View from the Highlands, Fall 2018

View

2018 Fall Issue

from the Highlands

Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains

Hiking the AT on Hump Mtn Photo by Travis Bordley

Conserving Mountains • Farms • Streams • Habitat

Letter from the Director Thank you for protecting this land.

372 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-1222 828.253.0095 • FAX 828.253.1248 sahc@appalachian.org

Board of Trustees Laura McCue, President Jay Leutze, Vice-President Rick Manske, Secretary Nancy Edgerton, Treasurer Jeff Needham, At-Large David Erwin Jim Houser Anne Kilgore Popsie Lynch John Mason Matt Moses Cynthia Poortenga Rich Preyer Chris Soto Stu Ryman Tom Williams

Arden, NC Minneapolis, NC Weaverville, NC Asheville, NC Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC Charlotte, NC Kingsport, TN Fairview, NC Asheville, NC Erwin, TN Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC Johnson City, TN Fairview, NC Fairview, NC

Staff

Carl Silverstein Executive Director Kristy Urquhart Associate Director Michelle Pugliese Land Protection Director Jess Laggis Farmland Protection Director Hanni Muerdter Stewardship & Conservation

Planning Director Marquette Crockett Roan Stewardship Director Sarah Sheeran Stewardship Associate Cheryl Fowler Membership Director Lisa Fancher Finance Compliance Director Angela Shepherd Communications Director Pauline Heyne Director of Philanthropy Chris Link Community Farm Manager Lauren McTigue Connecting People

with Land Associate

AmeriCorps Whisper Moore

Israel Golden

Larissa Robinov Cate Jaffe Emma Rast

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Communications & Community Engagement Member Conservation Education & Volunteer Member Land Protection & Education Member Stewardship & Volunteer Member Stewardship & Volunteer Member

Supporting land and water conservation in the Southern Appalachians is a win-win. For more than 44 years, we have worked together to protect extraordinary places, responsibly steward protected lands, and launch exciting programs to connect people with nature.

Your gifts to SAHC help protect natural wonders and create a lasting legacy for generations to come. You support the protection and stewardship of vital land and water resources, healthy forests and biodiversity, wildlife habitat and connectivity, local farmland and food security, places for people to hike or fish, and breathtaking scenic beauty.

This year, generous support like yours has protected: • A 234-acre high elevation ridge in the Roan, home to many rare plants and animals (p. 4-5) • The western side of Brushy Knob, one of the Seven Sisters near Montreat and the Town of Black Mountain, NC (p. 6) • A beautiful 526-acre forested mountainside in the Black Mountains south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing extensive corridors for wildlife (p. 7) • A 35-acre addition to our Community Farm, which was once under contract for development (p. 8) Our area is facing tremendous development pressure as one of the nation’s most popular places to move. We have opportunities today to protect critical places in our mountains — and we can’t do it alone.

Let’s accomplish something meaningful together. Let’s build a future where people and nature thrive.

Please make your gift today. We need your help, so together we can save and secure the places we all love and need.

Carl Silverstein Executive Director

Protect

Steward

Connect

The mission of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for the benefit of present and future generations. We achieve this by forging and maintaining long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies, owning and managing land and encouraging healthy local communities.

Of People and Land Landowner Perspective: Russ and Stacy Oates on Protecting Elk Fork Stacy and I came from families that love the outdoors and feel deep connection with wild things and wild places.

Growing up on opposite coasts (Stacy in the Napa Valley of California and me in eastern North Carolina), we were both fortunate to have many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the wonders of Nature. We were married in 1984 and, 4 months later, moved to Alaska where I worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Our two daughters were born in Fairbanks in 1986 and 1988, and we settled into family life. In 1995, we decided it was time to get some financial advice to ensure that we could afford to send the girls to college and have a chance of being able to retire. The first thing our new financial advisor said to us was “What are your dreams?” Stacy and I shared an interest in wild lands conservation, so we told the advisor about our dream to protect some woodland. His immediate response was “Buy it now or you never will.”

Although I loved the cypress swamps of my youth, we knew after 10 years of

The Elk Fork conservation easement protects headwater streams.

acclimation to Alaska temperatures that we would not be comfortable in Landowner Russ Oates (left) discusses the property with Margot Wallston of Hemlock Restoration Initiative (center) and SAHC the eastern part of NC. We decided Stewardship & Volunteer AmeriCorps member Cate Jaffe (right). to look at land in the Thus, the first step towards our goal mountains. The search began in May of protecting forestland was achieved. of 1995. After looking at numerous Now, we had to ensure that it would be properties, we found a tract in Yancey protected beyond our lifetimes for future County, NC. generations. A conservation easement seemed to be the best way to accomplish Upon visiting the property, I was greeted our long-term goal. by large white, pink, and burgundy trilliums everywhere. I also saw a variety We contacted the Southern Appalachian of other wildflowers including Highlands Conservancy to learn more about conservation easements and to see if they would We strongly support SAHC’s be interested in protecting dedication and became our property. After several monthly donors to contribute discussions, it was clear to us to this important mission. that a conservation easement was just what we needed. We 3 different violets, showy orchids, have been so happy with their continuing Turk’s cap lilies, and Frazier magnolia interest and stewardship. Over the trees. I was delighted by the huge size of years, I have gotten to know several of the Dutchman’s pipe vines that climbed the folks at SAHC and really appreciate the trees, and I was impressed with the their deep commitment to conservation. richness of the soil and the variety of We strongly support their dedication, herbaceous species. Up on the ridge and decided to become monthly donors we found sizable northern red oaks, because it is a very convenient way to cherries, black and yellow birches, ashes contribute to this important mission. and sugar maples. We heard songs of towhees, Carolina wrens, black-throated There is a tremendous need to conserve green (and blue) warblers, chestnut-sided and restore our nation’s ecosystems to ensure that they can continue to provide warblers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks, clean air, water, and soil. Conservation just to mention a few. I knew this easements, such as those secured by property was special. Stacy and I had SAHC, can help protect functional several long conversations about the ecosystems and are an outstanding feasibility of purchasing this land and, at the expense of years of vacations and way to contribute to the security of our other non-essentials, we managed to buy children’s futures. our dream property.

Of People and Land | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 3

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

Yellow Spot

Connecting Protected Lands in the Roan

The land we recently acquired spans across the summit of Yellow Spot.

We purchased 234 acres at Yellow Spot, surrounded on three sides by the Pisgah National Forest and an existing SAHC preserve. This acquisition closes a critical gap in protection on the Roan massif, and will preserve high elevation habitat for rare plants and animals, wildlife corridors, scenic views, and sources of clean water.

“This property contains a remarkable combination of features that have made it a conservation priority for decades,” explains Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett. “Some properties warrant conservation because of their exceptional water quality and native trout habitat and others because they contain rare, high elevation open areas or exceptional forest habitat – but Yellow Spot has everything. It’s a microcosm of the Roan Highlands. SAHC’s acquisition of this tract secures a perfect puzzle

piece, surrounded by National Forest and protecting the main spine of the Roan Massif*.”

The property rises to 5,100 ft. elevation at Yellow Spot and will provide a buffer for sensitive habitat in Pisgah National Forest. The Audubon Society’s Roan Mountain Important Bird Area covers approximately two-thirds of the tract.

“Yellow Spot has all the interesting and rare high elevation species

Yellow Spot contains abundant streams and boulders.

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View from the Highlands

Fall 2018 | Land Protection Updates

you would hope for – Gray’s lily, Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern Spotted Skunk, Indiana Bat, and more,” continues Crockett. “A biological inventory of the property identified six rare animal species and 12 rare plant species, including Bog Goldenrod and Trailing Wolfsbane.”

The tract contains over 2.5 miles of stream corridor, including 10 headwater tributaries of Cook Creek and Pineroot Branch.

“Much of the land is full of boulders and streams, and it contains some of the more rare habitat found in the Roan,” says Crockett. “Although rugged and remote, it is also highly visible from popular vantage points across the region. You can see the boundaries of this property from both sides of the Massif – from Buladean to Bakersville. Drivers along the scenic NC 261 and visitors to the world-famous Catawba rhododendron gardens near Carvers Gap enjoy scenic views of this protected land.”

Roan Mountain State Park

lach

a App

Yellow Spot

New SAHC land acquisition SAHC preserves/conservation easements

US Forest Service land The Yellow Spot property was a longstanding conservation priority because of its important strategic location and its outstanding conservation values. The purchase closes a gap in the network of protected lands along the primary ridgeline of the globally significant Roan Massif.

A private conservation buyer purchased the tract three years ago in order to prevent it from being sold for development. This generous friend then agreed to sell the property to SAHC for less than half its appraised value.

Other Protected Lands (Including some tracts SAHC has transferred to NC or TN) outdoor recreation, and the economic vitality of local communities. Keeping views in the Roan Highlands intact and beautiful is integral to sustainable economic development in our region.”

SAHC plans to own the property for the long term, managing it for habitat and clean water. Visitors to popular outdoor recreation hotspots, including the Appalachian Trail and rhododendron gardens atop Roan Mountain, will be able to enjoy views of the untouched land for generations to come.

“We are also extremely grateful * A massif is a cluster of mountains containing separate peaks. to philanthropic donors Fred and Alice Stanback, The Biltmore Company, and SAHC members for contributing funds to enable us to protect this incredible tract,” says Crockett. “This is an investment in the future of SAHC staff and interns visit open areas in the mostly forested conservation, Yellow Spot tract, which could provide habitat for birds.

Turk’s cap lily

Perspective: Jay Leutze, SAHC Vice-President “It’s easy to get distracted by the news of the day. Which is why you should feel good about supporting a land trust that never rests when it comes to protecting the places you treasure. Let’s be honest: were you aware that the Yellow Spot tract was at risk?

Probably not, but this is one of those special places our Land Protection Committee has had on our radar for a long time, ever since protecting an adjoining tract.

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

Rhododendron Gardens

rail T n ia

That’s how good conservation works. It’s like a puzzle, but losing a piece is not just the end of the fun — in our line of work losing a piece of the puzzle can interrupt integrity of a wildlife corridor, or close off a gateway into the landscape for hikers. In this case the Yellow Spot tract was eyed for either timber harvest or development. After all, SAHC’s great work in partnership with Pisgah National Forest has made this area a very desirable place to live. But now Yellow Spot is safe.

We kept our focus, and when the opportunity presented itself we bought it. Now it’s time to build on this achievement. The puzzle is still taking shape, and luckily SAHC is not easily distracted!”

Land Protection Updates | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 5

Brushy Knob is also known as “Big Piney.” It is the third Sister in the chain of summits straddling the Asheville watershed and Montreat, counting from the southwest to the northeast.

Brushy Knob

Protecting one of the Seven Sisters

Pa rk w ay

Mt. Mitchell State Park

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Tucked in a corner between the vast protected areas of the Asheville Watershed and Montreat Wilderness (which SAHC began protecting in 1998), the newly purchased Brushy Knob preserve encompasses forested slopes, rock outrcoppings, and the summit of Brushy Knob itself (over 4160 ft. elevation).

Our acquisition of this land protects important biological and ecological areas, including a portion of the Audubon Society’s Black and Great Craggy Mountain Important Bird Area.

from Brad and Shelli Stanback and several generous SAHC members who have asked to remain anonymous.

The former landowners Jim and Marcia Verbrugge made a significant contribution of land value. They sold the property to SAHC for less than half its appraised value. They also made a major gift for the transaction costs and long-term stewardship of the new preserve. We are deeply grateful to Jim and Marcia for being so committed to seeing their land protected forever.

Asheville Watershed

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Brushy Knob is one of a tight cluster of peaks south of Greybeard Mountain that are officially named the Middle Mountains on USGS maps, but which are more commonly known as the Seven Sisters. These mountains form a prominent beloved part of the view from the Town of Black Mountain, the Craggy Mountains, and Swannanoa area east of Asheville.

SAHC plans to own and manage this property for the long term as a nature preserve. It contains multiple headwater tributaries and more than a half mile of Walker Branch, which flows into the North Fork of the Swannanoa River. It adjoins hundreds of thousands of acres of contiguous, protected land in the Black Mountains that includes the Asheville Watershed, Pisgah National Forest, Mount Mitchell State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

ue

Our purchase of this tract will protect the western flank of Brushy Knob from ever being developed as real estate. Its eastern slopes are already protected by a conservation easement that we have held since 2004 on the 2,450-acre Montreat wilderness.

Bl

Black Mountains Focus Area

We purchased 123 acres near Black Mountain, NC, permanently protecting the crest of one of the “Seven Sisters.”

The purchase was made possible by a generous donation

Brushy Knob

“We love the beauty of the steep slopes, the unique rock formations, the lovely stands of a variety of old trees, and the quiet of the forest at higher altitudes,” say former landowners Jim & Marcia Verbrugge.

“We wanted to preserve it as it is for the enjoyment of future generations. The SAHC is the best organization to accomplish this, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with them.”

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View from the Highlands

Montreat

Black Mountain

New SAHC land acquisition Other SAHC preserves/conservation easements

US Forest Service land Fall 2018 | Land Protection Updates

Other Protected Lands

Adjoining Pisgah National Forest

Protecting this land safeguards scenic views and wildlife corridors. Photo by Dennis Oakley, Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association (CNPA)

We accepted a donated conservation easement on 526 acres in Swannanoa, NC. The conservation easement permanently protects land adjoining Pisgah National Forest and scenic views from the Blue Ridge Parkway, I-40 and NC Highway 70.

“These forested slopes at the southern end of the Black Mountains are important for wildlife movement and to the surrounding Swannanoa community” says Executive Director Carl Silverstein “We are pleased to be able to protect these ridges as a permanent undeveloped buffer adjoining the national forest.”

covers a portion of the property.

This Important Bird Area provides habitat for a wide variety of species, including: Black-throated Blue warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Pine Siskin, and Dark-eyed Junco.

The forested, steep slopes of the property rise to over 3,580 feet in elevation. The tract adjoins Pisgah National Forest, and connects to a large block of contiguous, protected land that includes the Asheville Watershed, Mount Mitchell State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is located less than a mile away. The Audubon Society’s Black and Great Craggy Mountains Important Bird Area

The conservation easement property was separated from a larger tract owned by Chemtronics.

About 535 acres of that larger tract is classified as a Superfund site and was not included in the conservation easement. Superfund sites are contaminated sites that qualify for cleanup by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The conservation easement is located on upper slopes above and surrounding

the Chemtronics Superfund site.

The EPA issued an Amended Record of Decision in September 2016, in which the Chemtronics Superfund boundary was redefined to divide the original 1,065-acre property into two separate areas: the Superfund site containing 535 acres and the remainder of the property, which no longer carries the Superfund designation. The landowners voluntarily donated a conservation easement on the 526-acre tract separated from the Superfund site. Extensive site analyses indicate the land within the conservation easement boundary is not contaminated.

Black Mountains Focus Area

Black Mountain Ridges

“This land has been a long-time priority for conservation for nearly 20 years, and I’m thrilled to see this project finally come to fruition,” says Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese.

The land will continue to be owned by Chemtronics, and will not be open to the public. SAHC stewardship staff will monitor the conservation easement area annually, and the property will be managed for forest health, according to a forest management plan.

The conservation easement protects forested habitat. Photo by Courtland White, CNPA.

Land Protection Updates | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 7

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

SAHC Community Farm French Broad River

New SAHC land acquisition Other SAHC preserves/easements

The One that Almost Got Away A 35-acre parcel next to our Community Farm went under contract for development twice before we were finally able to reach an agreement with the sellers. Thanks to persistent outreach by SAHC and our real estate partner Erik Aasland of Appalachian Realty and a generous donation from Brad and Shelli Stanback and other SAHC members, we purchased the land this summer for addition to our existing Community Farm programming.

This acquisition will provide opportunities to expand our Farmer Incubator Program and our Discovery Trail at the Farm. It also protects important agricultural soils as well as gorgeous views of the Walnut Mountains from the education center on the Farm. The Incubator Farmers have already used the barn on the new property for drying garlic this summer.

“Because the property adjoins our Community Farm, it provides diverse opportunities to expand our programs here,” says Community Farm Manager Chris Link. “To the west lie the Walnut Mountains, which create a scenic backdrop for our education and event center. Development on this tract would have severely impacted these scenic vistas. We’re conducting holistic planning for the new acreage so that we can maximize its benefit to our overall programs at the Community Farm. ”

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View from the Highlands

SA HC Communi t y Fa rm Conservation • Education • Celebration

Donated to SAHC in 2010, our Community Farm property continues to serve as a nationally recognized model, balancing agricultural production with environmental responsibility and providing educational opportunities. how soil and weather behave with certain varieties of produce.

“We have experience in farming, but not here in the mountains,” says Sarah. “We aspire to own our own farm, and it’s important to do a lot of learning Claudie (left) and Sarah (right), new participants in before investing in our Farmer Incubator Program our own land. We Half Pint Farm plan to use our time in the program New participants in our Farmer to learn about the intricacies of Incubator Program, Claudie farming in this soil — in this climate Babineaux and Sarah Bostick have and landscape — because it’s really been doing very physical labor for different from what we’re used to.” years. However, they frequently run Claudie and Sarah have existing into people who challenge the idea that two petite ladies can accomplish relationships with wholesale purchasers in the area, and the such work. In naming their farm land they are cultivating on our business, they decided to ‘own it’.

Community Farm will help them “This name, Half Pint Farm, really expand to new markets. They hope works for us because people have save a seed stock of garlic to ease the always challenged our ability to do transition to full-scale production on things because of our size,” shares their own land in a few years. This Sarah. Their farm name also relates fall, they are planting the first round to scale of production — Claudie of garlic to learn about the varieties and Sarah have both worked in that grow best here. intensive farming on 5-10 acre parcels in the past, primarily in Florida and Maine, but they now want to focus on a smaller scale.

They are using their first year in our Incubator Program learn about the particulars of farming in the Southern Appalachians, such as

Fall 2018 | Our Community Farm

Claudie, prepping beds for garlic

“It takes time to get farm infrastructure right, to get things up and going on your own land,” says Sarah. “When the time comes, we hope that this program will help us overlap production. By continuing to grow at the Community Farm while beginning to create infrastructure on our own land, we will be able to keep our market contacts happy, so we won’t have to completely start over.”

Claudie spends most of her time working on the farm while Sarah helps in between traveling as a consultant for Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.

“I have professional experience coaching farmers who are ready to scale up to wholesale, and I can share expertise on that topic,” says Sarah. “But now, when I tell them I’m actively growing, I can relate to them on a new level. We can discuss challenges we are facing together, in real time. Being able to talk about how our beets are doing this season or how the rains are affecting our crops allows me to connect with people on an equal footing.

I get to be my own example of how farming is a continuous learning process.”

The aspect of community education in our programs is also important to them.

This year, we have educated 140 people through farm workshops and trainings.

“We both love the world where farming and education/community come together,” says Sarah. “We love the fact that this place is here for the purpose of learning and teaching, and that the space where we are working will be used in workshops. The program is also a great way for us to get involved in the community.

We enjoy being able to connect with the other farmers in the program – Will and Savannah.

We both have so much respect for all the work Savannah Salley of SAHC is Headwaters Market Garden, doing.” which is in its second year in

our Farmer Incubator Program

Outward Bound students tour the farm

This year, 200 people have visited the Discovery Trail on our Community Farm.

Neighbors, colleges, summer camp and school groups, visiting programs with out-ofstate students, and more have used the property to learn about active agriculture and responsible land stewardship.

Interested in taking a tour?

Contact chris@appalachian.org.

YMCA Horizons summer camp students

Farm Workshop: Tractor 101 for Women

Thursday, October 21 from 2-5 pm Led by local farmer Danielle Hutchison of Beacon Village Farm, this workshop will be a safe environment for women to learn how to maintain and safely use tractors on their farms. Small and large tractors are among the most important assets on any farm. This hands-on workshop provides a foundation in basic maintenance and safe, efficient operation. Cost: $20. Register online at Appalachian.org.

We host a series of Farm Education Workshops throughout the year.

For questions or to be put on an email list for our farm workshop updates, contact Chris Link at chris@appalachian.org.

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2016-70017-25341 for Farm Pathways: Integrating Farmer Training with Land Access. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our Community Farm work is funded in part by grants from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

Celebration!

We are thrilled to announce that our education center and farmhouse are now available for weddings and special events. See page 23 for details.

Our Community Farm | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 9

High l a n d s of Ro an Stewa rd ship Seasonal Roan Naturalist

Former AmeriCorps service member Travis Bordley stepped into our Roan Naturalist boots this summer.

Travis spent the majority of his time from May to August on the Appalachian Trail between Carvers Gap and 19 E, recording data, educating hikers, and helping manage negative impacts to the Roan’s fragile, globally important ecosystems.

In total, he observed over 12,600 hikers in the Roan, and had interpretive, educational discussions with more than 4,000 people.

“There were days where I couldn’t believe my eyes at the steady stream of people pouring onto the trail,” says Travis. “These moments made me fear for the sensitive habitat in the area. There were also slow days when visitor usage was low, and I was able to genuinely connect with people.”

Travis spoke with visitors about Leave No Trace principles and cleaned up the Roan High Knob, Stan Murray and Overmountain Victory Shelters.

Hikers during the peak months of summer concentrate in the area of Carvers Gap, Round Bald, Engine Gap and Jane Bald, sometimes causing “traffic jams” along short sections of the Trail. Off-trail hikers in these areas can jeopardize sensitive bald habitat.

This seasonal position is supervised by SAHC, supported by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and coordinated with the US Forest Service and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoing Club.

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View from the Highlands

Volunteers at our annual Grassy Ridge Mow-Off in July

SAHC volunteers and our partners with the NC BRIDGE program contributed more than 1,900 hours to manage habitat on Roan’s grassy balds. Altogether, Roan stewardship partners managed a record 32 acres.

Thank you to all the volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this work possible!

In the Highlands of Roan, we convene a multi-partner effort to manage the world’s largest stretch of grassy Appalachian balds.

These unique ecosystems contain a variety of rare plants.

This summer, volunteers and BRIDGE partners hand-mowed more than 17 acres from Round Bald to Grassy Ridge, cutting back blackberry and shrubs across the balds. The US Forest Service mechanically mowed 15 acres on Hump Mountain.

Our Roan stewardship work is supported by grants from the National Forest Foundation, McLendon Family Foundation and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

The BRIDGE crew are hardworking stewardship partners. A program of the NC Division of Prisons the NC Division of Forest Resources to train young, non-violent offenders with firefighting and forestry skills, BRIDGE stands for “BUILDING, REHABILITATING, INSTRUCTING, DEVELOPING, GROWING, EMPLOYING.”

TN Recreational Trails Grant

SAHC and our partners at the TN Department of Environment and Conservation were awarded a $200,000 grant from the Tennessee Recreational Trails Program. This grant will be used to install pedestrian bridges and accessible parking at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area in Carter County, TN. Fall 2018 | Conservation In Action

F ie ld Jo u r n a l R oa n Natura lis t, Tra vis Bord ley To cast out on the Appalachian Trail, for six months or even two hours, is an exhilarating experience. To set your feet on the AT is to join a 2,200-mile-long hiking community that shares a similar interest, a common bond.

Hikers you meet are quick to remind you that the AT is a community experience — it is a social trail. This summer I commiserated with dirty thru hikers that were tired but determined to hike from Georgia to Maine. I chatted with college AT hikers share a common bond of experience students studying for classes out in the field. I picked blueberries with children that were hiking for the first time and listened to grandparents who claimed they were hiking for the last time.

I laughed with strangers and watched as the positivity of being outside coursed through skeptical visitors. These are your teammates on the trail and they come by the thousands to the Roan each summer.

While people make the AT possible, it was my time alone that defined how I feel about the Roan — and I had no shortage of alone time. I spent seemingly endless hours in solitude on the Trail, hiking or gazing out at scenic vistas. After completing my term as Roan Naturalist, these are the memories I recall most vividly.

Young visitors in the Roan Highlands

What I remember is this: rain storms that tried to drown me while standing up.

The way the evening light strikes flakes of quartz embedded in granite along

Conservation In Action | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 11

F iel d J ourna l far-off Linville Gorge and Grandfather mountain for about ten minutes on a perfectly clear day. How in July, white moths spring from the Mountain Oat Grass as you stride across the balds. The way Dark Eyed Juncos jovially chase insects. Rolling blooms of wildflowers throughout the summer — just as one wildflower faded for the season, a new bright replacement moved in.

Spectacular sunrises and sunsets grace the Roan

I remember the electricity of a lighting bolt striking at eye level. The swirling fog that took from me references of space and time. The excitement of a colorful sunrise that would replace a need for morning coffee. Believe it or not, all of these observations could take place in one day in the Roan Highlands.

Unfortunately I also discovered negative impacts to the area. Not everyone who visited the Roan had the best concepts of trail ethics or land stewardship. I spent a lot of time this summer picking up trash, cleaning up abandoned clothing at shelters, and advising people to stay on the trail.

Throughout my time as the Roan Naturalist, my connection to the area has grown even greater than I thought possible.

Simultaneously, I watched thousands of visitors to the area experience this same joy. The Roan, with it’s sweeping vistas and wondrous ecology, inspires a sense of connection with the earth which is hard to find elsewhere in the world. It was a blessing Overmountain Victory Shelter, the highest elevation shelter on the AT to spend my summer in a place where people are improving their lives by getting out into nature. And, I hope I was able to make a positive impact by instilling conservation and trail ethics in many who will continue to care for the land for generations to come.

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View from the Highlands

Fall 2018 | Conservation In Action

Gray’s Lily and Lily Leafspot Disease

The rare, native Gray’s lily has been suffering from a fungal disease that may be spread by contact. The Lily Leaf Spot Disease kills juveniles and reduces reproduction in adults, creating a grim forecast for the future of these beautiful blooms beloved Our Roan stewardship program this summer created by nature photographers temporary signage to help protect Gray’s lily Duke Stanback intern Ilan Bubb and slow the spread of Lily Leaf Spot Disease. and naturalists.

Grassy Balds Management not yet come in contact with the fungal First identified by famous American gets a Tech Update disease.” botanist Asa Gray in the Highlands of Roan in 1840, Gray’s lily occurs at He worked on creating a Gray’s lily habitat Ilan Bubb interned with us high elevations in NC, TN and VA, on model using a process first implemented by this summer through the grassy balds and in moist forests and wet a professor with the Duke Nicholas School Duke University Stanback meadows. They bloom in June and July. of the Environment.

Intern program. He is earning Already listed as Threatened in NC, Gray’s his Masters of Environmental lily populations have been suffering from “We have known locations for Gray’s Management at the Nicholas the wide spread of disease cause by the lilies and variables associated with fungal phytopathogen Pseudocercosporella those locations: soil types, temperature, School of the Environment. precipitation, land cover type, aspect inconspicua, increasing threats for the Ilan did a “needs assessment” (which direction the terrain is facing), survival of the species. Indications of the and GIS modeling project elevation, and slope,” Ilan explains. “So, disease occur as tan spots on the leaves, to assist with an update stems, and reproductive portions of the lily. we can use these variables as defined for known populations of Gray’s lily to create to the Environmental This summer, intern Ilan Bubb worked on geospatial models and predict where Assessment for grassy computer models to help predict potential we might find additional populations of balds management. The Gray’s lily habitat, the plant. The model looks for other Environmental Assessment hoping to help areas within the study parameters (from is a plan which has helped find populations Georgia to Pennsylvania) that have similar guide stewardship efforts that have not yet attributes. in the Roan for decades. been impacted by So far, he has identified places as far north He ground-truthed both disease. as northwest VA as potential habitat, with restoration and maintenance “The fungal several SAHC properties highlighted. targets in this plan. He disease is found in visited GPS-referenced points “It’s really cool seeing the numbers — the Healthy Gray’s lily large extent from variables — turn into something visual you within the Roan landscape the Roan Massif can see, map, and go visit to see how well and photographed each to Virginia,” the model is working.” area so we can evaluate the says Ilan. “If effectiveness of stewardship we can find new With the widespread prevalence of Lily communities efforts.

Leaf Spot Disease forecasting potential or isolated loss of existing populations within 60 In addition, Ilan assisted populations, they years, hopefully this new modeling process with volunteer workdays. may be more will reveal additional, healthy Gray’s lily resilient or have communities unaffected by the disease.

Results of Lily Leaf Spot Conservation In Action | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 13

Protected Places for every season – New calendars!

This stunning 2019 calendar features 12 special places — each protected by either Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy or Conserving Carolina. It’s called the “Giving Calendar” because all proceeds from calendar purchases directly support conservation!

How does the “Giving Calendar” support SAHC? RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide has graciously covered all the printing and design costs, so when you purchase your calendar from SAHC, 100% will go directly to help to protect the mountains, forests, farms, and streams you love. Plus, sharing the stories and photos in the calendar helps raise awareness about the impact of our work.

“I was first made aware of SAHC from my love of the Roan Mountain area,” says Mark File of RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide. “Then I discovered that they were integral in protecting many other favorite hiking spots that I recommend to readers. So the calendar is a small way to say thank you and spread the news of their heroic work to others.”

Each month, enjoy some of our favorite “Protected Places” that you can visit. These calendars make great gifts for friends and family — or purchase an armful for end-of-year treats for your clients!

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase a 3-pack of calendars and get free shipping. Please be sure to apply the discount code GET3 during checkout.

PLUS, each calendar includes a coupon for a $10 gear card to Diamond Brand Outdoor or Frugal Backpacker!

Visit our online gift shop or Appalachian.org/calendar 14 |

View from the Highlands

L to R: Tom Williams, Chris Soto, Rich Preyer, Nancy Edgerton

Welcome New Trustees Thank you to the following for committing to serve a new 3-year term on SAHC’s Board of Trustees. These individuals have graciously volunteered to devote their time and expertise to help carry out our mission.

Nancy Edgerton Asheville, NC

Nancy previously served on SAHC’s board, including a term as President, and has continued to volunteer on our Governance Committee. She and her husband Ron are dedicated participants in our hikes, outings and special events. Nancy is a talented photographer and cellist, and she serves on the Asheville Symphony board.

Rich Preyer Asheville, NC

Rich served two years as SAHC’s AmeriCorps Member for Public Education and Outreach. He earned a Masters in Environmental Education from Antioch University in New Hampshire and is currently a Youth Education Associate with the NC Arboretum. Rich is enthusiastic about our Connecting People with Land program and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative.

Chris Soto Johnson City, TN

Chris is senior editor and content manager with the Land Trust Alliance. She ensures that land conservation stories are shared among the different communications vehicles at the Alliance, in print and online. She manages the award- winning quarterly magazine, Saving Land. Before the Alliance, Chris managed publications at the Wildlife Habitat Council and American Farmland Trust. She and her husband are dedicated participants in SAHC events and outings and are active with the East Tennessee birding community.

Tom Williams Fairview, NC

Tom recently retired from Duke Energy as its Director of Corporate Media and Executive Support. He and his wife Laurie especially appreciate the conservation easements SAHC holds on land in Fairview. Tom is enthusiastic about helping SAHC with communications, development and engagement.

Fall 2018 | Conservation In Action

Ame r iCorps Our Project Conserve AmeriCorps members serve 11-month terms, beginning in September. Their service helps expand and enrich all of our programs. We are grateful for their commitment and welcome our new 2018-19 team!

Larissa Robinov: Land Protection & Education Larissa graduated from Warren Wilson College in Biochemistry. She was a Forestry Crew Leader at WWC, as well as helped lead her college’s successful divestment from fossil fuels campaign. Outside of college, Larissa has worked in Vermont and Alabama performing forest treatments and bark beetle assessments.

The team enjoyed a foggy field orientation in the Roan.

Whisper Moore: Communications & Community Engagement Whisper is a graduate of Winthrop University, with a degree in Psychology and minor in Social Science. She works with the YMCA of WNC as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Coach.

Whisper has been a raft/kayak guide on the Catawba River and facilitated group hikes and cycle trips in the Charlotte area.

Emma Rast: Stewardship & Volunteer Emma joins SAHC for her second year with Project Conserve, the first spent as Volunteer Coordinator with RiverLink in Asheville.

Emma graduated from Oberlin College in OH with a Biology and Environmental Studies Degree. During College, she worked on an Emerald Ash Borer research project, mentored students with movement education and taught outdoor/environmental education.

Israel Golden: Conservation Education & Volunteer Outreach Israel graduated from UNC Asheville in Environmental Studies. He has researched the origin of the invasive boa constrictor in the US Virgin Islands, led outdoor backpacking and mountain biking for UNC Asheville students, and helped research high elevation seeps along the Appalachian Trail. Israel recently rode his bike across the United States.

Cate Jaffe: Stewardship & Volunteer Cate returns for a second year of traversing SAHC properties. She is originally from the state of Washington and graduated from the University of Oregon in Biology and Environmental Science, where she researched farmland microbe conditions and seed production. Cate has also worked with the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide and Audubon.

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations across the country.

Conservation In Action | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 15

T h an k you, Cor po ra te Pa r t ners !

Corporate Partners

Mt. Mitchell: $25,000+ Witherspoon Platt + Associates Bernhardt Furniture Waterrock Knob: $15,000+ New Morning Ltd. Salesforce Roan Mountain: $10,000+ Biltmore Estate Eastman Chemical Company Mast General Store Cold Mountain: $5,000+ Appalachian Realty Associates Causeway Interactive Highland Brewing Company Parsec Financial Management RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide Big Yellow: $2,500+ Anchor QEA Kee Mapping & Surveying Samsel Architects USA Raft Wicked Weed Brewing Max Patch: $1,000+ Addison Farms Vineyards Apple, Inc. Blue Heron Whitewater Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Borg Warner Foundation Duke Energy Foundation East West Capital, LLC Eastman Credit Union Equinox Environmental French Broad River Garden Club Google, Inc Heritage Restoration & Construction Jubilee! Community LOVE Furniture and Design McLucas Ventures Network Computer Solutions REI Recover Brand Roberts & Stevens, Attorneys at Law Salvage Station Second Gear Starks Financial Group Westmoreland & Scully Wildwood Consulting, LLC 16 |

Wicked Weed — Brewing Appalachia!

Wicked Weed Brewing has crafted a special brew to support conservation of mountains, forests, farms, streams, and rivers across Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.

“We are thrilled and proud to be represented as the nonprofit for Appalachia!” says Membership Director Cheryl Fowler. “We are very grateful to Wicked Weed Brewing for donating a portion of proceeds from all sales of Appalachia Session IPA, to help support conservation of the mountains we call home.”

Named for the mountains that surround Asheville, Appalachia Session IPA is on tap for a limited time. A percentage of all sales of Appalachia Session IPA will be donated to SAHC to support protection of headwater streams that flow into three major river basins, including the French Broad River, Catawba River, and Broad River. Donations to SAHC also help protect farmland for productive family farms, wildlife corridors buffering the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and special places for outdoor recreation.

“Being a local from Western North Carolina and having the ability to grow up hiking the mountains, rafting the rivers, and enjoying all the wonders nature brings us I am thrilled to be partnering with SAHC,” says Wicked Wee founder Ryan Guthy. “As Asheville continues to grow, it is crucial to help preserve what makes this area so special. We need to focus on the now and help protect for the generations to come.”

For more than 44 years, SAHC has worked to protect scenic views, habitat for rare and endangered native species, and places for people to hike, camp, fish, bike, and more. Our corporate partnerships provide critical funds for us to be able to continue this work.

To become one of our Corporate Partners, contact Cheryl Fowler at cheryl@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 209.

View from the Highlands Fall 2018 | Corporate Partners

Upco ming Hi kes & Event s :

Thunderstruck Coffee Porter Release Party

Thunderstruck Hike

Friday, October 12 Highland Brewing Company Cooler days herald the release of Highland Brewing Company’s Thunderstruck Coffee Porter. Named for Thunderstruck Ridge in our Balsam Mountains conservation focus area, this cozy seasonal is steeped with Dynamite Roasting Company coffee, with hints of chocolate.

Join us at the release party (a family-friendly event) to enjoy free live music. SAHC staff and volunteers will be on hand to sell merchandise and talk about our recent work.

We are grateful to our Corporate Partners at Highland Brewing Company for donating $1 to SAHC for each pint of Thunderstruck sold at this seasonal release party, to help us continue saving mountains, rivers, farms, and streams you love. Enjoy the release party on Friday, then come hike with us on Saturday, October 13 to see Thunderstruck Ridge firsthand.

Saturday, October 13 starting at 10 am Plott Balsam Mountains, near Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway Cost: FREE for all participants Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (8 on scale of 1-10) Distance: 5 miles, with significant elevation change Join us for a moderately difficult hike to enjoy views of Thunderstruck Ridge, for which Highland’s latest seasonal is named. We will hike over 5 miles of rugged terrain, through red spruce and Fraser firs, red oak forest, and other high elevation trees while occasionally stopping at rock outcroppings for scenic views of Thunderstruck Ridge.

We will trek through The Nature Conservancy’s Plott Balsam Preserve and eventually reach Blackrock Mountain (5,600 ft. elevation), which SAHC protected in 2013. This beautiful section of mountains can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our conservation work in this area protects high elevation habitat and pristine headwater streams. Following the hike, participants have the option to enjoy a Thunderstruck pint at Highland Brewing Company.

More Outings Coming Soon!

New AmeriCorps member Israel Golden is busy planning a full slate of outings the coming year, including potential hikes and a bike ride later this fall in the scenic Black Mountains.

Check our website at Appalachian.org — “Upcoming Hikes & Events” under “Get Involved” — to learn more and register for outings. And, be sure to join our email list for monthly updates!

Contact Israel@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Connecting People with Land | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 17

Take the Southern Sixer Challenge!

Hikers atop Mt. Mitchell reached several Southern Sixers on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.

Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? Most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within our six conservation focus areas. Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, Black Balsam Knob, and more.

Get a commemorative patch by taking the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge — hike at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks! Read more and join the Challenge at Appalachian.org/SouthernSixer.

Appalachian Trail Countryside

Smoky Mtns

French Broad River Valley

Highlands of Roan

Black Mountains

Balsam Mountains Map: Southern Sixer locations relative to our conservation focus areas.

Shining Rock “While the payoff for hiking Shining Rock is always the bright (and very slick!) white rock at the summit, you can’t forget to pay attention to the journey.

The views from the summits and saddles are so expansive, with rolling mountaintops as far as you can see.”

— Steve Bridges, Southern Sixer hiker 18 |

Photo credit: Tom & Lubov Byrum of MotoPhotoMe.com

Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo

Saturday, October 27 Near Black Mountain, NC Ride alongside female and male pro cyclists as they celebrate the end of their racing season! Enjoy scenic views of the Black and Craggy Mountains, including the Seven Sisters, where we protected 123 acres this year (p. 6).

The Bookwalter Binge is a party on two wheels, with races on timed sections. The ride offers three routes of varying length: Gran – 7,400 ft of climbing in 83 miles Medio – 5,500 ft in 62 miles Piccolo – 2,500 ft in 29 miles Jamie & Brent Bookwalter are passionate about protecting the environment, and we are grateful that the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo raises funds to support our land conservation work. The Binge afterparty at Warren Wilson College will feature a raffle, with proceeds benefiting SAHC. About the Ride: The Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo was founded by Brent and Jamie Bookwalter. Brent is a professional cyclist and member of the BMC Racing Team.

He represented the USA in the Rio Olympics.

Brent and his wife Jamie reside in Asheville, NC, when stateside and Girona, Spain, during much of the race season. Jamie is also an artist, capturing wildlife and natural scenery in oil and acrylic.

“Protecting the environment is one of my guiding principles and a core value that runs deep in my family and my work,” she says.

Find out more, register to ride, or sign up to volunteer at

BookwalterBinge.com.

Volunteers will receive a Binge T-shirt and meal.

View from the Highlands Fall 2018 | Connecting People with Land

“T h e Blackal achia n” Appalachian Trail thru hiker Daniel White grew up in the Shiloh community of Asheville and now lives in Charlotte. Last year, he set off hiking the AT to gain a new perspective on life. Unlike many who make the trek, Daniel started his journey without any backpacking experience. Now he’s become an ambassador for outdoor recreation.

“I hadn’t slept in a tent until three days before I started,” he says. “Growing up in Asheville, the trail was there all the time, but nobody introduced me to it.

Once I got started, it was a learning experience. I was only planning to hike for a couple months, but then I really got into it and didn’t want to stop.”

Daniel hopes to use his own experiences to encourage others to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

“We have to show kids that it’s okay to step outside the box, to be different,” he says. “There is so much outdoors that inspires creativity! We have to look for ways we can ignite and excite them. I didn’t see myself as being a role model, but I have a unique story to tell.”

Daniel chronicled his AT hiking journey via social media, choosing the trail name ‘The Blackalachian.’ He feels it’s important to open discussions about access to trails and outdoor recreation.

“It was a great hike and experience, but sometimes I felt like a novelty,” he shares. “We really need more diversity out here. I only counted one other black hiker when I was on the trail, and I think we should have more conversations about why.”

L to R: Michelle Pugliese (SAHC), Daniel White, Elsea Brown (Blue Ridge Forever), and Carl Silverstein (SAHC)

He recalls a lot of challenges, but also appreciated many rewards.

“The peace, that’s the most important part,” he says. “It’s so peaceful. And you meet a lot of people on the trail that help each other out. Those unwarranted acts of kindness really restore your faith in humanity. The experience opens you up, lets you meet people from all walks of life, make connections, and keep in touch. Completing something like this, you build momentum for yourself.”

Next Adventures SAHC, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Center for Diversity Education at UNC Asheville invited Daniel to visit the Asheville area to connect with youth and community groups this summer, to promote outdoor recreation and share his AT hiking experience. Over the course of three days in July, he met and hiked with a variety of summer camps, organizations,

Daniel led a group hike with SAHC and partners on the Snowball Mountain Trail

and Everybody’s Environment partners.

Almost 100 people attended his public speaking engagement at the Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center.

Daniel’s visits culminated with a group hike along the Snowball Mountain Trail, overlooking public lands and SAHC conservation properties in the Black and Craggy Mountains. The hike was joined by interns and partners from Asheville Greenworks’ YELP program, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Conserving Carolina, and Pathways to Parks.

As part of his visit, Daniel also met with local outdoor gear specialists, preparing for his next big adventure — cycling the 2,000-mile route of the Underground Railroad from Alabama to Canada.

We are extremely grateful to REI for donating the bike which Daniel is using on his Underground Railroad trip this fall, and to Liberty Cycles, Trips for Kids, and Patagonia for donating gear to help support his ride.

For more info about Daniel’s adventures or to follow his Underground Railroad ride, find The Blackalachian on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Connecting People with Land | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 19

Memb ers ’ Cor ner

Emily Merrell New Members Lori Miller Nels Arnold Anne Moebes Ellen Bailey Todd Newnam Carl & Lisa Batchelder Jeff & AK Benninghofen Rick Noble Gray Norton Brandon Benzing Janet Opila-Lehman & Matt Blaylock Randy Lehman Gwendolyn Boesch Jennifer Overbeeke Brant & Shirley Phillips Virginia Bousquet Donor Perspective: Gregg Polubinsky & Kim Bushore-Maki Tom & Dawn Alligood Bruce Mowrey Susan & Fred Chappell Joseph & Nikki Popa Geraldine Connolly As a former real estate professional in Rosalie Prevost Michael & Abby Craft Charlotte, Tom understands that you Beverly Price Edna Crisp have to save land when you can.

Keith Raker Derek & Sarah DiLuzio He remembers his first visit to the Lia Reagan Dominey Drew Roan area, around Thanksgiving of 1978, Kevin Ernst Gay Reilly when he and a friend backpacked Thomas T. Richardson Michael Falknor the Appalachian Trail from the Joe Ritger Patricia Fiore Cloudland Hotel site at Carvers Gap Abe & Hazel Robbins Spencer & Amy Frisby to Hampton, TN. Ken & Aimee Rogers Amy Gatti Chris & Sarah Rominger Israel Golden “It was my second backpacking trip Cathy Walsh & Janet Golden ever,” he recalls. It was a physically Bob Rymer Susan & Lowell Grabel challenging hike, but they created Jill Scobie Sarah Graham memories that would last a lifetime.

Woody & Maleta Griffin Shelley & Duane Sims Tom gained a love for Roan that would Karen Stone stay with him. He married Dawn in 1982 Jay Grimmett & Kate Strickland Amanda Holland on Beech Mountain, overlooking the Norma Grivich Jefferson Twomley Roan and places SAHC had protected.

Freida Hammett & Ed Vitelli “What we love most about SAHC Heather HammettSue Wasserman is how nimble the organization is, Bregger Art & Marcia Waterman purchasing properties that come up Shane Haymore John & Cathie White for development and then helping to Randy & Louise Bud & Gail Wiley incorporate the land into public forests Hembree Ross & Jody Williams to be protected forever,” he says.

David Hollister Peggy & Jim Williamson Clarence C. Hutto, III Mary Wilson Tom has gone on lots of backpacking Matthew Jessee Thomas Winner trips, attended June Jamboree hikes Anne & Nathan Johnson Christina Xiong and has brought hundreds of people Jay Johnston on the Roan over the past four decades.

Suzanne Kandret He and Dawn are also Legacy Society Olivia Katz members, having included SAHC Mikel & Amy Kibel in their will.

Jeff Konz Liane Lacoss Thank you, Tom and Dawn, for Witt Langstaff, III sharing your love of the Roan!

Kathleen Lokey Zack Lowe 20 | View from the Highlands Fall 2018 | Thank you for Your Support!

New Business Members Adidas Outdoor Asheville Goods B+D Management LLC Barings Insurance Bellyak Earth Magick EndlessBikeGirl Mountain Bike Skills Flora Design In Blue Handmade Jack’s Plastic Welding Keen Launch Trampoline Park Loaded Boards LOVE Furniture and Design Mora Contemporary Jewelry National Whitewater Center Odyssey Clayworks Osprey Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn Rep Your Water Serenity + Scott Apothecary Smoky Mountain Adventure Center Tentsile The Casual Pint Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours Zen Tubing

In Remembrance: Bob Harvey Robert Marsh Harvey passed away on Friday, June 8 this year. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mabel Marie Stout Harvey, and many loving family members. After serving as a radio technician in San Diego, CA during World War II, Bob returned to civilian life and a career in radio and television. For many years he was devoted to service and advocacy for SAHC — clearing trails, “bashing” briars on the mountain balds, leading hikes and creating an informational tailgate display at Carvers Gap.

Former Roan Stewardship Director Judy Murray remembers: “Bob was born in Danville, VA, and his wife Mabel was from Newland, NC. When I got to know him, they were living in Florissant, MO, and would come to Mabel’s home place in the summers.

Memorials In Memory of Phyllis M. Braswell General Insurance Services, Inc Gary & Glenda Moore Woody & Maleta Griffin Rosalie Prevost In Memory of Lewis Ellison Dendy Edna Crisp In Memory of Jack R. Halford, MD Keith Raker Brant & Virginia Bousquet

Bob loved Roan Mountain and jumped into volunteering for SAHC in any way that he could. Grassy balds management began in 1988, initiated by the ATC Konnarock Crew, supplemented by SAHC and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club volunteers. When the Konnarock Crew gave up the work in 1993, Bob formed his own crew which he named Bob’s Briar Bashers, hand mowing invading blackberries on Round Bald with weed whackers several times a season for many years.

He also initiated the geo-referencing and mapping program of annual balds management.

He kept meticulous records and donated mowing equipment to SAHC.

In Memory of Robert M. Harvey Lloyd & Barbara Eaton Judy Murray & Tom Gatti Gwendolyn Boesch Fellowship Presbyterian Church Abe & Hazel Robbins

Bob would meet other volunteer crews with cold drinks when they came off the mountain, and he was the first person to recommend the BRIDGE crew as balds management partners.

In Memory of Sterling (Skip) G. Sears, Jr. Helen Gift

When Stan [SAHC founder Stanley Murray] died, Bob offered to come in from Missouri to help in the office in any way he could. He recorded music tapes for the staff and wrote letters of condolence and support to each Board member.

In Memory of Jim Skeen Jordan Shenefield

He dearly loved SAHC and celebrated every Roan acre we preserved, right up to his last day. He is the only person to have received our Stanley A. Murray Volunteer of the Year Award twice. Roan and I miss him mightily.”

In Memory of Max & Jean Thomason Charles & Carole Mauldin

Tributes In honor of Becky Anderson Susan & Fred Chappell In honor of Kent & Jeanette Blazier Dr. Wendell & Rachel Skinner In honor of Brent & Jamie Bookwalter Todd Newman In honor of Meredith Christmas’s mother Anthony & Jayme Yodice

In honor of Jerry Clawges Maegan Clawges In honor of Chris Coxen & Katey McDonald Ben & Patty Woolf In honor of The Davis Family Art & Marcia Waterman In honor of Genny & Andrew Healy Jennifer Overbeeke In honor of Jessie & Ben Lazarus Olivia Katz

In Memory of Mrs. Ann Mooneyhan Mountain View Garden Club

In honor of Jay Leutze Sugar Mountain Community Association In honor of Charlie McCullough Rod & Bess Baird In honor of Mike Miller Jill Scobie In honor of Judy Murray Amy Gatti In honor of Susan Winner Thomas Winner

Thank you for Your Support! | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 21

Why donors like Rollover IRAs 1. Many people over 70 1/2 years old find that they do not need their IRA funds to support themselves, so they might find themselves taking one, lump-sum Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year (usually in the 4th quarter). Instead, they could make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to avoid paying tax on the RMD (since it will increase their adjusted gross income). Then the QCD transferred directly to charity will likely also reduce their taxable income.

2. They also like the fact that a QCD will probably simplify their tax returns.

3. Getting their IRA manager to transfer the funds is relatively easy.

4. Plus giving a QCD might make you happier because a yearly gift from their IRA is likely to be larger than your end-of-year donation by check or credit card. Donors feel good knowing they are doing more to support a cause they believe in.

Charitable IRA Rollover Giving Giving directly from an IRA Did you know?

While the new tax law brought many changes to households across the nation, one thing that remains the same and is now permanent is the Charitable IRA Rollover Act. This allows donors age 70 ½ or older to donate up to $100,000 from their IRA without having to recognize the distribution as income.

We advise that before taking any actions you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, but if you’re receiving taxable income from retirement plan assets there are a number of tax-advantaged ways to make these assets work for you and qualified nonprofits like SAHC. Something to remember is the transfer is not deductible, the amount you are giving does not count as taxable income and this can often reduce your taxable income Here’s an example: If your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is $20,000 and you give a $5,000 Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to SAHC only $15,000 of the IRA distribution will be reported as part of your income.

If this is applicable to you - it’s easy to do. To take advantage of the IRA charitable distribution, the distribution must be sent directly from your IRA manager to SAHC. Contact your IRA manager and ask them to make a transfer directly to SAHC, 372 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28801.

SAHC’s non-profit tax ID# is: 62-1098890.

Questions? Contact Pauline, Director of Philanthropy at 828.253.0095 ext. 216 or pauline@appalachian.org.

“We give to SAHC because of the wonderful work they do in preserving our mountains, our farms, and our habitat. These are the reasons most of us are here. Giving directly from our IRA means that we get to continue our charitable giving without any loss of tax benefit given the new tax laws.”

- David & MaryAnn 22 |

View from the Highlands Fall 2018 | Thank you for Your Support!

Celebrate with Us! We are excited to announce the opening of our new event space at the Community Farm in Alexander, NC! Host your meaningful moments — weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and more — in a unique, protected space while supporting conservation of our beloved Southern Appalachians.

The Community Farm property was donated to us in 2010, and since that time we have initiated a variety of projects here: stream restoration, shortleaf pine reforestation, a Farmer Incubator Program, and construction of an interpretive Discovery Trail.

Our Community Farm serves as an “Ambassador Property” to educate visitors about agricultural and environmental best practices while helping to share our conservation work within the context of the landscape we protect.

The Community Farm event space is a place to host environmental and farming classes, company and family gatherings, and weddings up to 180 guests. Continuing our philosophy of using the land as a working model, our programs at the Community Farm will integrate with the event space. For example, farmers in our Farmer Incubator Program can

provide fresh produce to local catering companies who use the space, and the Black Soldier Fly digester onsite will help efficiently turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost and small livestock feed. We have also created a preferred vendor list of small local businesses to support our local economy.

The Community Farm event space consists of a remodeled two bedroom, two bathroom farmhouse, our Education Center building, a commercial kitchen, and a new 30’x60’ stone patio space for large tented celebrations. For wedding ceremonies, we have carved out a farm field location, which is tucked into the shadows of a 200–year-old oak tree overlooking the Newfound Mountain range. Funding for these renovations has been supported by a private foundation grant to help us better Connect People with the Land.

By offering an event space at the farm, we can expand our outreach to many more individuals — linking celebrations and conservation together while earning additional revenue to support our ongoing land and water conservation work.

Interested in hosting a wedding or event with us?

Schedule a phone call to learn more about this incredible venue.

Appalachian.org/ event-space

Ways to Give There are so many ways to give — Monthly Giving, Gifts of Stock, Gift Memberships, Matching Gifts from your employer, Tributes and Memorials to honor special people in your life, joining our Legacy Society, purchasing notecards or other merchandise from our gift shop, and more! Check out all the creative ways to support our conservation work and help protect the places you cherish at Appalachian.org/Ways-to-Give.

Annual Giving

Our annual end-of-year giving provides critical funds that enable us to continue this great work, and we need your help. Please take a moment to make your commitment today. Any gift in any amount, in any way, will go towards the permanent protection of our region’s most important and beautiful natural areas. We are grateful for all the ways our donors support the critical land and water conservation work in our mountain home!

Thank you for Your Support! | Fall 2018 View from the Highlands | 23

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Asheville, NC Permit No. 460

372 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-1222 (828) 253-0095 Return Service Requested

Printed on Post Consumer Recycled Paper

Leave your Legacy...

Have you considered including SAHC in your estate planning?

Legacy gifts help ensure the permanent protection of beloved conservation lands for the future. If you have included SAHC in your estate plans, please let us know.

We would like to thank you for your generosity and recognize you as a member of our Legacy Society.

For more information about joining our Legacy Society, contact Pauline Heyne at pauline@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 216.

Appalachian.org