Notes from Grandfather Mountain

MOUNTAIN NOTES FROM THE GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION

Grandfather Mountain Hosts Summertime Fun

As summer takes hold in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain invites guests to celebrate the season with special mile-high activities.

With a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, the nonprofit nature park and its staff are readying for a fun and eventful summer.

“At Grandfather Mountain, we like to bridge outdoor fun with education,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Linville, N.C., nature park. “Our 2021 slate of events offers folks mountains of opportunities to have fun while exploring our unique classroom in the clouds.”

With a few exceptions where noted, most special events are included with park admission. This schedule is subject to change, and additional events will be announced and posted on www.grandfather. com.

Educator Workshop Project Growing Up WILD

Wed, July 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Limit 12

Growing up WILD is an early childhood program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and their habitats. While the workshop is primarily oriented toward educators that work with children ages 3-7, many of the activities in the guide can be adapted to a wider age range. Registration is required at www.grandfather.com.

Grandfather Presents: David Sibley

Thurs, August 12 , 6-7:30 p.m.

Author, illustrator and avid birdwatcher David Sibley will open the 2021 Grandfather Presents lecture series. With his father an ornithologist, Sibley said birding has been a major part of his life ever since he was a child. He merged his encyclopedic knowledge with his skills as a self-taught artist to become one of America’s bestknown field guide authors.

The Grandfather Presents lecture series offers presentations from some of the country’s foremost experts on conservation. Advanced registration is required at www.grandfather.com.

Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic

August 14-15, $100

Take your photography skills to the next level—5,280 feet above sea level, to be exact—at the Grandfather Mountain Photography Weekend.

Participants will be able to participate in a series of field courses presented by professional photographers, including Tommy White (www.tommywhitephotography. com) and Vinny Colucci (www.vinnycolucci. com), while photographing spectacular scenery and native animals before and after regular business hours, meaning opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography will also be offered. The annual Nature Photography Weekend photo contest will also return.

Registration is required at www.grandfather.com and begins at 9 a.m. on July 5.

HawkWatch

September

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of the fall raptor migration. Participants can meet daily across the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Linville Peak, weather permitting.

51st Annual Girl Scout Day September 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s education staff for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities and presentations. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission. Reservations are required by calling 828-733-2013.

And More

Grandfather Mountain may offer additional events throughout the year, including adult field courses, daily programs and more. Registration for certain events may not open until the event date draws nearer.

To learn more or register, visit www. grandfather.com or call 828-733-2013.

mountain notes Educator Workshop - Project WILD: Elk Thurs, August 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Limit 12 Project WILD is a K-12 interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. All participants will receive the Project WILD activity guide and earn six hours of Criteria II or III credits toward their N.C. Environmental Education Certification (or 0.6 CEUs). A homework option is available to earn up to 10 hours or 1.0 CEU. Registration is required at www.grandfather.com. The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, call 800-468-7325, or visit www. grandfather.com to plan a trip. Photos courtesy of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.