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haywoodgapwater

October 13, 2016/by sahcadmin

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https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/LogoUpdate_SingleHiker_bluecreek_RGB-283x300.png 0 0 sahcadmin https://appalachian.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/LogoUpdate_SingleHiker_bluecreek_RGB-283x300.png sahcadmin2016-10-13 18:15:172016-10-16 14:43:20haywoodgapwater

appalachian_org

This summer, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conser This summer, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy joined a handful of other land trusts nationwide to become one of just 31 certified entities with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Certified Entity status will streamline closings on easements with NRCS funding, cutting months off of the timeline to closing.

During the Agricultural Land Easements Summit at the Land Trust Alliance national land conservation conference this month, SAHC Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese accepted the ACEP-ALE certification on behalf of SAHC. 

"The timeline for protecting agricultural land with agency-funded conservation easements is pretty lengthy and occasionally deters landowners from pursuing land protection," says Farmland Program Director Jess Laggs. "Becoming a Certified Entity means we'll be able to better serve our mountain farming community to achieve their conservation legacies.”

#farmland #farmconservationeasements #farmlandconservation #nrcs #landtrustalliance
Come #hike with us! Join the Southern Appalachian Come #hike with us! Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy at our #communityfarm for Part Two of our special Lunch & Learn series to hike along the Discovery Trail and spend extra time at the #utopianseedproject experimental farm plots. 

During this visit, you will have the opportunity to see the crops that are growing and hear from Utopian Seed Project Executive Director and Founder Chris Smith about his vision for an engaged community of growers, gardeners, farmers, foodies, cooks, chefs and everyone who embraces regional biodiversity and believe in a resilient, delicious and equitable food and farming system.

This outing is Part 2 of a 2-part series, with a Virtual Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, September 19 at 12:00 p.m. You are not required to sign up for both, but it is recommended. Register separately for the virtual introductory program HERE: 

https://appalachian.org/event/virtual-lunch-and-learn-utopian-seed-project/

Here are the details you need to know:

Date: Friday, September 22nd
Time: Starting at 12:00 pm 
Where: SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Our Community Farm spans over 140 acres and serves as an educational and working farm just outside of Asheville. It's a hub of conservation projects and agricultural production, featuring initiatives such as stream restoration, shortleaf pine reforestation, a farm incubator program, silvopasture project, and an education center. With so much to discover, every visit to the farm is a unique experience. #farmlife #localfarms #localfood #828isgreat #farmland

REGISTER here: https://appalachian.org/event/lunch-and-learn-series-part-ii-in-person-community-farm-tour/
Join us for a #hike to celebrate our “For Love o Join us for a #hike to celebrate our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnerships. This hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multi-use trails. 

From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,900 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The cliff-top view at the summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest.

Date: Saturday, September 30th
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC
Distance:  10.5 miles
Difficulty: Very strenuous (10+). 10+ mile hike with significant elevation change.
Cost: FREE for all participants (pre-registration is required)

REGISTER here: https://appalachian.org/event/2023-clawhammer-hike-with-highland-brewing-co/
SAHC's new Split Pine Cove Preserve in Haywood Cou SAHC's new Split Pine Cove Preserve in Haywood County - 124 MORE acres protected in the Crabtree and Fines Creek area!

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy recently purchased this beautiful preserve with varied terrain, ranging from rolling pastures and rich forest land to rock outcroppings which can be seen from the Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway (NC 209).

The Raven Cliff Significant Natural Heritage Area and rare Montane Mafic Cliff communities on the tract are ecologically important. The North Carolina Native Plant Society's Alice Zawadzki Land Conservation Fund awarded SAHC a $1,000 grant to fund a biological inventory of the new Split Pine Cove preserve.

"The property’s gentle and picturesque lower elevations made this tract attractive for possible development," says Conservation Director Hanni Muerdter. "We are thrilled that the SAHC was able to purchase the property so that it will remain in its natural state for future generations."

Thank you to the visionary philanthropic leaders and SAHC supporters who made this conservation project possible!

Read more at https://appalachian.org/split-pine-cove/

And special thanks to Senior Ecologist Owen Carson of Equinox Environmental, who provided many of these beautiful photos in the biological inventory of the property.
One of the things we love best about working at So One of the things we love best about working at Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is the sheer beauty of the conservation lands we protect. Recently, several SAHC staff members enjoyed a beautiful site visit to our nature preserve at the headwaters of the Catawba River. In total, SAHC has protected over 600 acres in this area.  #conservation #waterfalls #cleanwater #wncmountains 

We are grateful to gracious hosts Melinda and Rick Halford, who have a life estate on a portion of the conserved land. They shared stories about their efforts to steward and care for the land, including working with Save the Hemlocks to treat trees for invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (check out the story in our newsletter at https://issuu.com/sahc/docs/2023_v1_newsletter-3 ). 

Thank you for helping to protect stunning gems like this in the mountains of NC and TN!
Come #hike with us! Join the Southern Appalachian Come #hike with us! Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands at the #communityfarm on Sunday, August 20th for a sunset hike along our Discovery Trail! Lace up your boots and come explore our beautiful farm. 

Here are the details you need to know:

Date: Sunday, August 20th
Time: Starting at 6:00 pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

Our Community Farm spans over 140 acres and serves as an educational and working farm just outside of Asheville. It's a hub of conservation projects and agricultural production, featuring initiatives such as stream restoration, shortleaf pine reforestation, a farm incubator program, silvopasture project, and an education center. With so much to discover, every visit to the farm is a unique experience. #farmlife #localfarms #localfood #828isgreat #farmland

REGISTER here: https://appalachian.org/event/2023-august-sunset-community-farm-tour/
HELP NEEDED! WE are hosting a pop-up volunteer wor HELP NEEDED! WE are hosting a pop-up volunteer workday tomorrow at 1pm at our SAHC Community Farm. We need your help moving 8 tons of stone (tractor assisted 😉) and harvesting fresh garlic! This will be a fun time to spend at the farm with SAHC staff and community members. Please see the link below for more details! 

https://appalachian.org/event/2023-pop-up-volunteer-event-sahc-community-farm/?
Come #hike with us! Join the Southern Appalachian Come #hike with us! Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands at the #communityfarm on Friday, September 22nd for an invigorating hike along our Discovery Trail! Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the beauty of the farm while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views.

Here are the details you need to know:

Date: Friday, September 22nd
Time: Starting at 12:00 pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several inclines are present on the trail.
Cost: Free for Members. $10 for non-members.

This hike is part 2 of a 2-part series. We also have a Virtual Lunch and Learn session with Chris Smith of the Utopian Seed Project scheduled for Tuesday, September 19th at 12:00 pm. While it's not mandatory to attend both events, we highly recommend it for a more comprehensive experience. Please make sure to register separately for the virtual program on our website. 

Our Community Farm spans over 140 acres and serves as an educational and working farm just outside of Asheville. It's a hub of conservation projects and agricultural production, featuring initiatives such as stream restoration, shortleaf pine reforestation, a farm incubator program, silvopasture project, and an education center. With so much to discover, every visit to the farm is a unique experience. #farmlife #localfarms #localfood #828isgreat #farmland

Participants will hike along the Discovery Trail in a 2.5 mile loop. The trail is moderately difficult with a few steep inclines along the way. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while getting to see all of the amazing farm projects before returning to our education center.

REGISTER here: https://appalachian.org/event/lunch-and-learn-series-part-ii-in-person-community-farm-tour/
Thanks to our Stew Crew for ensuring the long-term Thanks to our Stew Crew for ensuring the long-term protection of conserved land! These pics are from our team members monitoring a 200+ acre conservation easement off the Blue Ridge Parkway in SAHC's Black Mountain Conservation Focus Area.
#conservation #828isgreat #outdooroffice #blueridgeparkwaync #blueridgemountains #protectthetrees #mountainviews
Thank you Grassy Ridge Mow-Off Volunteers! We are Thank you Grassy Ridge Mow-Off Volunteers! We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of a wonderful group of volunteers who came together - and braved the variable weather - for the 2023 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off last weekend. Together we hand-mowed 3.9 acres of blackberry and shrubs on Grassy Ridge to maintain the open grassy balds habitat. Thank you to our partners at @appalachiantrail Conservancy for supporting this work through their license plate grant program.

We also extend a special thanks to the NC Forestry BRIDGE crew for packing the equipment on-and-off Grassy Ridge and for their mowing work on Round Bald and Engine Gap. BRIDGE has been integral to our grassy balds habitat management work for over 15 years!

This is a popular area along the Appalachian Trail. In addition to the views cherished by AT hikers, our Roan Stewardship volunteers help maintain and restore habitat for rare plants and native species. Want to find out more about WHY active management is needed in the Highlands of Roan? Join us for our next volunteer work day on Round Bald, July 28. Sign up at https://appalachian.org/event/2023-round-bald-rubus-roundup/

Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters of this work! #grassybalds #habitatmanagement #pisgahnationalforest #cherokeenationalforest #appalachiantrail #conservation #roanhighlands #volunteer
Do you love the Highlands of Roan or grassy Appala Do you love the Highlands of Roan or grassy Appalachian balds habitat along the #appalachiantrail ? Come join us for a volunteer work day in this gorgeous place.

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.

Please be sure to fill out the volunteer registration form at https://appalachian.org/event/2023-round-bald-rubus-roundup/

Or see website, link in bio.
#conservation #habitatmanagement #highlandsofroan
Join us for a hike this Thursday, July 13, at 9 am Join us for a hike this Thursday, July 13, at 9 am and tour the 2.5-mile Discovery Trail at the SAHC Community Farm! 

SAHC 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. With a stream restoration project, shortleaf pine reforestation project, farm incubator program, silvopasture project, and education center, there is always something new to see.

Visit our website - link in bio - for details and registration.

More info at https://appalachian.org/event/23503/
*** Please be sure to follow the link below or vis *** Please be sure to follow the link below or visit Appalachian.org to register for this volunteer event; we will send additional details and planning info to volunteers via email. ***

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.

https://appalachian.org/event/2023-grassy-ridge-mow-off/

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.
Silvopasture Workshop Part 2: Agroforestry Mainten Silvopasture Workshop Part 2: Agroforestry Maintenance - Sat., June 24 from 9 am to 5 pm

Contour Lines, a nonprofit, specializes in efficient establishment of agroforestry systems with a high seedling survival rate.  This coming Saturday, June 24 they are hosting a 2-part workshop series with SAHC to teach more people about silvopasture techniques. 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.

Sign up and more info at https://appalachian.org/event/farm-workshop-agroforestry-maintenance/ 

#farmworkshop #silvopasture #agroforestry
Thank you @mountainxpress for covering Southern Ap Thank you @mountainxpress for covering Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s ongoing effort to conserve 343 acres atop Deaverview Mountain! Writer Greg Parlier delves into the stories around this iconic Asheville summit close to town, and SAHC’s own Senior Advisor to the Board Jay Leutze is on this week’s cover! Read it online at MountainXpress.com or in print, pg 6-7.
Come #hike with us! @sahccommunityfarm hike on Thu Come #hike with us! @sahccommunityfarm hike on Thursday, July 13th. Bring your boots and take a walk around the farm! Register at appalachian.org

Date: Thursday, July 13th
Time: Starting at 9:00 am
Where: SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC

Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several 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. #farmlife #localfarms #localfood #828isgreat #farmland 

Our community Farm is a 140-acre educational and working farm just outside of 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 our education center. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains. 

REGISTER HERE: https://appalachian.org/event/23503/

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.
Saturday - June 10 - June Jamboree outings - last Saturday - June 10 - June Jamboree outings - last call for registration!

Enjoy hikes and outdoor experiences in the Highlands of Roan 
Come join us for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy's signature hiking event in our flagship conservation focus area. This outdoor recreation showcase will feature five outings, ranging from easy to difficult:

1 - Roll n' Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens
2 - Challenge Hike on the Hackline Trail
3 - Pathways to Parks Hike - FULL
4 - Hampton Creek Cove Loop Hike
5 - Birding at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area

Afterward, drop in for the June Jamboree Social at the Nilsen Homestead on SAHC's Little Cove Creek Preserve. We'll have afternoon refreshments and a conservation celebration. FREE for all participants, but registration on hikes may be limited. 

Sign up at Appalachian.org - link in bio.
#hiking #easttn #birding #conservation #roanmountain  #hamptoncreekcove #hamptoncreekcovestatenaturalarea 

Photo of person by rushing forest-surrounded stream, taken in Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area by Travis Bordley.
Shop and Dine to Support Conservation! Mast Genera Shop and Dine to Support Conservation!
Mast General Store (Waynesville and Asheville stores) will donate proceeds from 20% of sales on Saturday, June 3 to support SAHC's conservation efforts; they will also continue their 'Round Up' campaign for conservation through Sunday. Drop in for a bite or a drink at Chestnut or Corner Kitchen - they have pledged to donate a percentage of sales on June 3 in honor of Land Trust Day. Wicked Weed Brewing, Highland Brewing Company, Altura Architects, Asheville Hiking Tours, and Headwater Environmental are sponsoring Land Trust Day to raise awareness about the importance of SAHC's conservation work in the region. Thank you to all our partners and supporters!

#landtrustday #conservation @mastgeneralstore @wickedweedbrewing @highlandbrewing @chestnutasheville @cornerkitchenavl @avlhikingtours @alturaarchitects
Busy as Bees in the pollinator garden at @sahccomm Busy as Bees in the pollinator garden at @sahccommunityfarm - #soundsofnature #honeybees #conservation #pollinators #farmlife #bzzzz
Come #hike with us! @sahccommunityfarm hike on Fri Come #hike with us! @sahccommunityfarm hike on Friday, June 2nd. Bring your boots and take a walk around the farm as we celebrate National Trails Day and Land Trust Day! Register at appalachian.org

Date: Friday, June 2nd
Time: Starting at 2:00pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC

Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Several 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. #farmlife #localfarms #localfood #828isgreat #farmland 

Our community Farm is a 140-acre educational and working farm just outside of 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-mile loop allowing us to view all of the amazing farm projects before returning to our education center. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains. 

REGISTER HERE: https://appalachian.org/event/2023-june-farm-tour-national-trails-day-and-land-trust-day/

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.
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Our Mission

The mission of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for all people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, enduring for future generations. We achieve this through long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies and owning and managing land. We are committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

Get in Touch

Email: sahc@appalachian.org

Phone: 828-253-0095
372 Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

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