View from the Highlands, 2017 Summer/Fall

View

from the Highlands

43 Years Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains 2017 Summer/Fall Issue

Grassy Ridge, Photo by Travis Bordley

Conserving Mountains • Farms • Streams • Habitat

This summer, our conservation work was supported by a group of talented individuals from a variety of paid internship programs.

Conservation Trust for NC’s Diversity in Conservation Internship Program Tamia Dame

Office

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

Board of Trustees Jay Leutze, President Lyman “Greg” Gregory, III, Vice-President Rick Manske, Secretary Laura McCue, Treasurer Jeff Needham, At-Large Patty Cunningham-Woolf David Erwin Jim Houser Anne Kilgore Popsie Lynch John Mason Robbie McLucas Matt Moses Cynthia Poortenga Stu Ryman

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

Staff Carl Silverstein Kristy Urquhart Michelle Pugliese Hanni Muerdter

Marquette Crockett Sarah Sheeran Cheryl Fowler Lisa Fancher Angela Shepherd Pauline Heyne Chris Link Anona Miller

Cate Jaffe

Emily Adler

Trey Martin

Michelle Durr

Executive Director Associate Director Land Protection Director Stewardship & Conservation Planning Director Roan Stewardship Director Stewardship Associate Membership Director Finance Compliance Director Communications Director Donor Relations Manager Community Farm & Food Program Associate AmeriCorps Stewardship & Volunteer Member AmeriCorps Stewardship & Volunteer Member AmeriCorps Conservation Education & Volunteer Member AmeriCorps Land Protection & Education Member AmeriCorps Roan Highlands Volunteer & Outreach Member

A rising junior at UNC Asheville, Tamia wrote articles and took photos as our Communication, Education & Outreach Intern.

She also interviewed community members to research and write an article about African-American relationships with land and agriculture. Her personal interests include hiking, cooking, meeting new people, and dog sitting. Originally from Lenoir, NC, she moved to Asheville because of her love of the WNC mountains.

Stanback Interns from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment John “Tal” Jacobs Tal Jacobs is pursuing his Master’s of Environmental Management degree, specializing in conservation planning and landscape analysis. Working as our Land Conservation Priority and Planning Stanback Intern, Tal assisted in development of GIS-based parcel prioritization processes and model reports. He grew up in Concord, NC, and is excited to participate in protecting places that sparked his passion for the natural world.

Sarah Sanford

Sarah is pursuing her Master’s degree in Environmental Management. She assisted in Roan Stewardship by collecting historic grassy balds management data and creating an online story map to portray the years of work performed by SAHC, our partners, and local volunteers. Sarah hails from Virginia and enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time on the river.

City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy Fisayo Bashorun Fisayo is currently a final year student at Buncombe County Early College. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she has been in WNC for twelve years. She assisted us with communications, especially photography and videography at our Community Farm. Fisayo is particularly interested in community involvement and planning for a career in local and state government. Her personal hobbies include long-boarding, biking, and watching movies.

Patagonia Environmental Internship Program Leigh Bost Leigh is Store Manager at the Patagonia store in Atlanta, Georgia. Patagonia offers employees the ability to help protect the environment through its internship program. Leigh worked with us on hikes, event planning, office organization, and land protection/stewardship documents. Originally from Asheville, the mountains are close to her heart. When she isn’t working, she loves to spend time outside with her family.

Letter from the

Director Thank you for an exceptional year!

Highlights: • L and Protection Updates

(p. 4-9)

• Our Community Farm (p. 10-11) • Volunteer Work Days (p. 12-13) • Roan Stewardship (p. 14-16)

From acquiring one of SAHC’s highest priority tracts in the Roan since our founding, to hosting a team of talented young conservationists as interns this summer, 2017 has been remarkable.

• Upcoming Events (p. 18)

Thanks to you, we have protected over 1,100 acres this year — including several tracts with significant clean water and important forest habitat (p. 4-9).

• Partnership in the Business Community (p. 19)

We welcomed new farmers to the Farmer Incubator Program at our Community Farm (p. 10). Will and Savannah Salley of Headwaters Market Garden are growing seasonal mixed vegetables and culinary herbs, available at local tailgate markets.

• Members’ Corner Appalachian Spring New Trustees & Members Legacy Society Tributes & Memorials (p. 20-23 )

Our dedicated teams of volunteers helped manage habitat, remove invasive species and improve water quality on conservation lands (p. 12-16).

We are thrilled to welcome our new AmeriCorps members (p. 17) and our new Trustees, elected during our annual Appalachian Spring event, held in Johnson City this year (p. 20).

We hope you will join us for fall and year-end events (p. 18), and visit our online calendar and blog at Appalachian.org for more updates.

Your support makes it possible for us to continue successfully protecting critical conservation lands, year-after-year.

Thank you!

Carl Silverstein Executive Director

• People and Land (p. 17)

For stories and upcoming event announcements between printed issues of the View from the Highlands, visit our blog regularly at

Appalachian.org,

sign up for our e-View (monthly e-mailed newsletter), or follow us on Facebook.

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. | 3

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S John & Dee Julian on the Appalachian Trail in front of the 324-acre tract.

TN Slopes of Hump Mountain

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R oan F ocus A rea

“Our purchase of this tract ensures that future generations of hikers will be able to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the AT on Hump Mountain,” said Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “This property has been one of our top conservation priorities since the founding of our organization, and we are deeply proud of having worked with the landowners and our partners to acquire it.”

The AT passes across the grassy balds atop Hump Mountain, affording hikers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. This property is prominent in the viewshed, reaching 5,000 ft. elevation just below the AT. “Our purchase removes the risk of development from a very fragile part of the view,” continued Silverstein. “The landscape here is truly dramatic. Here, hikers emerging from more wooded portions of their journey experience sweeping views and a sense of remoteness.

Because the tract is situated so close to

Landowner John Julian hiking the property with SAHC staff. In the background, a rare Gray’s lily blooms.

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We purchased 324 acres in the Highlands of Roan, protecting the northern slopes of Hump Mountain just 500 ft. from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). This property, adjoining Cherokee National Forest and Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, has been a conservation priority for decades for SAHC and our partners at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the US Forest Service.

the Trail, if it had been developed, its loss would have had a deeply negative impact.

Now, that will never happen.”

Backstory Our history with the tract began in 1967 when SAHC’s founders first met with Oscar Julian, who owned Hump Mountain, to express an interest in conserving the land for posterity. Oscar and his wife and two children enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting, and riding horses on the mountain. Over the years, he reportedly turned down substantial offers from developers seeking to turn the Highlands of Roan into a resort area.

“Hump Mountain is known throughout the AT for the outstanding views from its expansive grassy meadows,” said Joe DeLoach, former Trustee and dedicated AT volunteer. “The potential for development on and near Hump Mountain was a catalyst for the formation of what became SAHC in the 1960s.

Thanks to the diligence of many people, and the stewardship and generosity of the late Oscar Julian, much of Hump Mountain including the summit was protected years ago. However, the large remaining privately-owned tract went within a stone’s throw of the crest of the Roan Highlands and the AT, clearly visible along a mile of the Trail. This tract has been one of the top five priority tracts for SAHC since the early 1990s, and with success on other lands it has been arguably

the highest priority tract in recent years.

Now visitors will be able to enjoy the high meadows of Big Ridge, the upper Shell Creek drainage, and the beautiful areas below Bradley Gap knowing that they are preserved.”

The tract contains exceptional habitat for migratory birds.

In the early 1980s, we helped negotiate the US Forest Service purchase of 1,400 acres on the NC side of Hump Mountain, which is crossed by the AT. “I oversaw the design and construction of the AT across the first NC tract purchased from the Julian family and have been waiting since 1983 for ‘the missing piece’ of the TN side to complete the setting of this Appalachian National Scenic Trail crown jewel,” remarked Morgan Sommerville, Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) regional director.

A Legacy for Posterity

“This land has been in our family for years,” said Zack Julian. “It belonged to my grandfather and was passed on to my dad, his sister, and our family. I have so

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S Roan Mtn State Park

Hump Mountain

Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area

Appalachian Trail A hiker along the Appalachian Trail enjoys sweeping views of the northern slopes of Hump Mtn.

many memories, from camping to picnics and hiking up to the AT with my parents.

I will forever cherish and treasure those memories, and they are part of the reason why we are excited to pass this land to SAHC. Its serenity and beauty will remain intact because we are leaving it in good hands.”

New SAHC acquisition Other SAHC-protected lands

generous gift from philanthropists Fred and Alice Stanback, a US Fish & Wildlife Service Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act grant, and a bridge loan from The Conservation Fund. We intend to own the property until the Cherokee National Forest secures funding from Congress to purchase it from us.

The land contains exceptional habitat and water resources “This is an and is almost entirely outstanding example surrounded by Audubon of how federal, state Society Important Bird Areas. and private partners Golden-winged Warbler and can work together Alder Flycatcher have been to achieve common Gray’s lily, on the property. identified near the property, goals,” said JaSal and threatened, native Gray’s lily has been Morris, Forest Supervisor, Cherokee observed onsite. The tract contains the National Forest. headwaters of Shell Creek and unnamed The project has been included in the headwater tributaries of Doll Branch, federal Land and Water Conservation which flow into the Doe River.

Fund (LWCF) requests for FY 2017 and Looking to the Future FY 2018. TN Senator Lamar Alexander has been a supporter of the LWCF and its “The Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers Americans from across the country positive impact on Tennessee for decades. the ability to experience a piece of history “The announcement by SAHC that it while enjoying the outdoors from Georgia has purchased and will protect 324 acres to Maine,” said Wendy K. Janssen, in Carter County just 500 feet from the Superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. “We at the National AT is the latest example of the important role the LWCF can play in protecting Park Service are thrilled that the Hump Tennessee’s outdoors, like it has done Mountain tract will be preserved and for over 50 years,” said U.S. Sen. Lamar protected as part of the AT landscape.”

Alexander (R-Tenn.). “Efforts like these The purchase was made possible by a will help further preserve our state’s

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail US National Forest Other Protected Lands

beautiful land and recreation areas so future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy them as we have.”

Created by Congress in 1965, LWCF was a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources and our cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. The fund expired in 2015 and was reauthorized for 3 years, until September 2018.

“Land trusts must be strategic about the projects we pursue and this one met all of our objectives: the property is a pristine high-elevation tract joining a large conservation corridor of protected lands, and it falls within a few hundred feet of the most storied hiking trail in the world,” said Jay Leutze, Board of Trustees President. “The purchase improves public access and will be open to many uses, such as hiking, camping, and hunting.

It’s a conservation home-run and we’re grateful to the Julian family for being such good stewards of this special place.”

SAHC and landowners at the property closing (L to R): John Julian, Jay Leutze, Michelle Pugliese, Carl Silverstein, Dee Julian, Lynn Green, and Ken Green.

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L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S We purchased 220 acres on Little Hawk Mountain, adding to thousands of protected acres in the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area.

Elevations reach 5,400 feet on the northern-most point of the property.

The tract contains northern hardwood forest and Appalachian oak forest.

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The headwaters of Hawk Creek, designated by the NC Division of Water Quality as Trout Waters, flow through the property and into the Left Fork Cane Creek.

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Little Hawk Mountain

We intend to transfer the property to the State of NC, to become part of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area.

We purchased 220 acres on Little Hawk Mountain in the Highlands of Roan, protecting mature forest, trout waters, and important bird habitat. This acquisition adds to thousands of acres conserved by SAHC in the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area since 2008.

“This acquisition extends the protected corridor along the ridgeline of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area and offers potential for future public access and recreation,” said Executive Director Carl Silverstein.

“We are looking at the long view, protecting the land now for people to enjoy in the future.”

Little Hawk Mountain bridges the area between Little Yellow Mountain to the north and the Cane Creek Mountains to the south. Located in Mitchell County, NC, the tract is

visible from summits of Little Yellow, Speartops, and all along the Cane Creek ridgeline.

The land contains exceptional habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as clean waters that support native trout.

The Audubon Society’s Roan Mountain Important Bird Area covers the majority of the property, and it adjoins the Little Yellow Mountain and Hawk Mountain Natural Area (ranked Exceptional) as designated by the state of NC.

Little Hawk Mtn New SAHC acquisition Other SAHC-protected lands US Forest Service Other Protected Lands

Neighbor Perspective: Camp Spring Creek The Little Hawk Mountain property adjoins Camp Spring Creek, a residential summer camp offering dyslexic children one-on-one reading instruction plus arts, friendship and fun in the outdoors.

“We are delighted to have environmentalists and conservationists as our neighbors and look forward to many opportunities to partner with SAHC,” said Susie van der Vorst, camp director and co-founder.

Founded in 2003, Camp Spring Creek accepts campers with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences, including ADHD. For more info, visit campspringcreek.org.

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Camp Spring Creek offers outdoor adventures as part of its comprehensive education program.

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S

Weaverville Watershed We worked with the Town of Weaverville to place a conservation easement on the Weaverville Watershed. The easement protects important headwaters of Reems Creek as well as forested habitat and scenic views from Reems Creek Valley. The tract contains a total of 4.2 miles of stream corridor, and its conservation helps protect tributary streams of the B lack M ountains F ocus A rea French Broad River Watershed from sources of sedimentation The conservation easement on the Weaverville Watershed protects both clean water sources and other types of pollution. and important wildlife habitat. Cerulean warbler photo by Todd Arcos Photography.

“This property provided drinking water to the Town of Weaverville for 80 years and is important for conservation because of its water resources,” said Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese.

“It contains the headwaters of Eller Cove Branch and 12 of its tributaries, which run into Reems Creek and eventually the French Broad River. One of the best ways to preserve water quality downstream is by protecting a river’s headwaters – and that is exactly what has happened here.

We are grateful to the Town of Weaverville for taking the step to protect this tract and its natural resources forever.”

Branch boasts the NC Division of Water Quality’s highest rankings of Water Supply I and High Quality Water.

The 310-acre conservation easement also protects habitat for diverse wildlife species. Largely forested since the late 1880s, the tract contains mature Chestnut Oak Forest as well as Rich Cove Forest and Montane Oak-Hickory Forest. A third of the property falls within the Audubon Society’s Bull Creek Cerulean Important Bird Area – an approx. 5,000 acre area that supports one of NC’s most significant populations of Cerulean warblers. These neotropical migratory birds, listed as a Federal Species of Concern, require large blocks of mature deciduous forest to flourish.

“The Town Council is very happy to have worked with SAHC in order to preserve this property for present and future generations,” said Selena Coffey, Stewardship Associate Sarah Sheeran Weaverville town manager. “We are Eller Cove visits mature forest on the property. thrilled to be able to keep the land in its natural state for the community, preserving Weaverville French it for its beauty and Watershed Broad for future recreational River use. Our area is Blue Ridge Parkway experiencing a lot of growth, and it is nice to be able to balance that growth with an US National Forest New SAHC Conservation Easement Other SAHC-protected lands

Blue Ridge Pkwy

opportunity like this to take care of the land.”

The town will continue to own the property and hopes to some The tract contains clean headwater day open it to streams that flow into the French the public for Broad River watershed. hiking and birding. Located less than one mile west of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Bull Gap, the tract adjoins Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, a popular route for road bikers and scenic drivers.

This land protection was made possible by a $275,000 NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant and a philanthropic gift by Fred and Alice Stanback. The Town of Weaverville also donated a portion of the conservation easement value.

Salamanders are an indicator of healthy streams. One of the best ways to protect water quality downstream is by protecting headwaters.

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L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S

Laurel Ridge, Phase II

B lack M ountains F ocus A rea This 60-acre Laurel Ridge tract fills an upper elevation gap between two portions of our existing 492-acre Laurel Ridge Preserve.

We purchased 60 acres adjoining the Asheville Watershed and SAHC’s 492-acre Laurel Ridge Preserve. The acquisition protects a headwater tributary of Laurel Branch, which flows into the Swannanoa River. This property is an important addition to the large network of over 125,000 acres of public and private protected land in the Black and Craggy Mountains.

“This tract is a portion of a larger property that was a boys’ summer camp for several years,” explains Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese.

“It bridges two previously unconnected units of SAHC’s 492-acre Laurel Ridge Preserve and joins the Asheville Watershed. By connecting both sides of our Laurel Ridge Preserve, it creates a critical conservation corridor.”

The property contains important clean headwater sources of Laurel Branch.

These properties are part of the large network of protected lands in the Black Mountains, which includes Mt. Mitchell State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the Big Tom Wilson Preserve (protected by SAHC conservation easement).

Elevations on the property reach 4,400 ft., and the entire tract lies within the Audubon Society’s Black and Craggy Mountains Important Bird Area.

We plan to own and manage the property for the long term as part of our Laurel Ridge Preserve to protect forest habitat and clean water sources.

The Laurel Ridge properties are visible from trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Landowner Perspective: Jim Jackson “When we first had the idea to build a community and youth camp in this area, we wanted to keep the upper elevations free from development and permanently protected,” says Jim Jackson, president of CBU Christian Fellowship, Inc., which sold the Laurel Ridge property to SAHC.

Laurel Ridge II

“This land is a bridge between the Bee Tree watershed and Asheville watershed, and it backs up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We realized the importance of protecting the water sources it contained — including the beginning of Laurel Branch, one of the water sources for the Swannanoa River.

New SAHC acquisition Other SAHC-protected lands US National Forest Asheville Watershed (CTNC easement)

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When we learned about SAHC, we realized we could work in partnership to complete our desires of seeing the land protected. We appreciate the high integrity of the organization.”

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S The Glade Creek property contains a Pine-Oak/Heath forest community dominated by table mountain pine

Glade Creek We purchased 200 acres near the headwaters of the Catawba River, located southeast of the Town of Black Mountain. It bridges two SAHC conservation easements and a corner of Pisgah National Forest.

On its west side, the property adjoins 400 acres protected by the SAHC conservation easement at Christmount. On the east lies 329 acres that landowners Mary and Joe Hemphill worked with SAHC to protect with a conservation easement in 2003. The Glade Creek tract was owned by Joe’s sister, Lynn Hemphill Wolter, and her husband Bill.

“This land has been in the Hemphill family for over 65 years,” said Land Protection Director The tract contains headwaters sources Michelle of the Catawba River.

Pugliese.

“Mary and Joe Hemphill, who protected their adjoining property with a

conservation B lack M ountains F ocus A rea easement, had long Director Carl Silverstein. “This desired to see the Glade Creek completes the protection of a large, property protected. We are so pleased contiguous swath of land containing to fulfill the family’s wishes to important clean water sources.” preserve it for posterity.”

The property, visible from Highway The property contains part of the 70 and points within the adjoining Eastern Continental Divide. There section of Pisgah National Forest, are headwater streams on it that contains diverse forest habitats. Old flow into the Broad River which trees with diameters over four feet are eventually empty into the Atlantic not uncommon. The property is also Ocean, and the Catawba River which home to a Pine-Oak/Heath Forest on eventually flow to the Gulf of Mexico. one ridge, as well as a hemlock grove, The Catawba River headwaters are acidic coves, and specimens of mature located only 1,000 feet north of the American chestnuts. property, and the popular Catawba Falls recreation site is nearby. Pristine We intend to own the property for the long term and lead guided hikes on it springs and headwater streams of as part of our outings program.

Glade Creek (classified as Trout Waters by the NC Division of Water Resources) and its tributaries flow through the tract.

“We are very grateful to Fred and Alice Stanback for making a generous philanthropic gift to enable SAHC to purchase this tract,” said Executive

Glade Creek

New SAHC acquisition Other SAHC-protected lands

US National Forest American Chestnut

Old trees with diameters over four feet are not uncommon in portions of the forest.

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O u r C O M M U N I T Y FA R M

New Incubator Farmer:

Headwaters Market Garden

Will and Savannah Salley are new farmers in our Farmer Incubator Program.

“Right out of college I got a job selling fertilizer and consulting with farmers,” says Will. “I had about five years experience with mixed agricultural settings all throughout North and South Carolina. I enjoyed it, but I realized I’d rather be on the producer side. So I aspired to become a grower.”

Will and Savannah moved to Hendersonville in mid 2016 from Maui, Hawaii to pursue their love of agriculture together and be closer to family.

“We knew what we wanted to do but not quite how to get there. We did a lot

of research online to see what support exists in the state,” explains Will. “That’s how we came across WNC FarmLink [SAHC’s Farm Pathways partner].

When we met Chris Link and visited SAHC’s Community Farm, we were excited to learn about the Incubator Program.”

Our Farmer Incubator Program provides Will and Savannah with resources to make farming and agriculture their true lifestyle.

“It’s something we’d talked about for so long and it seemed impossible,” says Savannah. “This has allowed us to really make it a business, a lifestyle – to make it real. I’m excited for that adventure. It’s a new experience and I like that we can jump in full force and just be farmers.”

“There’s infrastructure here, and that’s really important because a lot of work and a lot of money goes into installing this type of infrastructure,” adds Will.

“That definitely sets this program apart.”

Will and Savannah have the vision of a small, community-based operation for Headwaters Market Garden.

“We always hope to keep things small,” says Savannah “‘Taking Better Care of Less’ is a motto that we’ve incorporated into our business and also in our lives.”

“We want to focus on quality over quantity,” adds Will. “I’m looking forward to developing relationships with

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of WNC (CFWNC), we purchased a two-wheel BCS Tractor for the farm. We are grateful to CFWNC for supporting our Community Farm and Farmer Incubator Program with grants through its Food and Farming Focus Area.

For more info, visit www.cfwnc.org.

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We welcome Will and Savannah Salley of Headwaters Market Garden, new vegetable producers on our Community Farm.

Their operation focuses on growing seasonal mixed vegetables and culinary herbs. Will and Savannah recently returned to the Carolinas after living in Maui, Hawaii and are launching their new market garden business through participation in our Farmer Incubator Program.

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Tomato plants growing in the greenhouse.

our customers in the community and sharing with them what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Our goal eventually is to create an integrated farming system where different aspects of that operation aid or support the others.”

The name Headwaters Market Garden is a mix of geography and metaphor.

The stream that flows through the Community Farm is part of the headwaters of Newfound Creek in the French Broad River watershed. Will and Savannah also feel that the headwaters of a new agricultural movement exists here in the mountains — along with the headwaters of their journey together as farmers.

Will and Savannah at market with their fresh produce.

O u r C O M M U N I T Y FA R M Farmer Education Workshop Series: Protecting Your Body

For the second year, we hosted a farm workshop on “Protecting Your Biggest Asset on the Farm: Your Body” led by Jamie Davis from A Way of Life Farm, to teach farmers (and others) best practices for protecting our bodies from injuries related to tedious physical work. Jamie shared the Alexander Technique, which promotes health through Workshop attendees learn stretches to reduce awareness, activity, conscious rest, and establishing chronic pain from farm work. good eating habits. This technique prioritizes improving posture, mobility, and alertness for ease of chronic pain.

“It’s about doing the same things in a different way,” Jamie explained as he led the group into various stretches to aid with common pains associated with farm work. He also showed attendees how to exaggerate movements when performing farm tasks. When lifting a weed sprayer, for example, he recommended taking the time to dip into a half lunge and lift the sprayer onto the knee before shifting it onto the back. By adding such steps to a simple action, the group Jamie demonstrates how adding movements can help prevent injuries while working on the farm. learned that injuries can often be prevented.

Upcoming Workshop: Whole Farm Planning

Base Mapping, Site Analysis, and Schematic Design Date: Thursday, October 19 | Time: 1–5 pm | Cost: $50 This workshop will be an introduction on the planning and layout of land for small-scale farming production. Our focus will be on growers and beginning farmers, although landowners interested in potentially leasing to farmers are welcome. We will “walk through” a site analysis of a property’s conditions using a number of land planning tools and an inventory of conditions such as soils, water, wind, aspect and more. Next, we will create a multi-layered map of the site which serves as a base for decision making. Using this information, we will shape a conceptual design for the possibilities for production on the site, addressing some of the needs and challenges laid out in the analysis phase.

Upcoming Workshop: Extending the Season

High Tunnels 101 with Christina Newhouse of Southwestern RC&D Date: Sunday, November 12 | Time: 10 am to 4 pm | DETAILS TBA For more info or to register for our Farmer Education Workshops, contact Chris Link at chris@appalachian.org or visit 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.

Xplore USA Volunteer Day

In July we welcomed a group of XploreUSA students to our Community Farm for a tour and volunteer workday. The teen volunteers consisted of international exchange students along with some of their American host siblings. XploreUSA is a day camp which offers language classes, activities, and meaningful volunteer projects.

Students from Spain were delighted to learn that the Pineywoods cattle on our farm are of Spanish origin. The volunteer projects included thinning of non-native invasive plant species in our Shortleaf Pine restoration area and seeding Kentucky 31 Fescue grass and perennial flowers.

Thanks to XploreUSA for donating their time to support and engage with our Community Farm!

Girl Scout Farm Tour

Two Girl Scouts recently used our Community Farm to help complete requirements for their Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. They made a lasting impact on their community by passing along valuable lessons about land trust work. The girls hiked the Discovery Trail with SAHC staff and learned about our farm projects and why each of them is important. After preparation, they led a group of younger Girl Scouts along the trail, taking turns using interpretive signs to relay information about our conservation and agricultural work.

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C o n s e r v at i o n I N A C T I O N Decorating “For the Birds”

Thanks to Sarah Sanford, a Duke University Stanback summer Intern, our new office has been outfitted with window decals to help protect winged friends.

Thank you to Asheville Greenworks staff and interns for partnering for a volunteer work day.

Partnering with Asheville Greenworks interns:

Sarah worked with her professors at Duke University on a project to prevent birds from fatally colliding with reflective windows. The Bird Collision Project at Duke uses patterned film to break up reflective surfaces seen by birds while retaining visibility for people inside buildings. Sarah suggested a similar idea for SAHC’s new office, taking the initiative to line our front windows with stickers of bird silhouettes. The use of the stickers will help the birds to avoid those windows.

“Instead of seeing their own reflections in glass, birds see a reflection of surrounding trees and vegetation,” Sarah explains. “This is often why they mistakenly fly into reflective windows, dying on impact due to momentum.

The bird-patterned window stickers will make them think there’s actually a presence of other birds instead of just trees and vegetation. Birds are really good at not hitting each other in the air, so the window decals will help deter the real birds from hitting reflective glass.”

Robinson Rough Work Day

This summer, we partnered with Asheville Greenworks’ Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) for a service day on our Robinson Rough property in Sandy Mush. The youth volunteers created water bars to prevent erosion and protect water quality.

The YELP program, funded by the Community Foundation of WNC, “seeks to educate surrounding communities and fellow youth on environmental conservation concepts.” The program trains interns, aged 16-19, with technical training in water quality testing and riparian zone restoration, including

Youth volunteers helped construct water bars.

invasive species removal, live staking, cleanups, and urban forestry. The program also provides experiential leadership training through service days like the one at Robinson Rough.

For this service day, the interns constructed water bars to prevent erosion along one of the roads on the property.

Water bars curb erosion with a berm and swale by slowing the flow of water down

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an incline and diverting it from a road or trail. Water bars can be seen on many walking paths and hiking trails, anywhere there is elevation change which causes fast water runoff. This activity helped with important maintenance on our preserve and gave the students a chance to learn about erosion prevention, tied into other lessons they had learned about water quality and riparian restoration.

One benefit of Asheville Greenworks partnering with other organizations for YELP service days is to expose interns to a variety of different career types in the field of conservation. We are grateful to Asheville Greenworks and their interns for volunteering with us!

Water bars protect water quality by preventing erosion.

C o n s e r v at i o n I N A C T I O N

OM Sanctuary Work Day

Thank you YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly volunteers!

OM Sanctuary’s 42-acre urban forest overlooking the French Broad River is protected by a conservation easement with SAHC. Located near Buncombe County’s Richmond Hill Park and the state-designated Richmond Hill Forest Natural Area, conservation of the tract also helps protect tributary streams of the French Broad River Watershed from sources of sedimentation and other types of pollution.

The work day started with a hot and muggy morning. The poison ivy was strong, but so were the attitudes of the volunteers!

We had the rare opportunity to work on protected conservation land inside the City of Asheville. Stewardship Associate Sarah Sheeran, AmeriCorps member Anona Miller, and intern Leigh Bost teamed up with a youth group from the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly of Black Mountain to clean up trash on a portion of the Oshun Mountain (OM) Sanctuary property on Richmond Hill.

We began cleaning up small amounts of trash from a historic dump site on one edge of the property. And then someone found a car seat — an old one. Followed by another car seat. Then a mattress frame.

Then a broken birdfeeder. Then steel pipes. Then an old bathroom sink… For two hours, our middle school volunteers plowed ahead with a positive and willing attitude, collecting an assortment of refuse from bygone eras, including an old milk jar basket from Biltmore Dairy.

Remnants of bygone eras.

A neighbor came out to meet us and thank us for cleaning up the area.

Loading trash for removal.

He offered to let us use his fence line to haul out the truckload of trash we had collected, and we appreciated this local show of support.

We are grateful to our volunteers for making a positive impact, to the neighbors for their support, and to OM Sanctuary for working with SAHC to protect this special, forested urban area.

Doubleside Knob Work Day Members from Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church came out to our Doubleside Knob conservation property and helped remove invasive Oriental Bittersweet vines.

Unfortunately, this property is experiencing pressure from invasive species. Invasive species spread so fast that managing them quickly becomes difficult. Volunteers provide crucial manpower to help with these stewardship efforts.

Volunteers removed invasive vines that choke native trees.

Volunteers from Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church helped clear out a pernicious patch of exotic Oriental Bittersweet Volunteers from Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church joined (Celastrus orbiculatus), a vine us for a second year to help with stewardship of protected land. that threatens to take over entire forests. Oriental Bittersweet vines AmeriCorps member Ben Linthicum produce seeds that are carried across led volunteers to cut large vines and forests by small animals such as birds clear approximately two acres of as squirrels, and also travel by wind, detrimental Oriental Bittersweet. We causing them to spread with incredible are very grateful to volunteers from the speed. When mature, these vines wrap Waynesville First United Methodist themselves around trees and as they Church for helping us steward this grow, producing a constricting effect special place to protect the health of which can girdle and kill the trees. the forest and streams!

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C o n s e r v at i o n I N A C T I O N Photo by David Cappaert, Bugwood.org.

die within a year, and much of the canopy will be dead within two.

Coming to a Forest Near You

Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect native to Asia that has killed millions of ash trees in North America. First discovered in Michigan in 2002, this destructive beetle has been identified in 30 states.

“Although ash stands do not make up a significant portion of our region’s forests, Emerald Ash Borer will be devastating where it does take hold,” says Stewardship Associate Sarah Sheeran.

Early symptoms of infestation include thinning of the foliage crown and yellowing of leaves. Up to half of a tree’s branches can

“Tree mortality can occur in 2-3 years and identification of infested ash trees can be difficult,” continues Sheeran. “The beetle larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.”

Adult beetles are dark metallic green, approximately ½ inch long and 1/8 inch wide. They lay eggs on the outside of ash trees, and the cream-colored larvae bore into the bark, feeding on the tree.

Increased woodpecker activity can be a warning sign of infestation, as the birds attempt to reach larvae below the bark.

Emerging adult beetles leave small (1/8 inch) D-shaped exit holes, but these can be hard to spot.

The Emerald Ash Borer spreads naturally when adult beetles fly to a new host.

However, a greater threat is long-distance spread caused by humans transporting wood from infested areas.

2017 Roan Naturalist - Jess Schaner This summer Jess spent time hiking back and forth across the Roan on the Appalachian Trail, educating hikers about the globally unique ecosystem and capturing valuable data to assist with management planning. As the Roan Naturalist, Jess loved sharing her passion for high elevation forests and grassy balds. Since graduating from Warren Wilson College with a degree in Conservation Biology she has worked as a field botanist, habitat restoration technician, and environmental educator. Our Seasonal Roan Naturalist position is co-sponsored by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

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Forestry Intern – Thomas Hatling Thomas Hatling, a forestry major from Sewanee University, inventoried white ash trees on SAHC-owned land in the Highlands of Roan to help plan for response to the Emerald Ash Borer.

“I hiked forested SAHC properties with a GPS, a basal area gauge, a clipboard with maps and tables, and a tree diameter tape,” explained Hatling. “When I found stands of ash trees, I recorded their position on the GPS and measured each tree’s diameter.

This will provide SAHC with the number and location of white ash trees to help protect them.”

Tools used to inventory ash trees on SAHC land.

Educating Visitors about the Roan Here are some of informative tidbits Jess shared with hikers: • • • • • • •

There are more rare plants on this section of the AT than anywhere else along its entire length.

There are eight alpine plant species left in the Southern Appalachians from the last ice age. Only the Roan has all eight of them.

The Roan is home to six federally endangered species (Carolina northern flying squirrel, Spruce-fir moss spider, Blue Ridge goldenrod, Roan Mountain bluet, Rock gnome lichen, Spreading avens).

There are more species of rare plants on the Roan than in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Highlands of Roan are the longest stretch of high quality grassy balds in the world, and grassy balds are one of the world’s rarest ecosystems.

Other popular balds, like Grayson Highlands and Max Patch, are not natural balds. The Roan’s grassy balds are unique in having existed even before the first Native Americans arrived here.

Elk and bison were native here. The extinct Eastern Elk was even larger than the Western Elk.

C o n s e r v a t io n

On the Roan

Field Journal

with Jess Schaner, Roan Naturalist

Over the course of th e summer I greeted ar ound 10,000 visitors and had interpretive conversatio ns with nearly 3,000 of them! At the end of some busy weeke

nds

I would reflect on the day as a blur of non-st op conversations, meeting people whom had trav eled from all over the country to hi ke, backpack and phot ograph the Jess with a troop of visitin g Boy Scouts in the Roan Roan. O . n slower days I enjoyed connecting more deep ly with visitors, listening to old-timers tell me stories of herding catt le up to the balds, helpi ng hikers identify the pla nts they had taken pic tures of on their hike , and telling inquisitive children stories about the Carolina northern flying squirrel or Spruce -fir moss spider. It w as rewarding getting to know the regular hike rs on a first name basis.

One of the ongoing ch allenges to the Roan is protecting its unique ha bitat while visitation co ntinues to Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands skyrocket. As Tom G atti, veteran Roan Natu ralist said to me, “The difference now is that this mountain doesn’t get a break. She used to get a break.” On w eekends during peak rhododendron bloom th ere were so many peop le on the mountain I so metimes felt like I w as working at an amusem ent park. I hope that many of the people I me t took away from our conversation that the Roan is more than jus t stunning views and showy blooms. By incre asing awareness of the uniqu e ecology and history of the Roan Highlands I hope more and more people will behave in a way that preserves th is special place for ge nerations to come.

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C o n s e r v at i o n I N A C T I O N

The Roany Boyz 2001-

once a year in one gap on the AT in high summer they gather to work to eat to talk to lay down ever wearier bodies to camp some poetry some stargazing no campfire out of respect for the land drinks just cool enough from the spring work measured in tanks dream images of blackberry and alder leaves interlacing coming back to the same places still trying to figure out why the balds were bald before them eating a few early blueberries

and seeking the elusive Gray’s lily ~ by Bill Ryan, Roany Boyz Volunteer 2015-2017 “After expecting rainy weather the weekend of the mow off, it was a pleasant surprise to have sunny skies and great views for much of the Grassy Ridge MowOff. I really enjoyed meeting and working with such a wide variety of people, from folks who were there for the very first Grassy Ridge Mow-Off to brand new SAHC members. My favorite part was the views from our campsite on Grassy Ridge. Being part of the Grassy Ridge Mow-Off gave me a better perspective on the large scope of work that SAHC and its volunteers do to maintain the Roan Highlands.” ~ Sarah Sanford, Duke Stanback Intern

Photo by Judi Sawyer AmeriCorps service member Haley Smith

Thank you to our 2017 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off Volunteers!

Roan Balds Management

It takes a village to care for our mountains, and SAHC, our partners, and volunteers certainly made that happen this summer. Thank you all!

In less than four days, more than 25 Instructing, Developing, Growing, volunteers cut blackberry from about Employing) Program is a cooperative seven acres of grassy and shrub bald effort between the NC Forest Service habitat during our annual Grassy Ridge and the NC Division of Prisons based Mow-Off and Roany Boyz stewardship out of Western Youth Institution in events. A big thank you to all the folks Morganton, NC. The primary goal of the program is to provide well-trained and equipped forest fire fighting crews ready at a moment’s notice. A secondary, but important, goal is to develop a strong work ethic and work skills so inmates will be able to secure a job when they are released. For more than 20 years, BRIDGE has been crucial to our habitat Grassy Ridge Mow-Off volunteers relax after a busy day. management work. Every year, we are who came out to mow, to rake, to cook, always privileged to witness the hard and to photograph these events. They work, dedication, and professionalism simply wouldn’t happen without you! exhibited by this crew.

We would like to give a special thanks to the NC BRIDGE crew this year. In addition to hauling equipment to Grassy Ridge and Engine Gap for our volunteer events, they cleared 3.5 acres of grassy bald habitat and maintained 1.76 acres of early successional habitat on our Roan Mountain Gateway preserve. The BRIDGE (Building, Rehabilitating,

BRIDGE crew volunteers

Grassy Ridge Mow-Off campsite

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Stories of P E O P LE A N D L A N D

AmeriCorps 2017-2018

We welcome our team of five AmeriCorps members beginning a new 11-month service year in September.

We have four members from AmeriCorps Project Conserve and one from the CTNC AmeriCorps Program.

Emily Adler, Conservation Education & Volunteer Outreach Associate Emily brings an extensive background in outdoor education, leading outdoor trips in Florida for the University of Central Florida and in the Alaska backcountry.

She also finished a semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School in the Rocky Mountains.

Cate Jaffe, Stewardship & Volunteer Associate Cate joins us from Oregon. She graduated from the University of Oregon in Biology and Environmental Science, where she has recently been researching farmland microbe conditions and seed production.

She’s also worked with the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide and Audubon.

Anona Miller, Stewardship & Volunteer Associate Anona will return for a second year in this position. She is from South Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State in Environmental Biology and Ecology, where she was a

member of the Blue Ridge Conservancy Student Club. She previously was a biological science tech for the Blue Ridge Parkway and a National Science Foundation Research Fellow in MA, helping with an urban sustainable treereplanting program.

Trey Talley, Land Protection & Education Associate Trey has been living and working and living in Chapel Hill, where he obtained his Master of City and Regional Planning degree. Most recently, he’s been a research assistant at the Environmental Finance Center, and also worked at the Urban Partnership Bank.

Trey received his undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago.

Michelle Durr, Roan Highlands Volunteer & Outreach AmeriCorps Michelle grew up in Florida, spending vacations in Western North Carolina. She is a recent graduate of Eckerd College with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Roll n’ Stroll Studies and a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Most recently, Michelle worked as a Unit Leader and Counselor at Camp Arrowhead in Hendersonville, NC and a FoodCorps Service Member at the Kona Pacific School in Hawaii.

Afrolachian Agriculture: Bringing People Closer to Food Tamia Dame, our 2017 intern from the Conservation Trust for NC’s Diversity in Conservation Internship Program, interviewed several people to explore the relationship between African Americans and agriculture.

Below is an excerpt from her narrative, which appears in full on our blog at Appalachian.org:

Wallace Bohanan is passionate about growing his own food. I had the privilege of talking with Wallace about his experiences with agriculture. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he has enjoyed living in WNC for 13 years.

Wallace told me about his childhood and the start of his personal connection to land.

“My father decided to start a Cub Scout Pack, and he got the community involved,” he said.

“We went camping and learned the Boy Scout skills like knot tying, compass reading, building a fire, putting up a tent, and I loved it!”

These experiences influenced his decision to move to the Southern Appalachians.

“When I was older I got to go camping out in the mountains and it was amazing,” Wallace said. “That’s when I told myself ‘One day I’m going to buy some land and move to the mountains,’ so here I am.”

Now, Wallace grows an abundance of vegetables including beans and sweet potatoes, as well as carrots, beets, onions, kale, and more.

His interest focuses on knowing where his food comes from and sharing that food with those around him. Read more at appalachian.org/ afrolachian-agriculture-bringing-peoplecloser-food

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Connecting PEOPLE WITH L AND

“For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership We partner with local craft breweries to raise awareness and support for conservation of our region’s land and clean water resources — and we plan outdoor excursions to celebrate and enjoy them. Join us!

Catawba Brewing Company Breezy Brae Biere de Miel Release Party

Date: Thurs, Sept. 28 | Time: 5:00 pm Where: Catawba Brewing Company at 32 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC Join us for the release of the very first Catawba Brewing Company partnership beer with SAHC – Breezy Brae Biere de Miel. This Biere de Miel will be brewed with local raw honey from our Community Farm. Catawba will donate $1 of each pint poured during the entire month of October to support our conservation efforts.

Celebrate the release party with us at Catawba’s South Slope location.

Upper Catawba Falls Hike with Catawba Brewing Co.

Date: Sat, Sept. 30 | Time: 10:00 am | Where: Near Black Mountain, NC Difficulty: Moderate (7-8) | Cost: FREE for members/$10 non To celebrate our partnership with Catawba Brewing Company and the release of the NEW Breezy Brae Biere de Miel, we will lead a guided hike along the headwater streams to the top of spectacular Catawba Falls. Our hike begins on a tract which has been protected through a conservation easement with SAHC. The trail involves several creek crossings — 18 in total — so prepare for wet feet! This will be a rugged and adventurous 4 mile hike through rich cove forest and into streams.

Most who access Catawba Falls have only viewed the large falls from below; come hike with us to see this rare view of the upper falls! Sign up at Appalachian.org or contact Emily Adler at emily@ appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Clawhammer Mountain Hike with Highland Brewing Co.

Date: Sat, Oct. 14 | Time: 10:00 am | Where: Pisgah Forest near Brevard, NC Difficulty: Very Strenuous (10+) | Cost: FREE for all participants This hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multiuse trails that traverse mountain bike, equestrian, and hiking trails as well as forest service roads. We will follow the trails up a steep climb along a creek, through wildflower patches and rich cove forest. From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,500 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest. Sign up at Appalachian.org or contact Emily Adler at emily@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+)

Thank you to these local breweries for also supporting our conservation efforts this year: JRH Brewing, Yee-Haw Brewing, Oskar Blues, and Blind Squirrel Brewery.

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Connecting PEOPLE WITH L AND Hump Mountain Hike

Date: Sat, Oct. 21 | Time: TBA | Where: Hump Mountain, Highlands of Roan Difficulty: TBA| Cost: FREE for all participants SAVE the DATE! We are planning a guided hike to explore our new acquisition on the northern, TN-side slopes of Hump Mountain in the Highlands of Roan. Enjoy spectacular sights while learning about the history of this mountain and our decades-long efforts to protect it. Check our upcoming events at Appalachian.org, follow us on Facebook, or subscribe to our monthly e-News for updates. Pre-registration is required. Sign up at Appalachian.org or contact Emily Adler at emily@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo

Date: Saturday, October 28 | Where: Black Mountain, NC This is an unusual opportunity to ride alongside female and male pro cyclists as they celebrate the end of their racing season. Three routes of varying length traverse some of the most beautiful roads in the Blue Ridge: 7,400 ft of climbing in 83 miles; 5,500 ft in 62 miles; or 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! Find out more, register to ride or sign up to volunteer at www.BookwalterBinge.com.

Weaverville Watershed Road Bike Ride

Date: TBA | Where: Elk Mountain Scenic Hwy to Blue Ridge Parkway Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese will lead a challenging bike ride from Weaver Park up Elk Mountain Scenic Hwy to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a return loop, stopping at the Weaverville Watershed to talk about its recent land protection. Detail TBA — Check Appalachian.org or Facebook for updates.

JCC at Craggy Gardens AmeriCorps member Travis Bordley and intern Leigh Bost led a group of students from Asheville’s Jewish Community Center ( JCC) in an environmental education outing at Craggy Gardens. The elementary and middle school students participate in summer camp offered by JCC, and the theme of this year’s camp was Teva — a Hebrew word which translates to “nature.”

Camp leaders figured the best way to celebrate nature was to experience it first-hand and learn from land trust staff how to protect and maintain it. Travis explained the difference between public protected lands and private lands used for development of roads, housing, and other manmade structures. The group learned that protected lands are used for outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for diverse plant and animal species.

Travis also discussed the seven principles of ‘Leave No Trace.’ Many of the students were familiar with the principles, and several eagerly answered questions about why it is important to minimize human impact on public lands.

Full of energy and awe, the kids hiked to the top of Craggy Pinnacle and marveled at the panoramic views while Travis pointed out peaks in the distance.

“Every time we schedule a program with SAHC, I am reminded of how important and special it is to foster a love for our earth and a sense of responsibility to our environment,” remarked Danielle Dror, assistant programming director at the JCC. “We are so glad we were able to collaborate with SAHC this year!”

Thank you to the JCC for inviting us to share our conservation message with younger generations!

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Pa r t n e r s h i p s i n t h e B U S I N E S S C O M M U N I T Y Good Eats, Conservation Treats

Our Corporate Partners

Westmoreland & Scully

Mt. Mitchell: $25,000+ Conservation Advisors of NC

Kevin Westmoreland and Joe Scully take pride in being part of this thriving and unique area. Their company, Westmoreland & Scully, is building strong links between their restaurants, the Asheville community, and the world.

Waterrock Knob: $15,000+ Highland Brewing Company New Morning Ltd. Salesforce Roan Mountain: $10,000+ Mast General Store Cold Mountain: $5,000+ Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Causeway Interactive Eastman Chemical Company Heritage Restoration & Construction Big Yellow: $2,500+ Anchor QEA Appalachian Realty Associates Brunk Auctions Jubilee! Community Kee Mapping & Surveying Mamacita’s Taqueria Parsec Financial Management USA Raft Max Patch: $1,000+ Addison Farms Vineyards Aloft Hotel Blue Heron Whitewater Duke Energy Foundation Eastman Credit Union Equinox Environmental French Broad River Garden Club Foundation IMC Investments, LLC McLucas Ventures NC Appraisal Company Network Computer Solutions New Belgium Brewing Co. Oakley Roberts & Stevens, Attorneys at Law Samsel Architects Second Gear Starks Financial Group Steelcase Foundation Westmoreland & Scully

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“Long before our restaurants were part of the Asheville restaurant community, both Joe and I had hiked the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina with our families,” says Kevin. “We had been part of programs that taught the importance of wilderness and wild places to our children.”

“As an Asheville native, I have seen the effect of growth on the region,” he continues.

“Our businesses are beneficiaries of this but we also understand the benefits of protecting as much of the remaining lands as we can. Once we opened the Corner Kitchen we dedicated ourselves to working with local family farmers to provide our guests with truly local food as well as helping the farmers to sustain and protect their lands. We have continued those relationships with Chestnut and our catering company, Corner Kitchen Catering. When our guests from out of town visit us, they want to experience the ‘local’ in all things, and our small family farm partners help us to deliver that to them. SAHC does much to preserve the places that make our town and region a place that so many people want to visit. They understand how interconnected the businesses, farms and wilderness are. We are proud to be a partner with them in their efforts to protect these places for future generations.”

“As Asheville grows and land is developed due to the attractiveness of living in the area, it is all the more important to support SAHC,” adds Joe. “SAHC preserves the land; we preserve the food culture.”

Thank you, Westmoreland & Scully, for becoming SAHC Corporate Partners!

Thank You Land Trust Day Sponsors:

We are grateful to our partners for raising $12,500 for conservation on Land Trust Day!

Welcome, New Business Members: Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Benjamin Walls Gallery Dos Gatos Coffee Bar Hampton Trails Bicycle Shop

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Hands On Regional Museum JRH Brewing Klean Kanteen Lazoom City Comedy Tour Norris Bicycles, LLC

Ole Shakey’s Oskar Blues Brewery The Bike Shop The Grey Eagle Yeehaw Brewing LLC

Members’ CORNER

A Stomping Good Time at

Appalachian Spring

Welcome, New Trustees!

We enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating with our members, friends, and guests at Yee-Haw Brewing Company in Johnson City, TN, at our annual Appalachian Spring conservation celebration, benefit, and member event.

David Erwin David and his wife MaryAnn Kiefer moved to Asheville in 2000. David is retired from a career in the Air Force, government and aerospace industry designing satellite systems. David is passionate about hiking, farmland preservation, and woodworking. He is also involved with WCQS, Asheville Human Society, NC Stage and Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.

John Mason John and his wife Dee live in Asheville. John is a partner at Roberts & Stevens and has been with the firm for nearly 38 years, focusing on trusts and estates, anti-trust, and litigation. He is active in the North Carolina Bar Association and in the Asheville civic community. He previously served on the Board of Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. John is an avid hiker and knowledgeable about local plants.

Cynthia Poortenga Cynthia lives in Kingsport and is a primary care doctor. She moved here 31 years ago after growing up in the Chicago area. Early in her career she met Judy Murray and learned more about this beautiful area and was introduced to the SAHC community. She fell in love with the Appalachian Mountains and through new acquaintances and friends at SAHC found an even greater love for and involvement in conservation efforts.

Thank You Event Sponsors!

Wilson Worley Moore Gamble & Stout PC

Aloft Hotel Asheville ALPS Mountaineering Bays Mountain Park/ Planetarium Bellagio Art to Wear Benjamin Walls Gallery Bettye Boone Biltmore House Black Dome Mountain Sports Blind Squirrel Brewery Boone Street Farmers Market

Cabela’s Carol Coffey Carolyn Novak Common Ground/Screen Door Coralie Tweed Morgan Dancing Bear Toys David A. Ramsey Photography Diamond Brand Outdoors Dollywood Eagle Optics Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO)

Evergreen of Kingsport Norris Bicycles, LLC French Broad Chocolate Lounge O.P Taylor’s Hampton Trails Bicycle Shop Orvis Outfitters Hands on! Regional Museum Rob O’Sheeran John Beaudet Sandy Mush Herb Nursery Klean Kanteen Shoji Spa & Lodge LaZoom Comedy Tours The Bike Shop Mahoney’s Outfitters Troy & Sons Distillery Mountain Khakis Ventures Birding Nature Tours Navitat Canopy Adventures Witt Langstaff Photography New Morning Gallery

Stanley A. Murray Award for Volunteer Service The 2017 Stanley A. Murray Award for Volunteer Service recipient is Kirk Watson of Causeway Interactive. Kirk is the founder and principal of Causeway Interactive, an Asheville-based company which helps nonprofit organizations leverage web-based technology.

CausewayInteractive.com Since 2014, Kirk has volunteered his time and expertise to help us streamline data processing for our land protection, land management and donors. Kirk has helped us solve technology challenges that seemed insurmountable before we met him.

Kirk has donated thousands of dollars in time and services to SAHC. His generosity has enabled us to increase our efficiency and productivity. We now have one streamlined database for our land protection, stewardship, and donor data. His volunteer efforts are enabling our staff to better focus on protecting and stewarding land and connecting people with that land.

Thank you Kirk, and congratulations!

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Members’ CORNER

Tributes

Photo by Dr. H. Ohashi Tohoku University. Sendai, Japan

In honor of John Cram & Matt Chambers Robert & Audrey Bayer Ann Brown & Melissa Hicks Jerry & Susan Burkart Carol Carr Richard & Susan Gray Dr. Jerry & Terri Logan Raymond & Sue McClinton Hezzy & Sharon Miller Sara G. Peacock Neal Reed Phil & Pat Smith Kristy Urquhart & Drew Stevenson Cathy & Tony Walgate Joan W. Worth Robert & Carol Deutsch Susan Holden

Emily has identified SAHC and Salem College in Winston-Salem as beneficiaries of her estate. She believes that education and conservation go hand-in-hand.

“My heartiest congratulations to SAHC for aiding both causes,” she adds. “May you continue to grow and thrive!”

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

Welcome, New Members!

In honor of Rick Currie Wilson, Worley, PC

Judy Albertson & David Bird Mr. & Mrs. Richard Allen David & Maggie Atkinson Sara Basse Jennifer Benaman Jeffrey Benedict Janet Bensley Michelle Blevins Leigh Bost & Jay Hallinan Rebekah Champion Kyle Collins Robert & Erin Cork Elizabeth Crute Anthony Desmond Chuck Edwards James & Kathy Eison Rich Elkovich Bob & Gretchen Evans Charles Fink Chris & Bonnie Gilbert Juan Gondo Laura Goodwin John Groover

In honor of Dyland Hammond & Ellen Duda Stephen Kobasa In honor of Jay Leutze Sugar Mountain Community Association In honor of Taylor Pickard Wilson, Worley, PC In honor of Kathy Singleton Wilson, Worley, PC

Cutler Falls, photo by Travis Bordley

John Haffner & Christine Martens Tara Hammond Walter Hannah Anthony & Danise Hauser Lois Henrickson Denise Herdman Beth Jones Jane Laping Bonnie & Scott MacDonald Joseph Manley Francis Martin Judith McAfee Michael Millius Patricia Murray Todd Newnam Dennis & Carol Oakley Taimi Anne Olsen John Orr Rachel Paar Drs. Joanne and Tom Parker David Phelps Glen Phillips Donald Pugh

New members, Tributes, and Memorials as of August 15. m m e r

Emily Wood

A member of SAHC since the 1980s, Emily is passionate about conservation. She joined our Legacy Society by identifying SAHC as a beneficiary of her estate.

Emily’s passion for the Southern Appalachians began when she was a graduate student at UNC – Chapel Hill. She spent two summers assessing potential natural areas in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, working out of Highlands Biological Station and surveying areas with rare species. She crisscrossed the mountains from the French Broad River to Roan Mountain to the Nantahala.

“That was when my love of the Southern Appalachians was born, and it has never left me,” she says. “So, when I was thinking about my will, SAHC was a natural fit. We owe it to all future generations to preserve and protect what we have been given.”

A tribute gift is a special way to honor someone!

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Legacy Society:

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Gary Ramsey Deborah Range Helen Robinson Chris Rominger Tommy & Kim Saunders Tony Seaton Justin & Sara Shaff Forrest Shaw Conrad Shultz David Siripoonsup Leesa Sluder Tobie Steele Barbara Steinson & John Schlotterbeck Mark Stewart Jeremy Sweat Gary & Catherine Tucker Jennifer & Victor Verde John Verduin, III Conway Weary DahVid Weiss Diane Smock & Brad Wyche Betsy Yanasak

Members’ CORNER

In Memoriam: Jim Skeen

James “Jim” Norman Skeen passed away on May 30 this year and will be deeply missed. He served on the SAHC Board of Trustees and was a staunch supporter of our work.

“He was passionate about a great variety of causes and organizations,” remembers Marianne Skeen, his wife of 51 years.

Jim’s many passions included environmental organizations, science education, and the Appalachian Trail. His liberal arts education at Maryville College in TN provided him with the foundation for his interests in the many cultural traditions of the world and led to his numerous travels of discovery during retirement.

Jim met Marianne at Maryville College, and they began their life adventure together.

His post graduate education at the University of Georgia, where he earned a PhD in Ecology, was the foundation for his professional career. Jim spent many years at Fernbank Science Center and served as Associate Director of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History His wit, wisdom, and ability to tell stories will linger in the memory of many friends.

Gifts Memorializing Jim Skeen Harold & Dolores Arnovitz Valerie & Jerry Boss William Buchanan Karen Budacz Brenda Bynum Jim & Mary Jane Chambers Ann Christensen Herb Daniel Sara Davis & Dwayne Stutzman Sarah DeLaat Deborah Dement Mike & Betsy Eddy Arthur Foley Molly Freeman Donna Hansen & Ralph Kemp

Richard Judy Alice & Ed Kemp Margaret Kemp Ted & Barbara Kemp Robert King Karen Lutz Maureen Manion-Leone Ichiro Matsumura Diane McEwan Lee Pasackow Joe & Barbara Patterson Dan Pittillo Elizabeth Resch Denny Rhodes Becky & Cal Rhoney Shelley Rose Beth & Larry Rothermel

Gray’s lily in the Highlands of Roan, photo by Don Pugh

Sherry Rotondo Larry Routt Jerry Seabolt Jordan Shenefield Nancy Shofner Marianne Skeen Eugenia Smith & Charles Caldwell Dennis & Janet Stansell Sandra Still Jane Trentin Dawn Van Denend Rosalind Van Landingham Carolyn Vanaman Frank & Jeanne Wright

Memorials

We share in honoring the memory of those friends who have passed.

In Memory of Bruce Cunningham Kent & Jeanette Blazier Judy Murray & Tom Gatti In Memory of Zellie Earnest Kent & Jeanette Blazier Judy Murray & Tom Gatti In Memory of Roan Evans Laura Henry-Stone In Memory of Hank Gamble Juan Ascolii In Memory of Dr. Richard Gift Lois Cohen Helen Gift In Memory of Dr. Charlie McCullough Rod & Bess Baird In Memory of Edith McNeil Susan & Robert King In Memory of Neil Ottenfeld Neil Ottenfeld In Memory of Chuck Rankin Robert Barber Thomas & Priscilla Karvonen Lauren Mahoney In Memory of Ed Schell Barbara Schell In Memory of Preston Sellers Nancy Crosby Paul & Chris Dismukes Kay & Thomas Finger Bob & Ann Gray Willis Groce Ann & Jim Hunter Jeffrey & Anne Imes Chase & Clary Pickering Paul & Mary Anne Warlick Jean Webb Warrene Williams Stephen & Mary Bruce Woody

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

Because Our Mountains Matter

Upcoming Hikes & Events!

Catawba Brewing Breezy Brae Biere de Miel Release Party: Thursday, Sept. 28

Catawba Falls Hike: Saturday, Sept. 30

Clawhammer Mountain Hike: Saturday, Oct. 14

Farmer Education Workshop, Whole Farm Planning: Thursday, Oct. 19

Hump Mountain Hike Saturday, Oct. 21

When the special places in our world are protected, we all benefit.

Your gift will help safeguard our vital natural assets, provide places for recreation, advance access to farmland, and foster healthy communities. Please consider making a gift today!

Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo: Saturday, Oct. 28

Follow us online for more events and updates!

Appalachian.org