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Outings

Outings, Past Events, Plants

Station Cove Wildflower Walk

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Despite the long drive, we had a total of 22 members join us for our Wildflowers and Waterfall Walk at Station Cove on Wednesday April 5.  The rain held off and we were treated to temperatures in the low 80’s, making this feel more like a summer event!  The wildflowers did not disappoint, with highlights including Catesby’s Trillium, Pinxterbloom Azalea, Three-Part and Marsh Blue Violets, Perfoliate Bellwort, Showy Orchis, Virginia Pennywort, Whorled Stoneroot, Dwarf Crested Iris, Violet Wood Sorrel, and Eastern Blue Star. 

At the trail’s end a gorgeous waterfall provided a scenic backdrop to lunch on the trail.  Some participants made a full day of it, visiting Whitewater Falls on the return trip and even Devil’s Fork State Park for the last blooming Oconee Bells of the Season.  A few of the botanical highlights are pictured below.

Paw Paw blossoms
Showy orchis
wild geranium
wood betony
Virginia pennywort
Perfoliate bellwort
three-part violet
Oconee bells at Devils Fork State park
Outings, Past Events, Trees

Join the Hemlock Restoration Initiative Hike at Linville Gorge

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Join the Hemlock Restoration Initiative for an educational hike at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29 at one of the most iconic areas in Western North Carolina: Linville Gorge. The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is known far and wide for its steep walls that fall more than 2,000 feet downward to the Linville River. HRI has been lucky enough to work in this beautiful area and we’d like to share that piece of the Gorge with you.

Our 5.5 mile hike will lead to a stand of hemlocks previously treated by HRI that border the Linville River. Along the way, there are several spots that allow for access to the river as it winds its way toward Lake James. This is a great chance to check out Linville Gorge via trails that are less strenuous than most that climb and descend through the wilderness area — our planned route features less than 700 feet of elevation gain — and you’ll get to see many beautiful hemlocks along the way

Sign up by June 27. Email education@savehemlocksnc.org or call 828-252-4783 to register. See more info about this and other upcoming events on our website: https://savehemlocksnc.org/events

We hope to see you on the trail!

Thom Green
Outreach Manager
Hemlock Restoration Initiative
A program of WNC Communities
Citizen Science, Outings

2022 Mountain Science Expo Presents: Explore Your Arboretum!

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April 30 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

This year the Mountain Science Expo returns to the Arboretum in person! 

Join us for a day celebrating the wonders of the natural world! Explore Your Arboretum with nature walks, science exhibits and more. Learn about lichen, forest critters and tree identification with the Youth Education team and our science partners from around our community. Then take part as a community scientist in the City Nature Challenge! 

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