainable forest-interior bird populations in the Southern Appalachians are dependent on contiguous mature forests with structural complexities shaped by natural disturbance. The proposed 15\,576-ac Craggy Wilderness and National Scenic Area and its diverse natural communities\, elevation gradients\, and primary forests are home to these and many other breeding neotropical migrants. \nUsing passive bioacoustic monitoring NPCA is conducting a two-year study to assess bird species richness and avian assemblages in the Craggies to fill in knowledge gaps and provide best available information for sound decision making. Further\, NPCA and partners seeks to raise awareness and support for permanent protection of the area\, ensuring healthy bird and other wildlife populations\, long-term climate resiliency\, and protection of one of the most outstanding (and photographed) viewsheds along the Blue Ridge Parkway. \nSteve and the National Parks Conservation Association are excited to collaborate with SAHC on this project. SAHC has been acquiring critically important parcels and easements throughout much of this region\, including several parcels directly bordering the proposed Craggies National Scenic Area. We look forward to expanding our avian bioacoustic monitoring and other wildlife surveys on these properties. During the Lunch & Learn\, Steve will be sharing summary data from year one of NPCA’s study and highlighting some of the amazing bird diversity found throughout the Craggies. \nPictured to the left\, a warbler nest\, likely Black and White Warbler. \n  \nSteve Goodman | National Parks Conservation Association\nConservation Biologist\, Wildlife Research Program Coordinator \nWith 20 years of experience studying sensitive wildlife and habitats\, his aim is to find the balance between the need for novel research and using existing\, best available information to make timely decisions to conserve wildlife and landscapes. He has worked as a wildlife biologist for Virginia Tech\, Arizona Game & Fish and Washington Fish & Wildlife and holds BS degrees in biology and finance from the University of South Florida and a MS in biology from the University of West Florida. \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2025-avian-diversity-craggies/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming,Virtual Conservation Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Craggy-Overlook_StevenMcBride.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250410T083000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250410T110000
DTSTAMP:20250408T222222Z
CREATED:20250402T014412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T222222Z
UID:27533-1744273800-1744282800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2025 Avian Diversity Lunch & Learn Hike @ Stevens Creek Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Avian Diversity Lunch & Learn Birding Hike\nDate: Thursday\, April 10\nTime: Starting at 8:30 AM\nWhere: Stevens Creek Preserve\nDistance: 1 mile loop\nDifficulty: Moderate (4-5/10)\nCost: Free for Members\, $10 for non-members\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nJoin Stewardship Director Sarah Sheeran and Development and Communications Manager Emma Goldrick for a 1 mile loop\, birding at SAHC’s Stevens Creek Preserve. We will be joined by Lunch & Learn presenter and NPCA Conservation Biologist Steve Goodman. Learn more about the Lunch & Learn and register for the session or to receive the recording at Avian Diversity in the Craggies Lunch & Learn. Watch science in action as Sarah and Steve deploy two ARUs (Autonomous recording unit) for bird monitoring. This hike is rated as easy to moderate with a few steep sections\, uneven ground\, and variable weather. Please come prepared with sturdy footwear\, plenty of water\, and snacks. \nDue to the educational aspect of the hike and limited parking\, SAHC is limiting this outing to 15 participants. A separate registration form must be completed for each participant.  \nLearn more about SAHC’s work at Stevens Creek doing early successional habitat management here. The habitat management at Stevens Creek Preserve\, done in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission\, was discussed in a Lunch & Learn last fall – watch here. \nIf you have any questions\, please reach out to emma@appalachian.org.
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2025-birding-stevens-creek/
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DSC04935.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250418T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250418T120000
DTSTAMP:20250402T194834Z
CREATED:20250402T194834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250402T194834Z
UID:27531-1744970400-1744977600@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:Hike Series: April Community Farm Tour
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, April 18th\nTime: Starting at 10:00 AM\nWhere: SAHC Community Farm\nDistance: 2 miles\nDifficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10)\, several steep inclines are present on this trail\nCost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.\nRegistration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED\nPut on your hiking boots\, grab your trekking poles\, and join us for a guided hike along The Discovery Trail\, hosted by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Outreach Manager\, Justin Tucker. This 2-mile loop will take you through the beautiful forests and open fields of our Community Farm in Alexander\, NC. Along the trail\, you may spot the farm’s Scottish Highland cows\, white-tailed deer\, red-tailed hawks\, and other wildlife that call the farm home. \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 please email Justin Tucker at justin@appalachian.org \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/hike-series-april-community-farm-tour/
LOCATION:SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue)\, 180 Mag Sluder Road\, Alexander\, NC\, 28701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC00037.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250426T083000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250426T120000
DTSTAMP:20250227T235133Z
CREATED:20240820T191910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T235133Z
UID:26030-1745656200-1745668800@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2025 Appalachia Day Hike to Blue Ridge Pastures
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, April 26th\nTime: 8:30am\nWhere: Strawberry Gap to Blue Ridge Pastures\nDistance: 6 miles\nDifficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)\nCost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.\nCome kick off Appalachia Day with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy by joining us on the morning of April 26th for a hike to Blue Ridge Pastures via the Strawberry Gap Trail. Participants will hike a moderately strenuous 6 mile out-and-back through a beautiful forest while taking in sweeping views of Fairview\, NC before arriving at the remote Blue Ridge Pastures. Despite a mostly uphill 3-mile climb\, hikers will be rewarded with dramatic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge\, Bearwallow Mountain\, Little Pisgah Mountain\, and in the distance the highest mountains in the eastern United States.  \nThis trail is made possible through a partnership between two local land trusts – Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and Conserving Carolina. SAHC owns Strawberry Gap Preserve and worked with multiple private landowners to protect this beautiful mountain land with conservation easements. Conserving Carolina then built the trail\, which connects to Trombatore Trail at Blue Ridge Pastures. This brings us to more than 16 miles of connected trails in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge!  \n*Please note that Strawberry Gap passes through privately owned land and dogs are not allowed on this trail.  \nCost – $10 or Free to Members. Registration for this event will close at end of day on Thursday\, April 23rd. \n 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2025-appalachia-day-hike-to-blue-ridge-pastures/
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Special Event,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Strawberry-Gap-Trail.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250426T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250426T180000
DTSTAMP:20250325T214238Z
CREATED:20240712T010518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214238Z
UID:25890-1745668800-1745690400@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2025 Appalachia Day at Hickory Nut Gap Farm
DESCRIPTION:Appalachia Day – A Celebration of All Things Appalachian!\nWhen: Saturday\, April 26 from 12 to 6 pm\nWhere: Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview\, NC\n\n\nCome out and celebrate what you love about our mountain home – the views\, hiking\, local arts\, food\, live music and quality time with friends and family. Your purchases from local artisans and vendors will help the community recover from impacts of Hurricane Helene. \nDuring the day\, there will be food trucks on site\, live music all day\, a craft village market until 6 pm\, a raffle and more farm fun for the whole family \n\n\nFor the kids: Take a hayride or pony ride (provided by our friends at Project HNG\, until 4 pm; recommended donation of $10 to benefit Project HNG)\, visit the Hickory Nut Gap Farm animals\, or play in the culvert tunnel slides.  \nFor everyone: enjoy live music by Dan Shearin (of River Whyless) and friends from 4:00 to 5:30 pm\, plus local musicians the Root Diggers and Old Charlotte Highwaymen throughout the day. Kimberley Turner-Hall will be on hand to offer a Spring Bird’s Nest Basket weaving opportunity for children and adults.  \nA raffle and proceeds from beer sales\, provided by sponsors Wicked Weed Brewing and Highland Brewing Company (12 to 6 pm)\, will support Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy ongoing conservation efforts. You can purchase raffle tickets for Moni Hill’s painting ‘Winds of Change’ in advance HERE. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\nSpirit of Partnership\n“We deeply appreciate our partnerships with Wicked Weed Brewing\, Hickory Nut Gap Farm and Highland Brewing Company\,”  says SAHC Membership Director Cheryl Fowler. “Appalachia Day is just a great partnership event. The land at Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been conserved by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. In 2008\, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy closed on the first of a series of conservation easements permanently protecting agricultural land and surrounding forests at Hickory Nut Gap\, a stunning setting for a farm popular for both products and as a place to enjoy farm tours and events. SAHC worked with descendants of James and Elizabeth McClure to preserve farm and forest land\, in partnership with many dedicated conservationists\, generous supporters\, and grant funders. In total\, SAHC has protected a network of about 1\,500 acres of conserved land surrounding Hickory Nut Gap and Fairview.” \n \nThank You\, Sponsors!\n“SAHC is grateful to Wicked Weed Brewing\, Highland Brewing Company and Explore Asheville for supporting ongoing local conservation efforts as part of our Corporate Partner program\,” adds Cheryl. “Their support for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy underscores their commitment to protecting local farms\, streams\, watersheds\, mountains\, forests\, and outdoor recreation areas. Appalachia Day offers a unique and enjoyable way to soak in the vibrant culture\, natural beauty\, and community spirit of the Appalachian Mountains while actively supporting conservation efforts crucial to preserving this treasured region for generations to come. We look forward to enjoying a great day on the farm with friends and neighbors. Come on out y’all!” \n\n\n\n\nThank you\, Sponsors!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n \nAppalachia Evening Jam with the Darren Nicholson Band – 6:30 to 9:30 pm \nA benefit concert for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. \nTicket Price: $20 in Advance\, $25 at the Barn\, $10 for ages 8-16. (Children 7 and under are free)  \nJoin us for an unforgettable evening of Appalachian Bluegrass by the Darren Nicholson Band and help SAHC celebrate 50+ years of local land and water conservation. A GRAMMY nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards\, Darren has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry\, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range\, Darren now spends his time recording\, writing new songs\, and performing with his new band of five. Band members include: Avery Welter\, Aynsley Porchak\, Kevin Sluder and Richard Foulk. 
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/appalachia-day/
LOCATION:Hickory Nut Gap Farm\, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd\, Fairview\, 28730
CATEGORIES:Hikes and Outings,Special Event,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Hickory-Nut-Gap-big-barn-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250426T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250426T213000
DTSTAMP:20250325T212255Z
CREATED:20250308T205441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T212255Z
UID:27408-1745692200-1745703000@appalachian.org
SUMMARY:2025 Appalachia Evening Jam with the Darren Nicholson Band
DESCRIPTION:A benefit concert for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. \nTicket Price: $20 in Advance\, $25 at the Barn\, $10 for ages 8-16. (Children 7 and under are free) \nJoin us for an unforgettable evening of Appalachian Bluegrass by the Darren Nicholson Band and help SAHC celebrate 50+ years of local land and water conservation. A GRAMMY nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards\, Darren has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry\, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range\, Darren now spends his time recording\, writing new songs\, and performing with his new band of five. Band members include: Avery Welter\, Aynsley Porchak\, Kevin Sluder and Richard Foulk. \nThe Hickory Nut Gap Farm bar will serve cold beer\, Barn Door Ciderworks will serve hard cider\, and Garage BBQ\, Little Oven Pizzeria\, and Wicked Good Pretzels will remain on site for your food cravings. \n  \n\n\nClick HERE to Purchase Concert Tickets\n\n\nThis will be the final program for our special 2025 Appalachia Day celebration event. Find out more about Appalachia Day HERE.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThank you\, Sponsors!
URL:https://appalachian.org/event/2025-appalachia-evening-jam-with-the-darren-nicholson-band/
LOCATION:Hickory Nut Gap Farm\, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd\, Fairview\, 28730
CATEGORIES:Special Event,Upcoming
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Darren-Nicholson-Band2.jpg
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