July 15, 2017 – Educational Hike with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative

July 15, 2017 – Big Creek Wildlife Foundation’s first educational outing with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative

Difficulty: Moderate Hike

Click here to see photos from the day’s adventures:

Informational hike hosted by Big Creek Wildlife Foundation and Margot Wallston, with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative, on Saturday July 15th, 2017 participants had the special opportunity to visit the Big Creek Wildlife Foundation’s property located off Hwy. 9 on the Rocky Broad River in Buncombe County. The Hemlock Restoration Initiative had a fun and informative hike and picnic that showcased our region’s unique and beautiful hemlock resources. We were so glad you could join us!

Hiking participants met at 10:00 am for a stunningly scenic stroll along the river and its four beautiful waterfalls (swimming optional). They had the opportunity to learn about the eastern hemlocks (Tsuga Canadensis) growing there. Discussion focused on the important role these majestic trees play the ecosystem, what type of conservation efforts are happening in our region and how hikers can get involved.

For more information on the woolly adelgid and treating the magnificent Eastern and Carolina hemlocks of North Carolina please visit the links below:

One thought on “July 15, 2017 – Educational Hike with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative”

  1. Hello Hemlock Hikers,
    We, here at the HRI, just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for joining us on our hemlock hike this past Saturday.
    A special thank you goes out to the Big Creek Wildlife Foundation and the Sandefurs for hosting and for the awesome cookout that followed. (And another shout-out to the Agers and any others who helped prep and cook the food, ensuring it was ready shortly after all the hungry mouths returned from the falls.) What a treat!
    This special spot on the Broad River is an excellent illustration of the importance of timely action for preserving our hemlocks. The grave impacts of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) were certainly evident along our walk to the falls, and yet the Sandefurs are invested in trying to save what they can. So many hemlocks line the river, up and down stream of the Big Creek Wildlife Foundation property–luckily they are not all in such rough condition–the few that persist will be the seed source for the next generation. And thanks to the continued support of Buncombe County, that next generation of hemlocks will have thousands of little beetle friends to help keep the HWA at bay!
    If you are interested in learning more about the “Bringing Beetles to Buncombe” program, I am currently updating the HRI website and will soon post more details about the program.
    In the meantime, here is a link to photos from the day:
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZNEbfkufgvnLOLZn1
    Please note that you will need a Google account in order to open and view them. If you are unable to view these photos for any reason please let me know and I will be happy to send them along in a format that works better for you.
    It was a pleasure to spend the day with you all in that lovely spot. Let us know if you’d like us to do it again–we’ll be planning more hikes and volunteer workdays for the fall/winter/spring and welcome your ideas and suggestions.
    Warmly,
    Sara deFosset
    828.252.4783

    For additional information on preserving Hemlocks contact Margot Wallston at coordinator@savehemlocksnc.org or visit the Hemlock Restoration Initiative at http://savehemlocksnc.org/

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