2018 Hike with Hemlock Restoration Initiative
Location: Fairview, NC
Date: Saturday, January 20
Time: 10:00 am
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5-6)
Leader: Emily Adler, SAHC Americorps Outreach Associate & Thom Green, Hemlock Restoration Initiative Outreach Associate
Cost: Free for SAHC members; $10 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on this hike due to the educational component
Join SAHC and the Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) on a hike to explore some beautiful stands of Carolina hemlocks in the Fairview Farming Community, where SAHC has helped protect over 1,300 acres of forest and historic farmland. We will learn about Carolina hemlock ecosystems, the hemlock wooly adelgid, and current options and efforts to control the adelgid.
We will begin with a short walk to a large stand of hemlocks where we will first discuss the hemlock wooly adelgid and mitigation options. We will then travel to Hickory Nut Gap on the Eastern Continental Divide and traverse several SAHC Conservation Easements, giving hikers a chance to learn about our land protection work in the area, as well as to see more hemlocks. We will be rewarded with scenic views from Ferguson Peak and Rocky Point along the way!
Dubbed the “Redwood of the East”, eastern hemlock is a long-lived and slowing growing giant that can reportedly live up to 800 years-old and reach heights of more than 150 feet. The species is considered to be the most shade tolerant tree in the Eastern US and is an ecologically important component of Southern Appalachian forests. The dense shade cast by the evergreen tree’s canopy creates critical wildlife habitat, stabilizes stream banks, and keeps mountain forests and streams cool.
