The BRNN would like to announce the recent publication of Images of America: Pisgah Inn by our 2018 Blue Ridge Naturalist of the Year, Marci Spencer.  As many of you know, she takes great pleasure in researching our mountains and forests, collecting stories about where the people have evolved from this land that we love.  Her commitment to chronicling these histories captures accounts of the lives and events resulting in many of the places we enjoy today. 

This collection focuses on the Pisgah Inn, using a more visual technique of chronological photos and captions to tell its tale.  All one hundred plus pages include pictures with details of Pisgah National Forest, Buck Spring Lodge, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the human interactions with them.  There were plans for a release party for the book at the Inn, but in this time of distancing, this is the best we can do right now.  We wanted you to be aware of Marci’s most recent book by Arcadia Publishing, and that it is available from Malaprops in Asheville. (828-254-6734)

By Donna Duffy

The Blue Ridge Naturalist Network would like to express its deep appreciation for the contributions of our departing board Members, Ken Czarnomski and Linda Martinson.  Through their many years of service, Ken and Linda have both been instrumental in the development of the organization, and while they will continue to contribute behind the scenes, they will certainly be missed by the other board members.

Ken Czarnomski has contributed as both VIce President and President of the organization.  It was his leadership that led us to becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization in the past year.  Ken has been instrumental in recruiting new blood into the BRNN, including more than one of our new 2020 board members.  And of course Ken has led us a number of our hikes where he has shared his knowledge of the mountains we call home.

Linda Martinson has been with BRNN since the beginning, and helped get us off the ground.  As secretary she has captured the key messages from countless board meetings and created a permanent record of our early history.  And Linda’s “Nature Notes” featured on our website remain a popular feature that never fails to entertain and inform.

We look forward to many future activities with Ken and Linda in their new role as active members of the organization.  When you see them, be sure to thank them for all they have done to make this a growing and vibrant organization.