Courtesy of the Middlefork Greenway
TRAIL REPORTS
Trail Reports: Summer 2021 Roan Highlands Receives a Rare Gift
The Greater Roan Highlands landscape is a 60,000 acre complex of summits and ridgelines tracing the North Carolina-Tennessee border in the north and stretching southward to the outskirts of Spruce Pine, NC. The Appalachian Trail crosses a series of grassy balds along the northern peaks of the landscape. The area has drawn scientists from around the world since the 1700s when word of its botanical riches reached European explorers. The landscape supports over 1,500 native plant species making it a global hotspot for biodiversity. Earlier this year, Asheville-based Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) signed a letter of intent to accept the donation of approximately 7,500 acres in the Roan Highlands from conservation philanthropist Tim Sweeney (CEO of Epic Games). The donation consists of dozens of separate-but-contiguous land holdings rising to 5,300 feet in elevation and straddling the border of Avery and Mitchell counties in NC. This land supports numerous threatened and endangered plant and animal species and features some of the most extraordinary scenery in the eastern U.S. The property also includes the largest American Chestnut restoration project in the country, extensive boulder fields, rich coves, old growth forests, six waterfalls, and a system of rare heath-balds. Once the transfer is complete, SAHC will own the land and manage it as a nature preserve. SAHC staff will continue ongoing use of the land for scientific study in collaboration with the donor. “This is the largest single gift in SAHC’s
68 — Summer 2021 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE
By CML Staff
history, and the largest gift of land to a land trust that I’m aware of,” said Carl Silverstein, executive director of the land trust. “These parcels include some of the most sought-after conservation acres in the eastern United States, including over 100 miles of pristine creeks and streams. We really are honored to be entrusted with the responsibility to steward this vast mountain complex,” Silverstein added. SAHC Senior Advisor Jay Leutze is excited about the benefits the donated land will provide for surrounding communities. “I can’t wait to take local scout troops and church groups on hikes here and to invite school kids out to learn about how healthy forests clean our drinking water for free and how migratory songbirds fly between the Roan Highlands and Central America each year,” Leutze said. “This property is the back yard for a lot of people who treasure it for the clear air and scenic views it provides. In a world that is constantly changing, our commitment is to keep this place functioning as a healthy ecosystem forever.”
“Round Up” for the Middle Fork Greenway
The Middle Fork Greenway is a Blue Ridge Conservancy project in partnership with Watauga County, the Town of Blowing Rock, the Town of Boone, and many community partners. Following the headwaters of the New River, this greenway for pedestrians and bikers will provide a beautiful preserved corridor while also serving as protection to the river it parallels.
Some sections are already finished, and fundraising and volunteer efforts will continue until all sections of this 6.5-mile greenway are complete. The Middlefork Greenway will connect with the existing Boone Greenway, creating almost 12 miles of contiguous trail. One way that residents of our area can help with the project’s progress is by “rounding up” on their Skyline/Skybest bills. SkyChange is a customer-funded program that helps local charitable organizations throughout the SkyLine/ SkyBest service area. Customers simply round up their bill to the next whole dollar amount each month. It’s easy to enroll in SkyChange at www.skybest.com. And this July, SkyChange will support the Middle Fork Greenway. When thousands of people contribute a small amount by rounding up on their bills, substantial funds can be raised for good causes, including helping the Middle Fork Greenway with the next section of trail construction. Learn more about the Middlefork Greenway at middleforkgreenway.org, and stay up to date in real-time with a visit to the organization’s Facebook page @ middleforkgreenway. Learn more about the work of the Blue Ridge Conservancy at blueridgeconservancy.org.
Share the Trails: A Guide to Trail Etiquette
The DuPont State Recreational Forest, located in Brevard, NC, about a two-hour drive from the High Country, is a beautiful destination with numerous trails, waterfalls and natural resources. After seeing a record-breaking number of visitors
