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SAHC Virtual Lunch and Learn: Aerial Monitoring

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When: Monday, August 3 starting from 12 – 1 pm

Online, FREE

To supplement our on-the-ground stewardship efforts, SAHC is currently developing an aerial monitoring program. SAHC stewards land spread across approximately 4,000 square miles — and as of 2020, our Stew Crew is responsible for monitoring over 52,000 acres. Annual monitoring site visits require substantial time and resources. While interaction with landowners/neighbors and spending time in the landscape is paramount, the ever-growing acreage for which we are responsible, its commonly rugged and remote character, and, now, the realities of social distancing make the ability to remotely monitor properties essential to our work.

Over the years, we have used new technological tools and methods to boost efficiency and accomplish our commitment to perpetual stewardship of protected lands. This year we are excited about integrating aerial monitoring into our stewardship program. Join us to learn more about the future of our aerial monitoring program.

Sarah Sheeran, SAHC Stewardship Director, and Erik Rieger, SAHC Stanback Fellow/Duke University Master’s Student, will present on SAHC’s integration of aerial monitoring into its stewardship program. Erik will also present his summer research and discuss the priorities, decision making, and processes used to create a GIS suitability model and help SAHC decide which of its conserved properties are the best candidates for aerial monitoring.

Registration Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tYbzu6W2QPKCdZj0ArpcBg

 

Aerial photo courtesy of SouthWings and Dennis Oakley, Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association

Pint Night with JRH Brewing

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Join us at JRH Brewing on Tuesday, November 13 in Johnson City for a Pint Night! JRH Brewing is generously donating $1 for every pint sold to support SAHC!

Learn more about our land and water conservation work and how we are protecting the places you love and need. We will have SAHC and “For Love of Beer & Mountains” merchandise available for sale.

This Pint Night is in conjunction with There is No Place Like Roan: Ensuring a Highland Legacy Presentation at ETSU. We hope you can join us for both events!

 

 

2018 Farmer Education Workshop: Good Agricultural Practices

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Farm Workshop: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSNA) mock audit with NC Cooperative Extension

When: Thursday, June 14 from 2-5 pm

Where: SAHC’s Community Farm at 24 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC 28701

This workshop will provide fruit and vegetable growers with tools to reduce food safety risks and meet market requirements. Join us for an on-farm learning opportunity to identify potential food safety concerns and explore strategies to minimize potential contamination.  NC Cooperative Extension agents Elena Rogers and Meghan Baker will walk us through a mock audit at SAHC’s Farmer Incubator Program vegetable processing facility, currently farmed by Headwaters Market Garden. We will troubleshoot aspects of bringing products from field to market. 

Find out about the myths, truths and what you could do to become GAP (Good Ag Practices) certified and food safe! This  workshop is open to the public; everyone is welcome!

Cost: Free

Questions? Contact Chris Link at Chris@appalachian.org or 828.490.2565. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. Rain or shine.

Register online now for the GAP training and FMSNA mock-audit

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526-acre Swannanoa Conservation Easement

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In 2018, SAHC accepted a donated conservation easement on 526 acres in Swannanoa owned by Chemtronics, Inc. The conservation easement permanently protects land adjoining Pisgah National Forest, as well as scenic views from the Blue Ridge Parkway, I-40 and NC Highway 70.

“This landscape is important to the surrounding Swannanoa community, and we are pleased to be able to permanently protect these ridges,” says Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “The conservation easement area provides important wildlife corridors and will create an undeveloped buffer adjoining other protected lands.”

The forested, steep slopes of the property rise to elevations over 3,580 ft. The tract adjoins a large block of contiguous, protected land in the Black Mountains that includes the Asheville Watershed, Pisgah National Forest, Mount Mitchell State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is located less than a mile away. The Audubon Society’s Black and Great Craggy Mountains Important Bird Area covers a portion of the property. This Important Bird Area provides habitat for a wide variety of species, including: Black-throated Blue warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Pine Siskin, and Dark-eyed Junco. Read more

2018 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off

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We need YOUR help on the mountain!

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, great food and great job satisfaction! Our annual Grassy Ridge Mow-Off is more than just a work day — it’s an incredible way to experience in the Highlands of Roan and to share cherished moments with friends.

Backpackers and day trippers are both welcome. The hike is about 2.5 miles one way, the camping is gorgeous, and we have a job suited to almost everyone. There are several different ways to help: cutting or raking blackberries, camp organization and cooking, taking photographs, and more.

Grassy Ridge Mow-Off 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, Fellowship and Food time 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.

Please contact Marquette Crockett, Roan Stewardship Director at marquette@appalachian.org for more information about the work day or specific volunteer duties.

 

Sign up now to volunteer with us for the Grassy Ridge Mow-Off!

Registration is now closed. 

 

2018 June Jamboree

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Registration for the 2018 June Jamboree has now closed.

The Social

Time:  2-4 pm

After your adventure on your Jamboree outing be sure to stop by our afternoon social where friends and family can gather and share hike experiences while learning about SAHC’s recent accomplishments, including land protection and stewardship news. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

This years social will be at our Big Rock Creek Preserve.  The Big Rock Creek property, formerly the home of Trailridge summer camp, contains 127 acres of unique high elevation habitat and streams.  There will be a short, newly constructed trail that will be ready for walking – this trail was possible thanks to SAHC volunteers, the National Parks Conservation Association and Nature Valley!

The Hikes/Outings

*Hike Key Note: Hikes are rated 1-10 (greater than 10 for extremely difficult hikes). A rating of 5 is considered moderate, 10 difficult, and 1 extremely easy. We come up with this number by putting the hike elevation change and mileage into this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + Round trip distance (miles) = Difficulty rating (1-10).

What to Bring: Water bottle, sturdy footwear, gear/clothing relevant for your specific outing, and a bag to carry personal items. Weather in the Roan can change quickly, so you may want to bring sunscreen, a rain jacket, and multiple layers. Most hikes will have an opportunity to stop for lunch along the way — please plan to bring your own lunch.

#1 Hike and Yoga

Location: SAHC’s Dr. William Davenport Preserve, Highlands of Roan

Start Time: 11 am | Est. End Time: 1 pm

Leader: Lauren McTigue | Difficulty: Easy (2/10)* – No yoga experience req’d

Join us for a peaceful yoga session in the Highlands of Roan, surrounded by scenic views protected by SAHC. The session will be on the Dr. William A. Davenport Tract, which was acquired by SAHC in 2014.  This property had been an SAHC top priority for 45 years before it was conserved! The yoga session will be led by SAHC’s Connecting People with Lands Associate, Lauren McTigue. Lauren has a 500 hour yoga certification in Anusara and Natural Movement Yoga. Students of all levels will enjoy a soothing, relaxing, and restorative experience.

#2 Roll and Stroll at the Rhododendron Garden

Location: Rhododendron Gardens, Highlands of Roan

Start Time: 11 am | Est. End Time: 1 pm

Leader: Amanda Smithson, Mountain Region Trails Specialist with NC Parks and Recreation  | Difficulty: Easy (2/10)* – 1 mile

The Rhododendron Gardens on top of the Roan will be blazing with color this time of year. Participants will stroll approx. 1 mile across gentle terrain with stunning views of the Roan landscape. On this leisurely walk, participants will learn about a number of SAHC’s land protection projects that can be viewed from the gardens. This family-friendly offering is designed to provide people of all abilities with an opportunity to get outside and enjoy some of the properties that SAHC has diligently worked to protect over the last four decades.  This trail is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible.

#3 Challenge Hike: Shell Creek – Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area –

**This Hike is Full – to inquire about the waitlist, please email emily@appalachian.org.**

Location: Shell Creek Community Start Time: 9 am | Est. End Time: 3 pm

Leader: Tom Gatti | Difficulty: Strenuous (9-10) * – 7 miles

This challenge hike will begin on the new 324-acre Hump Mountain tract that SAHC protected in May of 2017! This piece of land was an SAHC priority for over 40 years.   From Shell Creek you will hike up to Bradley Gap and then traverse along the Appalachian Trail over Little Hump Mountain into Yellow Mountain Gap and down into SAHC’s Hampton Creek Cove Property! The hike will be about 7 miles and will traverse beautiful grassy balds! Hiking along the balds, there is the chance for views in all directions of Yellow Mountain and Grassy Ridge to the west and Grandfather and Linville Gorge to the East.  Along the route there could be Gray’s lilies in full bloom, and migratory birds flitting around the edges of the balds.

#4 AT: Iron Mountain Gap – Big Rock Creek

Location: Iron Mountain Gap

Start Time: 9 am | Est. End Time: 2 pm

Leader: Michelle Durr, Roan Outreach Americorps Member | Difficulty: Strenuous (9-10) * – 8 miles

This eight mile challenge hike begins on the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee and ends in North Carolina. The forested hike will start at Iron Mountain Gap and end right at the June Jamboree Party on the Big Rock Creek Preserve.  The eight mile route takes you through an old apple orchard and has views of Pinnacle Mountain and Unaka Mountain. The hike will be uphill with a few steep sections until the descent into Big Rock Creek.  There is the chance for beautiful summer flowers!

#5 Plant Inventory Walk

Location: Little Cove Creek near Roan Mountain State Park

Start Time: 11 am | Est. End Time: 2 pm

Leader: Susan Fruchey| Difficulty: Moderate (3-4) * – 2 miles

Join Susan Fruchey, a US Forest Service Botanist, as she leads participants on a plant inventory of SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve in the Highlands of Roan.  The hike will be about two miles, and Susan will be able to identify the flora that makes this property their home.  The hike will also pass a waterfall and many beautiful natural features. The inventory can tell us if there are any rare species and if they are being threatened by invasives, recreational impacts, or climate change.  Knowing that about the populations in an area is important for protecting species and maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. Plan on a leisurely, educational stroll!

#6 Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge

**This Hike is Full – to inquire about the waitlist, please email emily@appalachian.org.**

Location: Carvers Gap

Start Time: 10 am | Est. End Time: 2 pm

Leader: Gary Kauffman   | Difficulty: Strenuous (7-8) * – 5 miles

This classic and rewarding hike is full of adventure atop the highest elevation balds in the Highlands of Roan, widely considered among the most spectacular scenery along the Appalachian Trail. Grassy Ridge is the highest point near the AT, reaching a stunning 6,189 feet in elevation. Enjoy a natural, unobstructed 360-degree view and so much more — blooming rhododendron, flame azalea, patches of spruce fir forest and rare plants such as Gray’s lily and Roan Mountain bluets.

Along the way, Gary Kauffman, a US Forest Service Botanist, will discuss the significance of the balds and the best practices for managing this pristine habitat. For those hikers wishing for an easier hike, there is the option of hiking out to Round Bald or Jane Bald, to enjoy the flowers and expansive views, instead of going all the way to Grassy Ridge.  The hike is about 5 miles round trip! 

Strawberry Gap, Stony Point Conservation

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We purchased 170 acres in two adjoining tracts at Strawberry Gap and Stony Point near the Eastern Continental Divide  to protect water resources, plant and animal habitat, and scenic views from public trails and scenic byways. We plan to own these properties for the long term and manage the forests to promote resilience, diversity and longevity. Read more

2018 “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Highland Stargazer Release Party

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Join us and our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” partners at Highland Brewing Company for the release of Highland’s newest seasonal brew — Highland Stargazer White Ale.

Like their other seasonal favorites, Highland Stargazer is named for a part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This brew is perfect for gazing up at the night sky to relax after a hike, and the name calls attention to the important role that conservation can play is protecting the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky (while protecting land and water resources on the ground).

Highland will donate $1.00 per pour at the release party to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, to support ongoing conservation efforts across the region.

Enjoy free live music at this family-friendly event. Music starts at 7 pm, and SAHC staff will be on-site beginning around 4 pm to answer questions about our conservation work.

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.

2018 “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Stargazer Release Party

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Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Highland Brewing Company for the release of Highland’s newest seasonal brew, Stargazer White Ale.

Like HBC’s other seasonal favorites, Stargazer is named for a part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This brew is perfect for gazing up at the night sky to relax after a hike, and the name calls attention to the important role that conservation can play in the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky (while protecting land and water resources on the ground). Highland will donate $1.00 per pour at the release party to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, to support ongoing conservation efforts across the region.

Enjoy free live music at this family-friendly event. Music starts at 7 pm, and SAHC staff will be on-site beginning around 4 pm to answer questions about our conservation work.

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.

2018 “For Love of Beer and Mountains” Stargazer Observatory Event

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Date: Wednesday, April 18

Time: 7:00-10:00pm

Location: Grassland Mountain Observatory, Walnut, NC

Cost:  This event is free for SAHC members $10 for non-members

Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Highland Brewing Company for a night of stargazing in honor of Highland’s new Stargazer White Ale.  By protecting land from development SAHC is lessening light pollution and helping to make the night sky even more vibrant!  In Madison County SAHC has helped protect over 3,500 acres of land, contributing to the great dark skies that are possible at the Grassland Mountain Observatory.

Bring a picnic dinner to the observatory and enjoy a sunset and panoramic views from the Great Smokies to the Black Mountains as you dine.  As the sun continues to set we will see Venus setting in the west, while learning about the night sky from members of the Astronomy Club of Asheville including Bernie Arghiere!  After dark, we will use the observatory’s 16-inch robotic telescope to see stars, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae.  Near 10 p.m. the planet Jupiter will be rising in the east!

 

Registration for this event is now full. To be placed on the waitlist, or if you plans have changed and you can no longer join us, please contact emily@appalachian.org. Thank you!

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.

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