Swimming in a Sea of Wildflowers

Photo taken by Ted Haddock

The forecast showed rain for Saturday’s wildflower hike on April 27, but even with the incoming deluge, ten rain-impervious souls showed up to enjoy a few of Spring’s fleeting treasures. The big rains were coming at two so we put on our water repelling soul-suits and set-off on our adventure.

Heading into the Haddock’s property

Off we went into the light drizzle, pausing only to take a group photograph as evidence that we were in fact outside and not identifying flowers from laptops in warm, cozy beds. Ted Haddock and his family generously offered their beautiful property as a place to search for spring ephemerals. Glancing up the mountain, the whole group knew we were in for a real treat! The climb was steep but Josh Kelly, Western North Carolina Alliance’s Public Lands Biologist, always had the knack to point out another cool flower or the call of a bird mocking us from far above when the group began to lose its breath.

Firepink

Just on the logging road alone, on the way up to the rich cove forest, (diverse mixutre of moisture-loving trees and lush species-rich herbacious layer) we saw too many flowers to count. There were Firepinks, a trillion trilliums, Bishop Caps, Acolyte Avens (just kidding about that one), Gallium,violets, and plenty of the not-so-great, proliferating garlic mustard. We tasted the delicious seed pods of Solomons Seal. We met a Jack in the Pulpit. We met a Jill in the Pulpit and we learned that this androgynous plant changes its sex depending on the living conditions leading up to the plants sprouting. If there is enough rain, and the soil is full of plentiful nutrients, the plant sprouts as a female, Jill in the Pulpit, and is able propagate. If conditions are not as accommodating, the plant sprouts as a Jack in the Pulpit, the male version of the plant.

Jill in the pulpit

Max Patch in the distance

Towards the end of the climb, the group was rewarded with a nice view of Max Patch in the distance and still, the great rains had not moved in…yet.

But oh did they come! We took a wildflower break to eat some lunch. After no more than three bites of my savory Subway sandwich, the skies opened  up, causing us to scarf down our grub and head to the wildflower Promised Land. The rich cove that Josh led us to was truly spectacular. The flowers we saw on the logging road were only a small sample size compared to the smörgåsbord that littered the cove. By the time we made it back to road, even the best rain gear was taking in water. Back at the Trust General Store were piping mugs of hot chocolate waiting for us. Whaddaday!

A big thanks to the Haddock Family for letting us explore their beautiful property and to Josh Kelly for sharing his vast knowledge of wildflowers and plants with the group. And lastly, thanks to everyone that came out to frolic in the rain with SAHC. It was a special day!

Devil’s Britches and Bark, Buds, Nuts – A pint, a party, a presentation and hike for Tree ID.

SAHC staff & volunteer manned our merchandise table at the Tasting Room. It was a good place to meet friends – new & old!

Music from the Log Cabin Band – put us all in the mood to learn more about our mountains.

The end of February was a great time to practice winter tree identification, and to enjoy a new Highland Brewing Company seasonal pint with friends. As part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” partnership with Highlands Brewing Company and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, we hosted an informative & engaging presentation at the Tasting Room on Thursday, February 21, followed that weekend by an on-the-ground field opportunity with SAHC Field Ecologist Chris Coxen.

The Tasting Room was packed

We enjoyed an incredible crowd at the Tasting Room; it was packed with people who came to learn more about winter tree identification, and to celebrate local music. Listening to the Log Cabin Band play before & after our tree ID tips presentation, we were reminded how deeply our rich Appalachian history and culture are tied to the trees and mountains surrounding us. It was an excellent place to learn – a lively setting, and a fun time!

The presentation was short & sweet – an informative beginner’s guide to success in knowing more about the trees you may see in our area, given in six steps.

Step #1 – Have a good field guide – and two or more is better than one!

Step 1: Have a “good” field guide with you such as the National Audubon Society or Peterson Field guide.

Step 2: Try to identify your forest community type by narrowing down the possibilities of which trees grow where. For example, learning which trees grow at a particular elevation, observing whether the slope is north or south facing, or notice what the trees are near such as water, a hollow, or cove. The location of the tree relative to its surroundings is good way to determine which type of tree might grow there.

Step 3: Observe the form of the tree–are the branches opposite or alternating? Is the tree super straight like a tulip poplar? Is it bent like a sourwood?

SAHC Field Ecologist Chris Coxen makes winter tree ID accessible, and fun.

Step 4: Hark, the bark! Is the bark cobbled like sourwood or black gum? Are there grooves that look like ski trails (might be a red oak)?

Step 5: Checkout the leaves and fruit around the tree. Chris pointed out that this technique can back your initial inclination but is not always reliable because the leaves/fruit could fall far from the tree and because some leaves persist better than others.

Step 6: Examine the twig. When this technique is combined with step 2 and 4, the observer has the best chance of identifying the given tree.

The following Sunday, a full group headed out on a guided hike at Cataloochee Ranch, to try out newly learned techniques.

Heading to the Devils Britches with Hemphill Bald in the Background

Woooooo-weeee! SAHC Field Ecologist, Chris Coxen, was on fire, “ID-ing” trees left and right on the Devils Britches Trail at Cataloochee Ranch. It was a clear & beautiful day, filled with learning, mountains, and the tasty Devils Britches Red IPA from Highland Brewing Company.

The hike started with a discussion about how conservation easements work and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s long history with Cataloochee Ranch. This talk was especially fitting, since we placed our first ever conservation easement here at the Ranch –  on Hemphill Bald in 1993.

Once reaching the edge of the forest, our schooling started by looking at forest community types.

SAHC Field Ecologist, Chris Coxen, chatting about trees at the beginning of the hike

“One of the best ways to identify trees without their leaves is to look for common forest communities,” said Chris.

“Ski trails on the Northern Red Oak”

For example, dominant canopy species in Northern Hardwood Forest might include yellow birch, sugar maple, American beech, red maple, sweet birch, and yellow buckeye. Another common forest community type in western North Carolina is the Chestnut Oak Forest which includes trees like the northern red oak, chestnut oak, and scarlet oak. The question is how do you discern a chestnut oak from an American beech when the trees have no leaves?

Cobbled bark on a Sourwood tree

Chris reviewed his Six Step tips for success with Tree ID, and for the next two hours, hikers had the opportunity to try out all six of the steps. The group quickly discovered that identifying the naked tree in the middle of winter can be a difficult task. After a pop-quiz from the Field Ecologist at the end of the hike, it was clear that the group had improved a lot. By lunchtime the weather had warmed up nicely and everyone enjoyed a refreshing Devils Britches Red IPA courtesy of Highland Brewing Company.

Thanks to everyone that came out, and we’ll look forward to seeing folks for the next partnership hike to Little Hump on Saturday, May 18th.

About our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership:

Hikers enjoy a Devils Britches Red IPA over lunch

Highland Brewing Company has partnered with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help raise awareness of the beauty and uniqueness of these high peaks and bring attention to efforts to protect them. These events are presented as part of this partnership, and each is free and open to the public.

Chris had field guides & twig samples available for guests to look through at the presentation.

Hiking in the Rough Creek Watershed: A respite from winter’s cabin fever.

Margot Wallston, SAHC Americorps Stewardship Associate, gives a sumac smile on the trail in the Rough Creek Watershed

“After several weeks of desk time at the office, followed by several days experiencing the worst that this year’s flu season had to offer, cabin fever prompted this SAHC AmeriCorps steward to take advantage of a free Sunday to pay a visit to one of our protected properties in Haywood County, only 30 minutes west of Asheville: the Rough Creek Watershed.

Rough Creek Watershed is an 870-acre conservation easement held by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, co-managed with  the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and owned by the Town of Canton. SAHC was instrumental in the protection of this Smoky Mountain jewel. The watershed, which drains into Beaverdam Creek, and then into the Pigeon River, used to serve as the primary water source for Canton, but now it primarily functions as a nature preserve and public pie slice of undisturbed open space.  One of the cool things about this particular conservation easement is that it is accessible to the public. The watershed contains approximately 10 miles of well-maintained trails open for conservation-conscious hikers and bikers to explore.

On the day I visited Rough Creek, the temperature was supposed to get no higher than 33 degrees, the wind had to be at least 30 miles per hour, and I had barely moved my body since getting trounced by the flu. However, I was determined to make the climb up to the ridge on the western boundary of the property, where I knew I would be rewarded with panoramic views of the Newfound Mountains. I was hoping this hike would serve as a warm-up for our ambitious spring monitoring season, which includes visiting 63 conservation easements in about three months.

Winter is a fun time to go hiking. It may seem like a cold and dead time of year, but signs of life are everywhere.  I think you can observe more because there is less green growth to obscure everything.  I can see landforms better and distinguish between tree species by looking at bark and twigs.  Animal tracks persist in the snow and remnants of last year’s herbaceous plants linger like forensic evidence at the scene of a crime.

Margot mimics a stately old oak on the trail.

After hiking steadily upwards for approximately 2 miles, I did reach the ridgeline; and I was almost blown away and blinded by the piercing wind, the bright sun reflecting off a thin layer of snow at my feet, and the stunning views before me!  After pausing a moment to mimic a big lone oak tree, I continued along the ridgeline and was delighted to spy yet another sign of seasons past: brilliant red clusters of sumac berries.

Wild sumac (Rhus typhina or Rhus glabra, not to be confused with poison sumac, Toxicodendron vernix) is always a fun plant to encounter when hiking not only because its appearance is so striking, but also because it’s like stumbling into an outdoor pharmacy with a soda fountain and a candy section!

Enjoying a wild sumac lollipop.

Sumac on the ridge, with spectacular views and a thin blanket of snow.

If the berries aren’t too old and it hasn’t rained recently, you can lick the red cluster cone like a lollipop.  The berries are covered with a sweet and tangy fuzzy coating reminiscent of a SweeTART.  The taste is due to a concentration of malic and ascorbic acids (Vitamin C).  Sumac was used by the Cherokee and continues to be used by herbal medicine aficionados for treating everything from cold sores to diarrhea to diabetes, fever, and arrow wounds.  My favorite thing to do with sumac is to soak the berries in a glass of cold water, which quickly transforms into a refreshing tea similar to pink lemonade. The berries are normally best after they ripen in late summer, but the ones I encountered on the ridge persisted through February and still held their flavor.

A refreshing sumac beverage.

My hike continued for another 5.5 miles through a quiet forest laden with hidden richness and treasures.  Days later, I am so delighted that places like the Rough Creek Watershed exist close to my home; I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to come to know them and appreciate them; and I am so thankful that organizations like SAHC work with passionate  community members to protect these place for everyone to benefit from.”

The Tri-County Traverse

The Merschat hike group enjoyed clear views from the corner where Buncombe, Madison, and Yancey counties meet.

Trekking up Maney Fields.

You would think that crossing three counties in one day would be an impossible task. Nay, with this grizzled group of veteran hikers, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and land owners Carl and Holley Merschat were able to summit the top of Maney Fields where Buncombe, Madison, and Yancey Counties converge. Despite only having to hike 1.5 miles to the top, the group gained over 1,200 feet of elevation, climbed through cattle gates, and avoided high voltage fences. Truly, a successful day!

The family grows Shitake mushrooms on the property.

For over thirty years, Carl and Holley Merschat have lived in their home tucked away in Barnardsville, NC. There, they raised two kids, and gradually buffered their home with additional land to explore and enjoy. They bought their house in 1974 and the next year bought 58 more acres. Over the next 30 years, the Mershats were able to tack on an additional 60 acres. They heat their home every winter from the wood on their property, grow Shiitake mushrooms, and continue to cultivate a strong relationship with their land.

So earlier this fall, when they were able to put their land under conservation easement it, “It just felt right,” says Carl Mershat. “We are pleased and proud to protect this property and help maintain the integrity and spectacular beauty of the mountains of Western North Carolina for perpetuity.”

Carl pointing out peaks towards Tennessee.

Carl, a retired geologist, knows these mountains like the back of his hand and can easily identify several of the prominent peaks of the Blue Ridge landscape, such as Mount Mitchell, Mount Pisgah, Roan, or Grandfather mountain. When the group made it to the top of Maney Fields, everyone was impressed when Carl pointed and named every mountain top on the horizon, including some recently protected SAHC projects such as Snowball Mountain and Spear Tops. Carol hiked 100s of peaks in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee as a geologist, giving him a unique opportunity to memorize the landscape.

The group enjoyed lunch on a beautiful December day.

After the group’s mountain peak identification skills increased tenfold, everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch on top of the meadows and a visit from a local four-legged friend named “Little Dog.” It was a beautiful December day for a hike! The Merschats were wonderful hosts and the hikers were keen and excited to learn. Thanks to everyone who came out. Stay warm and keep an eye for a hike or two in January or February.

Caught in a Webb (Property)

The last post in this sizzling-hot blog was a saga of swashbuckling adventure, a daring tale of trials and tribulations overcome, AND a story about a bunch of hikers just living the dream in western North Carolina. The hike at the Webb’s property was quite different–it still included a lot of dream living but much less of those pesky yellow jackets.

If you like hiking, beautiful landscapes, and a little southern hospitality, then you probably should have joined Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) for an adventure to the Webb property a few Saturdays ago. Laura Webb and family generously opened the doors to their property and hosted an incredible hike and picnic for SAHC and members.

A view from the Webb’s porch

The Webb property is nestled deep in Jackson County, where it boasts a lake for fishing, untouched views from Laura’s Rock, and a secluded feel that gives visitors the thrilling sensation that they are truly “in the wild.” Originally (and still) used as a fishing cabin for family and friends of the Webbs, the 615-acre property protects a pristine lake and creeks that flow into the nearby Tuckaseegee River. Parts of the property sky to almost 4,500 feet high and afford hikers with breathtaking views of the valley below.

Part of the group enjoying a view from Laura’s Rock

Hikers were greeted at the fishing cabin with a crackling fire and warm beverages to drink. After learning about the rigors of successfully completing a conservation easement from Laura, the group pushed on from the warmth of the cabin and began the journey to hike the property’s extensive network of trails. After a 30 minute warm up over flat acidic cove forest, the hike quickly ramped up in difficulty as participants began the arduous ascent up to the Webb’s house near the top of the mountain. There, everyone was rewarded with a view from the porch and stories about the Webb’s land. Laura’s Rock lay ahead, so the group kept moving.

With a gentle saunter up to Laura’s Rock, the group took photos of the flaming Fall foliage and caught some rejuvenating rays of sunlight. You could hear everyone’s stomach rumbling from a mile away; so, not wanting anyone to perish from hunger, we decided to head towards the lush spread of food at the base of the lake. The picnic baskets were full, the company was DELIGHTFUL, and the weather outside was certainly not frightful. It was a great day playing in the web of the Webb property. Thanks to everyone that came out and a special thanks to the Webb family for graciously sharing their land.

Folks enjoying the picnic

An Adventure to Twin Falls and Clawhammer

The fearless group starts off on the trek to Twin Falls and Clawhammer Mountain.

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), Highland Brewing Company, and US Fish and Wildlife Service would like to send a major “shout out” to all of the folks that made it to Twin Falls and Clawhammer Mountain the first weekend of October. This intrepid group showed copious amounts of fortitude and demonstrated the will power to make it to the promised land that weekend in Pisgah National Forest.

The hike started off typical. Everyone parked their cars, listened to SAHC’s typical spiel about why land conservation is important, and perhaps most importantly, signed off on the waiver so that there would be no legal drama if any accidents occurred during the hike. As we approached the Avery Creek Trail head, no one knew what lay lurking in the depths of the not-so-ominous and beautiful trail.

The pace was slow but deliberate. The creek was babbling, the soft sunlight crept through the trees as they prepared to shed their leaves for winter, and children’s screams of joy could be heard bouncing across the valley. What could be better on a beautiful Fall morning?

In one instance, the trance-like state that the group was in, was shattered by the piercing cry of a child(ren) in pain. Running to the sounds, I discovered a group of kids standing in the middle of the trail nursing wounds from a surprise yellow jacket ambush. As I pulled out SAHC’s first aid kid, I felt pain shooting up my ankles and realized that everyone was standing next to a whirling dervish of angry yellow jackets. Thankfully, we escaped with only a few more stings. It was remarkable how fast those kids recovered in the face of adversity. Twin Falls was calling, so the group pushed on further.

Avery Creek raged (and by “raged”, I mean flowed quietly) next to us as the group meandered towards the water falls. Soon we encountered our next great hurdle, a creek crossing without a bridge. And to reference the great video game of my generation’s childhood, Oregon Trail, we probably shouldn’t have “caulked the wagon and floated it” to get across the river — meaning that the group should have kept walking up the trail 200 more yards where there was a perfectly functional bridge. Alas, hindsight is 20/20.

After fording the mighty river, the rest of the journey normalized and the group arrived at our first destination. Twin Falls was as beautiful as ever. Kids caught crayfish in the creek, families took photos in front of the Falls, and everyone was able to relax after a trying hike. After a short respite at the Falls, the half of the group planning to summit Clawhammer had to keep moving while there was still plenty of daylight.

The ascent to the top of Clawhammer starts off slowly but becomes significantly more challenging the last mile. After climbing out of the Avery Creek valley, we heard a faint humming noise — maybe a tree frog or cricket? After rounding the bend, the humming climaxed into a feverish hum. The two dogs with us frolicked ahead only to be called back franticly by one of the more observant owners. There, on the side of the trail, was a well-fed timber rattlesnake that was desperately shaking his rattle to notify the group of his presence.

After a four mile ascent, the group finally made to the top of Clawhammer. On top, everyone enjoyed a Clawhammer Lager courtesy of Highland Brewing Company, while celebrating the beautiful colors of Fall. Thanks to Highland Brewing Company, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and everyone else that made it out for the day. The last partnership hike of the year will be to Blackrock Ridge to celebrate the release of the Thunderstruck Coffee Porter. Look for that Saturday, November 10th.

A triumphant group enjoys a Clawhammer at the top of Clawhammer

Rockin’ at Rocky Fork with Mars Hill College

Mars Hill College students and faculty with David Ramsey (Back Row: 2nd to the right)

On Sunday, Septemeber 9th, David Ramsey led Mars Hill College 17 faculty and students on a hike to the protected 10,000-acre ecological treasure, known as Rocky Fork. It was the perfect day for some learning, hiking, and fishing.

Ramsey has been leading hikes for politicians, concerned citizens, and anyone else interested in protecting Rocky Fork’s vulnerable land since the mid-nineties, so when Karen Paar, director of The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies at Mars Hill College, approached Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) about leading a hike with her department for this fall, SAHC suggested David Ramsey.

David Ramsey leads the group to the battleground of Flint Creek

In the lead up to Ramsey’s field trip to Rocky Fork, The Center for Regional Studies hosted several events that focus on the theme, “Where There Are Mountains.”

“We adopted it as a theme for our last academic year continuing into this fall as a way to address a range of issues facing this region, as well as the physical realities of this landscape and the meanings that humans place on mountains,” says Professor Paar.

As part of this series and to get people excited about Rocky Fork, Paar asked, SAHC Board of Trustees member and author of “Stand up that Mountain,” Jay Leutze, to speak about Rocky Fork and the process of “Protecting Southern Appalachian Biodiversity – and Scenery – One Acre at a Time” on Tuesday, Sept. 4th. As always, Leutze made Rocky Fork come to life for his audience and paved the way for an exciting hike the following weekend with David Ramsey.

It was another beautiful day for a hike as cool winds from the Saturday before had pushed a refreshing and crisp Fall feel into the air. Hikers enjoyed a softer summer light that crept through the trees as the group made their way through just a small part of the 10,000 acre tract. Along the way, Ramsey shared childhood stories or romping through Rocky Fork’s woods, explained how much time, energy, and effort different individuals and organizations poured into protecting Rocky Fork, and even demonstrated the purity of Rocky Fork’s waters by catching a rainbow trout on his fly rod.

This rainbow trout was caught in the pristine waters of Rocky Fork

If you like a good conservation success story, it is imperative to come out and personally hear the gripping tale from David Ramsey. His eloquence and passion pervade every aspect of the hike, whether it is the account of Rocky Fork slipping through the grasp of conservation’s hands three separate times before finally being protected for a pricey forty million dollars; or walking through the hallowed ground where the Battle of Flint Creek took place nearly 223 years ago and where nearly 150 Cherokee lost their lives from John Sevier’s surprise ambush; or maybe it was seeing Rocky Fork’s pristine waters that are home to native brookies and wild rainbow trout. Ramsey painted a compelling picture. The whole crowd was convinced — Rocky Fork is worth every penny of that forty million.

June Jamboree 2012 – Spectacular Summer on the Roan

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to appreciate the Highlands of Roan than the one that graced this year’s June Jamboree! On Saturday, June 23rd, hikers on each of six adventures enjoyed gorgeous skies – from a long, sunny trek on Grassy Ridge to a splashing good time in cold creek waters. Here’s a brief look at what you may remember – or may have missed. This year, we wanted to let our hikers and hike leaders  tell the story of the June Jamboree in their own words… Enjoy their adventures, and we hope you’ll join us next year!

Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge

Gray’s lily

“Around 12 or so of us hiked Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge at the June Jamboree and really experienced a treat!  My first time on Grassy Ridge, I found this to be a fantastic introduction, meeting others who hold places like these dear to their hearts and experiencing first-hand the unique nature of the Roan Highlands.  With the weather in our favor, we visited with the goats who graze the balds, gazed on breathtaking vistas, and took in the rare beauty of Grays lilies blooming.

David Smith, biologist and former board member, provided us with detailed and interesting information about the plant and animal life of the balds.  Some of the information he shared underscores the urgency of our task as SAHC members: he pointed out the fungus that destroys the Grays lily’s ability to seed which has recently arrived on the bald.  The beauty of the day tempered with the reality of our task presented the perfect Jamboree mix to send us away with great memories and a renewed commitment to these fragile systems.  Thanks to all who set up and carried out the event! And to David for his time and expertise!”

-  Patty Cunningham-Woolf, newly elected to the SAHC Board of Trustees

Carver’s Gap to Hampton Creek Cove – The Long Haul

“I and 5 fellow-hikers enjoyed a beautiful hike on the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail intersection in Yellow Mountain Gap. From there we followed the Overmountain Trail north to Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area where we joined the creekside Birchfield Trail. We were rewarded with some beautiful specimens of Gray’s lily on the grassy balds and sightings of native brook trout in pools along Hampton Creek. Hiking with old friends and making new ones – what better way to spend a day!”

-  hike leader Tom Gatti, SAHC’s first seasonal ecologist

‘Stand Up that Mountain’ – Hump Mountain hike with author Jay Leutze

Jay Leutze recounts stories of the land for the group.

“While attending the 50,000 acre celebration event at Highland Brewing Company, I heard Jay Leutze tell a story from his recently published book, ‘Stand Up That Mountain’ in his charming Southern drawl. I ribbed my husband Robbie, who was sitting next to me, telling him that that man can tell a story, that I admired his passion and steadfastness.

The next morning, Robbie and I signed up for Jay’s hike up Little Horse Creek to Big Hump in the Highlands of Roan during the June Jamboree. I came away from the hike moved, with a renewed sense of respect and confidence in SAHC’s work.

Hiking on Hump Mountain.

Jay is a story teller, recounting details and conversations with an enthralling eloquence. So as our small troop picked our way through an understory of nettles and briars, we listened intently to the stories of the land, the people and his efforts to save a mountain from mining. We learned what wildflower soothes the nettle’s sting; we heard stories of a farmer herding his Watusi cattle in the high lush meadows; we marveled at the vast resonating vistas.

Big Hump Bald is a stunning, unmistakably significant place.  It is there that we fully grasped Jay’s substantial work. Knowing the history of the land, I appreciate it more. Hearing the stories of the people who lived there, I respect it more. The guided hike made me wonder what I’ve missed on all the other trails I have hiked.”

- Jennifer McLucas, SAHC volunteer

Birding at Hampton Creek Cove

Seasonal Ecologist Chris Coxen leads the search for birds at Hampton Creek Cove.

“Like the rest of the Jamboree participants, the folks on the birding hike enjoyed the beautiful, clear skies that Saturday on Roan. What better place to enjoy a sunny day than the rolling fields of Hampton Creek Cove? And, it was indeed sunny — which helped to show off the colorful blues, reds, and yellows of the birds we spotted! While we did not see any Golden-winged Warblers, we got to see plenty of Indigo Buntings, Chestnut-sided Warblers, American Goldfinches, and both Song and Field Sparrows. My favorite sighting of the day was the Scarlet Tanager sitting high up in a locust snag, singing its heart out for all to see.

A couple of unexpected locals joined us at the beginning of the hike – one old brown dog and one young black dog looking for adventure. Our morning mostly consisted of a leisurely hike around the edges of the pastures, everyone birding and botanizing and enjoying the fellowship. After working our way through the pasture, we dropped down along the creek side trail to rest and snack.

Just as we were snacking under the shade, a high pitched bleet broke the peace. With a bolt, a deer fawn came tearing through our group, cutting back and forth with the black dog nipping at its heels. After a long chase, the fawn escaped through the field above us and was seen walking next to its mother. Relieved and rested, we finished the hike at one of the upper fields of the cove, admiring the view of the valley and learning a few new wildflowers before setting back to the cars below.”

- hike leader Chris Coxen, SAHC Seasonal Ecologist

Yoga on the Mountain

Yoga on the Mountain group.

“SAHC members and friends enjoyed a fun and invigorating day on Roan Mountain as part of the conservancy’s annual June Jamboree.  This day of outdoor activities celebrates our achievements in our highest priority conservation landscape.  Nine eager yogis embarked the Yoga on the Mountain hike, which began on SAHC’s National Trails Tract.  This property is bounded by the Overmountain Victory Trail, and comes within feet of the Appalachian Trail.

Participants enjoyed class in a high mountain meadow.

Participants crossed native trout streams, walked through migratory bird habitat, and ascended northern hardwood forest slopes before emerging into a beautiful meadow in Pisgah National Forest.  There was resting, eating and discussion before Alexandra Ulrey led the group in a gentle Anusara yoga class.  Inspired by the sun’s warmth, gentle breezes and breathtaking views, Alexandra helped us become grounded on the mountain, drawing strength from it and renewing our dedication to supporting its preservation.”

- Michelle Pugliese, SAHC Land Protection Director

Kids in the Creek

A perfect hike for kids of all ages.

Kids begin the adventure in the creek.

“Six intrepid explorers ranging in age from 2-8 explored the beautiful waters of Roaring Creek. We climbed rocks, swam in shallow pools, caught salamanders and crayfish, and even visited a waterfall. There was more excitement in those three hours than I have seen in the past three months combined!

We learned about how some salamanders breath through their skin and how crayfish shed their carapace. We examined these creatures through magnifying glasses, took the temperature of Roaring Creek, and a transformed into ‘polar bears’ — A process wherein the kids took turns jumping into a pool of water while spectators shouted ‘polar bear’ three times. When the children emerged from the icy depths, they stood proud and tall as newly minted polar bears. It was day full of full of learning and adventure.”

- hike leader Rich Preyer, SAHC Americorps Outreach Associate

A treasure hunt for wildlife in the stream.

Crayfish – gently released.

 

As the hikes completed, our adventurers regrouped at the conference center of the Roan Mountain State Park to enjoy refreshments and further fellowship. Carl Silverstein, SAHC Executive Director, also gave a short presentation about the importance of SAHC’s work in protecting the beautiful countryside we had all savored during the day.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to those who contributed to this blog!

Foraging for Mushrooms

Charlotte Caplan identifies the mushroom as participants listen.

It was the perfect storm for finding mushrooms last weekend in gorgeous Yancey County. In recent days, thunderstorms had soaked the ground, paving the way for an explosion of boletes, chanterelles, little brown mushrooms, and many others.

On July 22nd, SAHC & guests were led on an intriguing excursion by Asheville myco-hunter and expert, Charlotte Caplan. Everyone learned some tricks of the trade when identifying these mysterious fungi. The common question was, “How do you know if a mushroom is edible or not?”

“There is only one way to know if its edible or not – and that is to eat it,” joked Caplan. We all leaned in closer to hear more. From her basket, Charlotte pulled out a small white and harmless-looking mushroom with gills — A destroying angel. The name says it all; just one small bite is deadly enough to shut down a person’s liver and kidneys. What a comforting lesson to start the hike!

We dispersed along the edge of the forest to forage for some ‘shrooms, and within minutes everyone was filling baskets with russulas, boletes, puffballs, and morels galore. Caplan explained that identifying mushrooms is a challenging task, and even the most experienced mycologist cannot identify every mushroom.

Caplan holds a Jack O’Lantern Mushroom, which glows faintly in the dark

Smell is one of the primary methods in the identification process for some mushrooms. Many have a signature fragrance. Some smell sweet when they are young, and as they mature the odor becomes fishy. Others have that fresh, dirt-like smell.

Our adventurous scavengers found the bioluminescant Jack o’lantern mushroom, chanterelles, umbrella mushrooms, and many more. For lunch, everyone took their spoils to the top of the property and enjoyed beautiful views of Mt. Mitchell, Cattail Peak, Winter Star, and Celo Knob. Storms looked eminent in the distance, juxtaposed beautifully next to the sunlit mountains to the west of the property. Caplan searched each basket to ensure that there were not any deadly mushrooms, and then folks hopped into cars to escape in the incoming storms.

The mushroom hike was such a fruitful experience that Caplan offered to lead another expedition sometime in the near future. If you missed this hike, please check out www.appalachian.org to find other SAHC hikes and events, and we’ll see you next time!

Baa-tany Goat Project another Success!

27 Goats and two Great Pyrenees waiting to head up to Jane Bald

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), Friends of Roan Mountain, and the Chargers hiking club had a terrific day herding goats up to Jane Bald in the Highlands of Roan for the 5th Annual Herding of the Goats for the Baa-tany Goat Project. Todd Eastin, who watches the goats for the majority of the year, led the charge and got 27 goats, two Great Pyrenees, and about forty people to the paddock on Jane Bald.

The rooster still had not crowed when participants arrived at Carvers Gap and although it was early, everyone was ready to lend a hand to get the goats to their new home for the summer atop Jane Bald. Todd gave the group a tactical breakdown of how to herd the goats up the mountain and after a safety briefing from Jamey Donaldson, the primary Botanist and Coordinator of the project,  everyone was ready to go. The first goats out of the trailer were a three day old baby and her mama. One of our volunteers, six year old Sophia, had the task of carrying the baby goat all the way to Jane Bald. Hiking up Round Bald and Jane Bald empty-handed is hard enough so everyone was impressed with Sophia’s resolve.

Toad Eastin with Sophia and a baby goat in her arms get ready to head up the mountain.

There were several hiccups along the way as three of the more strong-willed-goats escaped the clutches of the volunteer herders. One of the those goats was recaptured while the other two remained at large for the next two days. Fortunately, goats #215 and #709 wandered back up  to the paddock several days later and now the herd is safe and happily munching on blackberry.

Every June and September, SAHC participates in the Baa-tany Goat Project. As an avid reader of this blog, you might ask, “why would a land trust tend the field and shepherd a herd of goats?” The answer is surprisingly simple. The Highlands of Roan, SAHC’s flagship focus area, is one of the highest summits in the Appalachian Mountain range. Roan Mountain is unsurpassed in the south for the diversity of “northern” plant and animal species, remnants of the last Ice Age which have persisted in its cool high elevation climate. Thus, the purpose of the project is to restore the grassy ridge corridors using goats as an experimental management tool.

If you are interested in finding out more about the project or participating with SAHC next time, we will be helping Todd and Jamey bring the goats down from Jane Bald sometime in September.