Appalachian Spring 2019
Join us in celebrating SAHC’s 45th Anniversary at USA Raft Adventure Resort outpost on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Tennessee! This year, we have an extra-special annual Appalachian Spring Conservation Celebration planned, with outdoor adventures available thanks to our generous friends at USA Raft Adventure Resort.
Discounted Rafting Adventures
Before the event, guests have the option of two rafting trips. Please note: You will need to book these activities through USA RAFT, using the links and discount codes below.
- Nolichucky Gorge Half Day Trip – Class 3-4, begins at 1:30 pm, back by 5 pm. Use promo code SAHCGORGE for a 25% discount; total $56 per person. Click HERE to register.
- Lower Nolichucky Half Day Trip – Class 1-2, begins at 2 pm, back by 4:30 pm. You can take inflatable kayaks on this section. Use promo code SAHCLOWER for a 25% discount; total $34 per person. Click HERE to register.
If you would like to bring your own kayak – then you can join the trip for FREE.
On-site Pre-Event Activities begin at 3 pm
These activities are offered FREE for Appalachian Spring guests:
Stand-up Paddleboard with instructors on site. Boards of all different shapes and sizes for kids to adults. Come prepared to get your feet wet!
Onewheel lessons and demo on site for all ages.
Self – Guided Hikes – Options of 3 different hikes to discover nature’s beauty along the Nolichucky or Appalachian Trail: 15 minute stroll along the Nolichucky, 1 hour or 2 hour along the AT.
Fly fishing – A guide will be on hand for demos and equipment use. No license required.
Plant Walk with HERBalachia — 4 pm
Join Michelle Bouton of HERBalachia for a brief introduction to several of our most appreciated wild foods and medicines in the eastern TN bio-region. When we visit plants in their natural habitat, we are introduced to plant communities, giving us hints as to the delicate balance of interrelationship of plant species, natural environment, and human interaction. We will discuss basic wildcrafting ethics and reciprocation: what can we give back? Good footwear and a hand lens (if you have one) are useful.
Appalachian Spring Conservation Celebration – 5 pm to 8 pm
Enjoy a stunning setting, surrounded by lush mountains and the gorgeous Nolichucky River while the ETSU Old-Time Ramblers perform. We will have a silent auction with exciting outdoor packages — and all proceeds benefit ongoing conservation efforts. Dinner will be catered by Southern Craft BBQ, with veg options.
Join us in honoring the 2019 Stanley A. Murray Volunteers of the Year.
In 1989 the Stanley A. Murray Award for Volunteer Service was created to honor persons who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to the work of SAHC emulating the lifelong dedication of our founder, Stanley A. Murray.
This year, we honor the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club for its extraordinary volunteer help over the years, particularly in 2018 managing Golden-winged Warbler habitat around our Grassy Ridge “Birdhouse” property. TEHCC members made numerous trips to the Grassy Ridge property to open up 2.5 acres of new habitat for Golden-winged warblers. They donated fuel, equipment, and more than 383 hours cutting locusts on the property, then spent another 403 hours de-barking and transporting the locust to be used in repairing sections of the Appalachian Trail across the Roan Highlands. In addition, several members of the club participated in trail planning and building on our Elk Hollow preserve.
Appalachian Spring Tickets:
Prefer to purchase tickets by check? Use the form below to register now, and send your payment to SAHC, 372 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 (please note Appalachian Spring on payment).
Thank you to our Event Sponsors!
Join us for a conservation celebration by the French Broad River! Our annual Appalachian Spring event will feature LIVE music from award-winning artist 
The 
Enjoy views of the French Broad River from the ample outdoor spaces of the event venue. The French Broad River Valley is one of SAHC’s six geographic conservation focus areas. Our conservation work protects high elevation headwater sources and streams flowing throughout the French Broad River watershed — including our recent conservation easement on the 
We had a wonderful time with all of our members, friends, and guests last night at 
Enjoy good times with friends and music by 
You couldn’t ask for a more Appalachian setting, with flair. As guests arrived at the Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens on May 21, they were greeted by the eerie screams of peacocks who live on the property and nonchalantly flaunt their remarkable feathers. The weather was a little iffy – with threatening clouds hovering overhead much of the time, but we were grateful that the rain held off and the cover helped keep temperatures at just the right level. 
Thank you to all the friends, members, volunteers, donors, and event sponsors who made our Appalachian Spring 40th Anniversary event such a success! And we appreciate Fire Cracker Jazz Band for providing music for our event and to NC PhotoBox for a fun-filled photo booth experience for our guests. We’d also like to give a special ‘thank you’ to Nona Mia Italian Kitchen for preparing the delicious buffet dinner enjoyed by all, and for generously donating a huge portion of the catering expense.
our founding members and volunteers for an inspiring forty years of conservation successes. 
