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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES SUMMER GUIDE
2012
Daniel Boone Native Gardens an eBird ‘hot spot’
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ecord your sightings at eBird, a real-time, online checklist program. Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, eBird provides rich data sources for basic information on birds. It is amassing one of the largest and fastest growing biodiversity data resources in existence. For example, in March 2012, participants reported more than 3.1 million bird observations across North America. How does it work? A birder simply enters when, where and how they went birding, then fills out a checklist of all the birds seen and heard during the outing. To learn more, visit www.eBird.org or www.highcountryaudubon.org.
Hundreds of native species are featured in the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, nestled in the heart of Boone. PHOTOS BY KELLEN MOORE
Boone in Bloom High Country Audubon leads a bird walk at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens during the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Daniel Boone Native Gardens offers activities for all ages COMPILED BY ANNA OAKES
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rom the delicate trilliums to the towering canopy of oaks, hundreds of native species are represented from North Carolina at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone. Programs for seniors, children, birders and artists are just a few of events planned at the gardens this summer. “The gardens have been part of this community for almost 50 years, and many visitors asked about expanding programs,” said Daniel Boone Native Gardens chair-
woman Rebecca Kaenzig. “This summer, we offer events for all age groups and skills. Thanks to partnering with local community groups, such as High Country Audubon, Karma Krew, the Master Gardeners of the Watauga County Extension and the High Country Watermedia Society, we plan something every week.” As part of “Early Bird Saturdays,” the gardens offer free admission from 9 to 11 a.m. during the Watauga County Farmers’ Market hours, which takes place next door. Seniors are admitted free every Friday from June CONTINUED ON PAGE 77
Additional Events • • • • • •
June 17 - Father’s Day: Bring Dad to the gardens June 21 - Poetry in the Garden July 14 - Evening in the Garden gala open to public. Tickets required. July 26 - Boone Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Registration required. Sept. 9 - Grandparents Day: Bring your grandparents to the gardens Oct. 13 - Boone Heritage Day