Date:  April 28, 2018

Time: 10:00- 3:00

Where:  Big Rock Creek property in the Roan Highlands

Join us in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association and Nature Valley for a volunteer work day in the Highlands of Roan!  This work day will take place on the protected Big Rock Creek property and support an initiative to connect people with land.

The Big Rock Creek property located in Mitchell County, NC was recently protected by SAHC.  Formerly the home of Trailridge summer camp, the property contains 127 acres of unique high elevation habitat and streams. It is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest on three sides and the Appalachian Trail is less than a mile to the North. We hope to improve and maintain the camping and trail facilities on Big Rock Creek to “connect people to nature”!

Volunteer activities will include trail construction, vegetation management, and site beautification. Work gloves, safety eye wear, hand tools, and first aid kits will be available on site.  Feel free to bring personal gloves or tools.  Please dress in layers and bring a rain jacket as we will be working at high elevations and the weather is unpredictable.

What will we be doing?

Trail Construction– Using hand tools to clear a short trail through the property and to build two foot bridges at stream crossings.

Vegetation Management- Planting native shrubs and wildflowers in open areas

General clean-up– Collecting debris on the property

More volunteer tasks will be available on the work day.

Basic Schedule

10:00 to 10:15 – Introduction, safety talk, etc. Volunteers will be briefed, divided into groups, and dispersed across the site

10:15- 12:30– Work in Groups. Volunteers will work with teams on a specific task with a designated leader.

12:30- 1:15– Lunch.  SAHC will provide lunch for volunteers.  Please share dietary restrictions on the registration form below.

1:15- 3:00– Work in Groups. Volunteers will continue to work in teams to complete tasks.

Thank you for your interest! Please contact Michelle Durr, Roan Stewardship and Outreach AmeriCorps service member at michelled@appalachian.org for more information about the work day or specific volunteer duties.

This event is part of WNC for the Planet! Western North Carolina is celebrating Earth Day throughout the entire month of April by coming together to act locally and think globally. This year, local community and environmental groups are teaming up to offer a myriad of service days, workshops and educational events and celebrations.

Please register below

This event is part of #WNCforthePlanet —  a collaboration of environmental and conservation groups in Western North Carolina to coordinate and raise awareness about events and volunteer opportunities scheduled throughout the month of April in honor of “Earth Month.” Local nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses have teamed up to host a myriad of service days, workshops, hikes, educational events and celebrations. Join us in unifying our community to encourage and celebrate environmental stewardship for our planet and the region. More info at WNCforthePlanet.org.