View from the Highlands: Spring 2012

View

from the Highlands

38 Years Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains Volume 42, No. 1 – 2012

50,000 Acres For You, Forever.

The View Inside: • Land Protection Updates, p. 4 • Conservation in Action, p. 13 • Avian Aeronauts, p. 14 • Legacy of Land & People, p. 16 • Outreach & Events, p. 18 • Business Partnerships, p. 20 • Members’ Corner, p. 21 • Annual Membership Event & June Jamboree, p. 22

Celebrating in the Highlands of Roan As we delve into the first few months of the new year, we are still celebrating the landmark projects we squeezed into the final weeks of 2011, putting SAHC’s total protected acreage over 50,000! We look forward to celebrating this spectacular milestone with our 2012 Annual Membership Event and June Jamboree. Inside, you will find out more about these stunning achievements, and read some of the personal & compelling stories behind our success.

Little Hump Hike 2011.

See page 18 for information on the Little Hump Hike 2012

Appalachian.org Main Office

34 Wall Street, Suite 502, Asheville, NC 28801-2710 828.253.0095 • FAX 828.253.1248 sahc@appalachian.org

Stewardship Field Office

804 Rock City Road, Kingsport, TN 37664 423.323.4993 • roanwoman@aol.com

Board of Trustees Jeanette Blazier, President Milton “Buddy” Tignor, Jr., Vice President Jay Leutze, Secretary Bill Maxwell, Treasurer Bruce Cunningham, At Large

Kingsport, TN Waynesville, NC Minneapolis, NC Charlotte, NC Kingsport, TN

Courtney Blossman Leslie Casse Richard Coker Nancy Edgerton Jack Hamilton Lindsay Hearn Florence Krupnick Bill Lowndes Ken Maness David Ramsey Kathy Singleton

Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Maggie Valley, NC Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Kingsport, TN Erwin, TN Kingsport, TN

Staff Carl Silverstein Kristy Urquhart Michelle Pugliese William Hamilton Hanni Muerdter

Judy Murray Cheryl Fowler Lisa Fancher Angela Shepherd Chris Coxen Allison Kiehl

Margot Wallston Jamie Ervin Rich Preyer Emily Bidgood Valerie True

Executive Director Associate Director Land Protection Director Farmland Program Director Stewardship & Conservation Planning Director Roan Stewardship Director Membership Director Finance Compliance Specialist Office Administrator Roan Seasonal Ecologist Farmland Stewardship & Sustainability Director AmeriCorps Stewardship Associate AmeriCorps Stewardship Associate AmeriCorps PR & Outreach Associate AmeriCorps Land Protection Associate Coordinator, Blue Ridge Forever

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Success! Merck Awards Challenge Grant We successfully met the challenge to raise $125,00 for our Annual Giving Campaign by the end of 2011. The Merck Family Fund (MFF) grant supports SAHC’s land protection work to promote healthy sustainable communities, enhance resiliency of ecological systems for climate change, and seize fleeting land protection opportunities created by the real estate slowdown. In particular, MFF is supporting SAHC’s efforts to protect a continuous green belt from the Smokies to Roan, to help offset disruption caused by climate change. Connecting intact forest blocks will mitigate the degree to which changing temperatures and affect people, vegetation and wildlife. Thank you for helping us meet this goal!

Highlights: • Spear Tops (see page 5)

Letter from the

• Little Pisgah (see page 6)

Director At the end of 2011, the SAHC office was a hot spot of intense land protection progress! In this issue, you will read about the eight amazing projects we completed before the end of the year, as well as the exciting hikes and special events we have planned in 2012 to enjoy these spectacular properties.

From pages 4 to 10, you’ll find an overview of the conservation projects we hustled to complete in the final months of 2011.

These projects brought SAHC over the cusp of a very significant milestone. To date, SAHC has protected over 50,000 acres!

This year, we will celebrate this milestone achievement with a very special Annual Membership Event & June Jamboree (see page 22 for details).

But, what does this “50,000-Acre” milestone really mean to you?

In this and upcoming editions of the View from the Highlands, we explore the vivacity of this protected landscape — giving you the scoop on the fascinating biodiversity around us (such as Avian Aeronauts, pg. 14) as well as information on outings and volunteer opportunities that let you experience our work firsthand (pg. 13, 18). And, we will continue to share treasured stories that connect the stories of people to their beloved land (pg. 16).

Thank you for all you do to continue our vital work!

Carl Silverstein Executive Director If you have a photo or story to share, please contact us at 828.253.0095 or sahc@appalachian.org.

The mission

• Elk Fork (see page 7) • Snowball Mountain (see page 8) • Jim’s Branch (see page 9) • Sandy Mush Game Lands (see page 10) • The Plateau (see page 11) • Robinson Rough (see page 12) • Conservation in Action (see page 13) • Conservation Field Journal (see page 14-15) • Legacy - Land & People (see page 16-17) • Upcoming Hikes & Events (see page 18 & 19) • Business Partners (see page 20) • Members’ Corner (see page 21-23 ) • Annual Membership Event & June Jamboree (see page 22 ) See page 19 for a calendar of upcoming hikes & events .

of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland and scenic beauty of 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, owning and managing land and encouraging healthy local communities.

View from the Highlands | 3

Land Protection Updates!

Q uarterly ReView

Appalachian Trail Countryside

Land Protection reports since your last newsletter!

Highlands of Roan •Spear Tops,

225 Acres

Black Mountains •

•

•

•

Elk Fork, 192 Acres Little Pisgah, 474 Acres Snowball Mountain, 90 Acres Jim’s Branch, 114 Acres

French Broad River Valley • Sandy Mush Game Lands,

88 Acres • Robinson Rough,

248 Acres • The Plateau,

112 Acres SAHC closed out 2011 with a bang, adding 1,543 total acres to the protected landscape in the final months of the year.

The final land projects of the year brought our cumulative conserved acreage to 51,585!

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French Broad River Smoky Mountains

Valley

Highlands of Roan

Black Mountains

Balsam Mountains

SAHC Focus Areas Map

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy protects land in six distinct focus areas, spanning the region from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Highlands of Roan.

Those six areas are: The Highlands of Roan, Appalachian Trail Countryside, Black Mountains, French Broad River Valley, Balsam Mountains, and Smoky Mountains.

What does 50,000 acres mean to you?

This year, SAHC celebrates a HUGE milestone in our land protection work: We’ve protected over 50,000 acres! Why have we worked so hard over the decades to conserve this acreage?

• For clean water • For wildlife habitat • For recreation • For local food production • For beautiful scenic views

50,000 acres – For You, Forever.

We’re celebrating this monumental milestone with our Annual Membership Event, May 17, & June Jamboree, June 23. Join Us! (for more info, see page 22) We’d love to hear what 50,000 protected acres means to you — How do you enjoy the places we’ve protected? Do you have photos or stories to share? E-mail us at sahc@appalachian.org.

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s

Spear Tops Mountain

225 Acres in the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area

Spear Tops

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

“Spear Tops has it all!” as SAHC Trustee Jay Leutze puts it. Local residents recognize the highly visible notch in greater Roan landscape from afar. With your feet on the ground, you will also see endangered and threatened species such as Rock Gnome Lichen and Trailing Wolfsbane.

The spray cliffs of a stunning 300 ft. waterfall confirm it – This is one of SAHC’s most spectacular pieces of land.

Rising to 4,900 ft. at the summit, Spear Tops

worse in 2008 and the property went into

offers remarkable views of the Highlands

foreclosure. Obtaining Spear Tops was

of Roan and is a crucial addition to North

a complicated process, and there were

Carolina’s conservation landscape – One

other interests who eagerly pursued the

that was almost lost.

property as well. SAHC acted swiftly in a

Just a few years ago, Spear Tops was on the cusp of being developed. Roads had

small window of time and was fortunately able to acquire Spear Tops, outbidding

according to SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein.

The peak of Spear Tops is clearly visible from Big Yellow Mountain and many other vantage points. The property offers an incredible range of biodiversity and is visible to the public from the Appalachian Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Highway 19 E. Aside from its scenic value, Spear Tops will play an important role in protecting water quality in the prospering trout streams that flow into the North Toe River. The fish will not be the only animals protected, as Spear Tops has also been marked by the Audubon

competitors for the title.

Society as an ‘Important Bird Area.’

pristine land into a gated community

“Although acquiring Spear Tops

“SAHC is literally changing the map in

were coming to fruition. Leutze

was a challenging process, the

the Southern Appalachian mountains,

points out that it was so close to being

end result is a remarkable conservation

and Spear Tops is another piece of the

developed, “that we thought we’d lost it.”

success story and we are thankful

puzzle that’s finally been put into place,”

Then, the economy took a turn for the

that the property is now protected,” concludes Leutze.

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been built and plans to transform the

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s Landmark Project – 474 Acres in Buncombe County Black Mountain Focus Area

Little Pisgah

In December 2011, SAHC protected 474 prominent acres on Little Pisgah Mountain, an iconic backdrop for the rural Fairview farming community. These new conservation easements combine with neighboring easements and other preserves to bring the total amount of land protected on Little Pisgah Mountain to more than 1,400 acres.

Little Pisgah Mountain sits at the gateway to Chimney Rock, Hickory Nut Gorge, and the Continental Divide.

Families who have tended land here for generations recognize the landmark.

And, because the area is so close to Asheville, the development threat here is high. SAHC worked diligently to preserve the mountain summit, visible from both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Chimney Rock State Park.

“The Little Pisgah project is a major step in preservation of mountaintops in an important focus area of the Buncombe County land conservation plan,” according to Albert Sneed, chairman of the Buncombe County Conservation Advisory Board.

With 20% of the land open pasture grazed by cattle, the project particularly appealed to SAHC’s mission to preserve

farmland and agricultural heritage.

The property also contains headwater sources that serve water needs in the Fairview farming community below. Buncombe County contributed $337,000 toward the project, matched by more than $1.2 million in donations by the landowners and a private philanthropist.

The property includes 100 acres of high elevation pasture, rock outcrops and cliffs, and 374 acres of forested land, rising to an elevation of 4,400 feet on the top of Little Pisgah Mountain.

Tailoring the conservation easements in this complex project involved six separate parcels, and was made possible by the dedication of the MacKay family to protect the unbroken scenic views, wildlife corridors, and water sources afforded by the property.

Two generations of the extended MacKay family came together with SAHC to protect this large tract that has been in their family for over 60 years.

“For each of us and our children and grandchildren, the Little Pisgah tract has meant camping, hiking and experiencing the unique joy of unspoiled wildness. We are thankful that the dedicated people of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy have made it possible for us to preserve this unique place for future generations,” said family members Elizabeth MacKay Fisher and her husband Bob, who live in Buncombe County, and Buddy MacKay and his wife Anne, who have a summer home on the Little Pisgah tract.

“It was a pleasure to assist the MacKay family over 18 months as they worked through the many issues that are part of a project as significant as this. This project is the culmination of work by an experienced team of conservation professionals at SAHC and willing landowners,” said Michael Green, who led the efforts on behalf of SAHC. Green won SAHC’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year award for his extensive work in the Fairview Farming Community.

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Little Pisgah Mountain, Fairview, NC

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s 192 Acres of Viewshed Protected

Elk Fork

Black Mountain Focus Area

Rising to an elevation of 5,163 feet at the summit of High Knob, the Elk Fork Tract holds spectacular northerly views over public tracts such as Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Mount Mitchell State Park.

What makes the Elk Fork property in Yancey County significant for conservation? This sizable conservation easement provides exceptional habitat and sits close to several other prominent easements, including the Big Tom Wilson Preserve, and will help sustain unbroken views of conspicuous peaks in the Black Mountains.

“The Elk Fork property epitomizes what land trusts do on a daily basis – protect and connect pieces of land that hold aesthetic, practical, and intrinsic value,” says SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “We strive to protect properties that are highly visible to the public eye.”

Elk Fork is definitely that. It is prominent from Mt. Mitchell and along the Cane River.

Elk Fork is made up of primarily Oak and Cove hardwoods that range from 20-60 years old, with potentially older trees at higher elevations. NC wildlife biologists have found

Elk Fork property, rising to 5,163 feet at High Knob.

Allegheny Woodrats (State Special Concern Species) and Least Weasels (State Significantly Rare Species) in the rock habitats on the property.

“Our family has long shared a dream of protecting natural areas for the future.

This easement ensures that our property will continue to support a small part of the incomparable biological diversity of the Appalachian Mountains,” said Russ Oates, landowner of the Elk Fork tract.

“Conservation of this property also helps protect tributary streams of the French Broad Watershed from sources of sedimentation and other types of pollution,” says SAHC Stewardship Director, Hanni Muerdter.

Headwaters on the property feed Elk Fork Creek, which flow into the Cane River of the French Broad River Watershed.

“It is reassuring to know that remarkable pieces of land can still be protected today thanks to the ecological awareness and generosity of others,” says SAHC Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese.

Trillium on Elk Fork property.

Downstream

A Petal’s Journey On the Elk Fork tract, a trillium grows on north side of High Knob.

Suddenly, a gusting breeze swoops across the ridge, plucking a petal from the flower and tossing it into the air. Down the mountain, the petal lands in a softly trickling stream and is soon swept into nearby Elk Fork Creek. As the pace of the current picks up, the petal is carried into the Cane River, then the North Toe River, bound for the northward-flowing French Broad. Eventually, the surrounding water widens into the dark and sluggish Mississippi River, finally spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico. This journey echoes the flow of water from the Black Mountains - passing downstream.

This conservation easement was a 100% donation by the landowners, with generous assistance of a private philanthropist covering transaction costs.

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L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s Enjoying the Wilderness Experience on

Snowball Mountain

Black Mountain Focus Area

Columbine on Snowball Mtn

Tips for Hiking the Snowball Mountain Trail • Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at the entrance to the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area • Before you reach the picnic area, there will be a circular (though unmarked) parking area. You can park here.

• There will not be a sign marking the head of the Snowball Mountain trail.

• Start off on the MountainsTo-Sea Trail (white blaze). As you drive into the parking area, this trail entry will be to your left.

• After a few hundred feet, the Snowball Mountain Trail will fork to the right, following a yellow blaze & beginning a steady climb.

• The trail is a moderate to strenuous out-and-back, 8 miles roundtrip. Enjoy!

In December, SAHC purchased 90 acres on Snowball Mountain in Buncombe County, adjoining the publicly accessible Snowball Mountain Trail. The acquisition preserves a sense of solitude for hikers along the trail as well as clean water sources for area residents and habitat for native species.

Nestled in the publicly treasured Craggy Mountains, this tract is highly visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest land, adjoining the publicly accessible Snowball Mountain Trail and Camp Sequoyah Trail.

“Protecting part of Snowball Mountain is a beautiful example of what we do at SAHC,” says SAHC’s Land Protection Director, Michelle Pugliese.

“Snowball Mountain holds immense conservation value as it will protect viewsheds, threatened wildlife (Below) SAHC-purchased tract on left, viewed from the Snowball Mountain Trail.

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habitat, high water quality, biodiversity, and pockets of quality high elevation northern hardwood forest.”

communities adjacent

Additionally, the property is adjacent to the Woodfin Watershed and contains the headwaters of Reems Creek.

Permanently protecting Snowball Mountain from development will secure these headwater streams from sedimentation and other sources of pollution, preserving drinking water resources.

Mountains, many large

The Snowball Mountain tract joins a significant swath of state and federal protected land, contributing another piece to a vast network of over 125,000 acres of contiguous protected forestlands.

SAHC’s Snowball Mountain acquisition will safeguard wildlife corridors, habitat for native species, and diverse plant

to the Pisgah National Forest. With development spreading towards the Black areas of biological habitat, old-growth forests, and Blue Ridge Parkway viewsheds remain at risk. The Snowball Mountain purchase helps further insulate these protected areas from encroaching developments.

Although acquiring Snowball Mountain was important to SAHC, finding the funding to purchase such a significant property was not easy in this tough economic climate. Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of the landowners and a donation from private philanthropists, SAHC was able to buy the land below appraised value through a bargain sale.

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s

Jim’s Branch Black Mountain Focus Area

114-Acre Lively Habitat on

Salamanders squirm and native flowers bud in the luscious understory along Jim’s Branch. In October, SAHC closed on this 114-acre conservation easement in the beautiful Swannanoa Mountains, protecting unbroken views from the Blue Ridge Parkway as well as important tributaries that flow into Christian Creek and the Swannanoa River.

Only two and a half miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and in close proximity to other properties held by SAHC, Jim’s Branch connects with neighboring forested land and protected properties to create natural corridors for species movement.

The easement protects a large stand of mixed hardwood and rich cove forests with rock outcroppings that shelter a variety of different plants and animals. Since Jim’s Branch contains

four unnamed tributaries running directly into Christian Creek, the easement also bolsters SAHC’s efforts to protect regional water quality.

Aquatic life such as crayfish and salamanders are great indicators of healthy streams on the property.

To make this project possible, the landowners generously donated the majority of the value of the conservation easement, and Buncombe County awarded a generous grant for transaction costs of the easement.

A Childhood Inspired by Salamanders

As a child I first came to appreciate the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on hikes up the family property with my Grandpa. My grandparents would often let me go out on my own and hike up Jim’s Branch turning over river rocks or flipping decaying logs looking for salamanders & snakes. I could find a Dusky (Desmognathus fuscus), Black-bellied (Desmognathus quadramaculatus), Two-lined (Eurycea wilderae) or other species of salamander under almost every other rock, though catching the big ones long enough to identify them was quite a challenge. Up at the top of the mountain where Jim’s Branch just starts to flow from the ground, larval Spring salamanders (Gyrinophilus porphyritcus) with their fanning gills are found. Occasionally I would find a bright red adult in the sphagnum moss. In decayed logs I would often find the slimy salamanders (Plethodon teyahalee).

On humid summer nights shining a flashlight on the old rock walls around the cabin all sorts of critters could be found in the cracks, including three species of plethodon salamanders (Plethodon montanus, Plethodon yonahlossee & Plethodon teyahalee). Finding a Yonahlossee was always the treat as they were less frequent and had the colorful red back. This childhood exposure to natural diversity inspired me to later get a master’s degree in ecology. I still find that the opportunity to have an afternoon to hike around and explore this property makes me feel so alive.

This property has been in my family for over 85 years and five generations have been able to appreciate its beauty. I am very appreciative of my parents, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and Buncombe County for working together to preserve this beautiful land. The Swanannoa Mountains are a unique and isolated range that is under increasing development pressure. I hope the preservation of this property will inspire other land owners and preservation agencies to preserve as much of this natural heritage as possible so that there will always be natural creeks and woodlands where kids can explore and discover their connections to nature.

Turk’s-cap Lily

Yonalossee salamander (Plethodon yonahlossee)

Salamanders on the Jim’s Branch property, photos courtesy of Tom Ward

By Tom Ward

Stream on Jim’s Branch

Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyritcus)

Northern Grey-cheeked salamander (Plethodon montanus)

A species of Desmognathus

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L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s

Why Do we Care About

Bridging the

Gap?

Wildlife Corridors Connected in the

Sandy Mush Game Lands French Broad River Valley Focus Area

View from from fire tower on Wesser Bald.

This 88-acre tract donated to SAHC in December connects to the Sandy Mush Game Lands on two different sides.

You’ve probably heard before that SAHC considers connectivity (connecting pieces of the protected landscape) an important conservation priority. Why is that?

What makes these sometimes small parcels qualify for conservation projects?

Connectivity is key in sustaining wildlife habitat. Wildlife moves – for food, for mates, and for safety.

Fragmentation disrupts migration routes, inhibits the search for food & water, and causes conflicts during mating season. Permanently protecting small parcels that create wildlife corridors positively impacts populations in the wider landscape - not just the tract being protected.

SAHC carefully considers the conservation values of each parcel we work to protect so that we can most effectively invest our finite resources. In looking at these smaller parcels, adjacency to already-protected parcels, especially large tracts enjoyed by the public, is key.

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This property bridges the gap between major portions of state-owned game lands, which are managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (WRC).

“SAHC has played a role as a major partner in the protection of the Sandy Mush Game Lands,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC’s Executive Director.

“This property will protect a corridor for wildlife in the largest

contiguous network of protected lands in this portion of northern Buncombe County. We are so pleased we were able to continue our work in preserving this area.”

The state holds a conservation easement on the donated property.

The land will be enjoyed for birding and hunting in the future.

“It is always encouraging to protect land that benefits the public,” said SAHC’s Land Protection Director, Michelle Pugliese.

For more information on public use of state-owned game lands, visit the Wildlife Resource Commission site: www.ncwildlife.org

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s

Bet ween the Cherokee & Pisgah National Forests

The Plateau

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

Piecing together a quilt of protected tracts along the edge of public lands has always been a priority for SAHC. This conservation easement preserves 112 acres in a critical gap between the national forests.

The Plateau property is visible from the French Broad River, Appalachian Trail, and the Dixie Highway. It lies in a critical corner of Madison County along the French Broad River, adjoining the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests near the juncture of the North Carolina & Tennessee state lines.

As another SAHC-held conservation

“The Plateau is remarkable because it fills an immensely significant gap between the Cherokee National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest. One of our primary focuses is to protect land adjacent to State and National Forests; thus, to secure a tract of land that bridges two National Forests is a spectacular accomplishment,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC Executive Director.

conservation easement will also

easement that is highly visible to the public, the Plateau project helps secure the scenic landscape for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, visitors, and residents of Western North Carolina.

With approximately 17,610 feet of streams on the property, the protect water quality of the Lower French Broad River.

(Below) Stream on the Plateau property.

Views on the

French Broad Next time you put into the French Broad River at Hot Springs and start paddling north, you may want to reflect on SAHC’s contribution to the scenic landscape enveloping you. As you pass Paint Rock, take the left fork around Huff Island. On the left, rising above the rail line, you’ll see rolling forested hills which were recently protected as part of the Plateau project. Just after you pass the property, you’ll be crossing from North Carolina into Tennessee. This newly protected parcel connects the Cherokee & Pisgah National Forests along a deep bend in the French Broad River.

(Above) French Broad River, viewed from the Plateau property.

Dear Landowners:

Do you currently have a conservation easement with SAHC and participate in the North Carolina Present-Use Valuation Property Tax Program (PUV)?

You may be interested to know that there have been some recent State of North Carolina tax law changes with regards to conservation easement properties in PUV. For more detailed information, consult your personal tax advisor or call the NC Department of Revenue “Real Property Tax and Present Use Division” at (919) 733.771 and ask to speak to a specialist on the conservation easement present use exemption.

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U p d at e s Quiet Sandy Mush Cove – 248 Secluded Acres

Robinson Rough

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

Northwest of Asheville in the Sandy Mush farming community, you may meander along Sandy Mush Creek to find grazing cattle and homesteads speckling the steeply rolling hills. Follow along a little further and find yourself winding into deepening coves and hollows, as the flowing stream springs from trickling headwater spouts. In one of these scenic coves, you’ll find a stunning 248-acre tract now protected from future development.

Located at the end of a state road with 1885 farm house and hand-hewn cabins. excellent access, southern exposure and It was a great success for SAHC to acquire creeks, the property was just waiting for a such an impressive property.” developer to buy it, according to William The parcel is adjacent to working Hamilton, SAHC’s Farmland Program farmlands and bookends a ridge in the Director.

Newfound Mountains that SAHC has “It would have been a shame for a large been working to protect since the 1990s. development to go in right next to “We have adjoining property under other properties that SAHC, Buncombe conservation easement, and we’re really County, and landowners in the area happy that the property is going to have worked so hard to preserve,” said stay as it is and not be developed,” said Hamilton.

Bill Duckett, neighboring farmer and SAHC purchased the property in cattleman.

December in order to safeguard the Preservation in the Sandy Mush farming mountain from development, and community has long been a priority for to protect the headwaters of a major both SAHC and Buncombe County. tributary of Sandy Mush Creek.

Hamilton continues, “The property was a Knowing that surrounding farmland had already been preserved, Appalachian developer’s dream. Robinson Rough has beautiful creeks, sun exposure, views into Realty contacted SAHC when the the Sandy Mush valley, and includes an property came on the market. As one

Stream on Robinson Rough property

of SAHC’s real estate program partners, Appalachian Realty has been a strong supporter of conservation in our area.

Agents Erik Aasland and Betsy Reiser donated half of the commission from the sale of this property to SAHC to continue doing important conservation work in the community.

Due to a slow economy and eager seller, SAHC was able to acquire this valuable property at a great value. The deal is a major addition to the protected landscape in the county, and a good deal for conservation.

Hamilton adds, “We did what we’re good at – we acted quickly to protect a piece of property with exceptional conservation values and ensured that the land would remain a positive resource for the Sandy Mush community.”

Historic cabin in Robinson Rough

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In early March, SAHC held a guided group hike through the Robinson Rough property up to Sandy Mush Bald. Watch for future hikes on this tract!

C o n s e r v at i o n | in A ction

Get Involved!

Put Your Hands on the L and with Us!

Invasive Plant Awareness Week! – April 1 to 7, 2012 Many of us look forward to spring’s arrival as the best time to watch the forest reawaken after winter as wildflowers gradually begin to bloom. But Spring also stirs to life a host of invasive, non-native plants which compete with our native wildflowers and trees for Invasive species: Garlic mustard essential resources. Invasive, non-native plants reduce biodiversity, Photo courtesy of US Forest Service disrupt native plant-animal associations, and alter natural regimes and cycles (such as fire and hydrology). Invasive species are said to impact nearly half of the species currently listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Federal Endangered Species Act. Most of us are unaware of which plants are invasive and which are not, or the ways in which invasive plants like oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose and garlic mustard threaten our region’s biodiversity and natural heritage. That is why, in 2011, Governor Beverly Perdue declared the first week of April as North Carolina’s First Invasive Plant Awareness Week. SAHC plans to honor the week by posting daily Facebook blurbs about invasive species in our area. We are also hosting three public work days to tackle invasive species and other management priorities on some of our high quality properties in Buncombe County’s Sandy Mush Valley.

These days are guaranteed to provide both beautiful wildflower sightings and the satisfaction of securing their future against invasives!

Saturday, April 7, 2012 (10:00 am): Garlic Mustard and Rose Hike’n’Pull’n’Eat in Sandy Mush We will primarily be manually pulling garlic mustard, followed by a BYO-Lunch, supplemented with wild greens and other wild edibles found on site! We’ll likely see lots of wildflowers, too!

Saturday, April 21, 2012 (10:00 am): Robinson Rough work day and optional hike To celebrate Earth Day 2012, SAHC invites you to join us at Robinson Rough near Sandy Mush in Buncombe County! Come see this new exciting property first hand! We will be working throughout the day on a variety of jobs, such as controlling exotic-invasive species and clearing trash from a piece of farmland. SAHC will host an optional post-workday hike to a grassy bald at the top of the Robinson Rough watershed.

Saturday, May 5, 2012 (10:00 am): Villainous, Voracious Vine Wrassling Spend the first half of the day removing invasive vines and then learn how to transform those tree-strangling monsters into unique and harmless baskets and sculptures. (Location in Buncombe County, TBD) General Information: Education, training, and equipment provided for all volunteer days. All three project sites are approximately 40 minutes from downtown Asheville. Please RSVP to margot@appalachian.org or (828) 2530095, ext. 212 (this number will also have an outgoing message in case of last minute, weather-related changes).

SAHC Americorps Stewardship Associate Jamie Ervin holds an invasive vine craft basket. Join us on May 5 to make your own.

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C o n s e r v at i o n | F i e l d J ournal

Avian Aeronauts: Why the Earth’s most mobile animals fly across continents and how they do it.

As part of an ongoing genetics study managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, researchers from the NC Audubon Society and past SAHC Seasonal Ecologist Nora Schubert have been taking blood samples of Goldenwinged Warblers in Hampton Creek Cove. SAHC expects to assist Audubon researchers in the Roaring Creek Valley this spring.

Below, map of Golden-Winged Warbler migration route.

One might say the American dream is to retire with two homes. One in our home state and one somewhere sunny, like Florida, where we can escape harsh winters and pick oranges in January. This might seem like a novel idea, but birds called Neotropical migrants have us beat by millions of years.

Many of us have heard the term Neotropical migrant, but what does it actually mean? First, let’s start with the term Neotropical. The Neotropics is a biogeographic region that includes Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. North America resides in the Nearctic region.

Thus, a Neotropical migrant is a bird that spends the spring and summer breeding in the Nearctic and flies to the Neotropics to winter. Songbirds

(such as the Golden-winged Warbler) make up most of the Neotropical migrants, but other avian migrants include some shorebirds (such as terns), raptors (such as hawks), and waterfowl (such as ducks). These birds have a starkly different life history compared to our resident birds, like the Northern Cardinal, who stay in one area throughout the year.

Why Migrate?

Depending on the species and individual location, a bird may fly hundreds to tens of thousands of miles each year during migration. There is a huge biological cost and great risk involved in migrationwhy not stay in one place? The short answer is resources. In general, migrants fly to places that have more resources (such as food and available habitat) and less competition for these resources.

These birds have evolved to travel remarkable distances rather than stay in the summer tropics or winter Nearctic and compete with resident populations over comparably scarce food sources.

How They Prepare for the Journey In North America, as days become shorter, migrants begin behavioral 1 4 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 2

changes that prepare them for fall migration. This shortening of average daylight triggers what is called Zugunruhe, or migratory restlessness.

In birds, Zugunruhe is associated with a switch to primarily nocturnal activity, since most birds migrate at night. During the day, heat from the sun causes air to rise unevenly and can further dehydrate and overheat a hard-flying bird. Scientists believe nocturnal migration provides birds more stable air, less desiccation (drying up), and reduced predation. Insectivores (insect eaters) like the Golden-winged Warbler also switch to a diet of mostly fruit (like berries), which is seasonally more abundant and easily converted to fat. Before their long flights, birds will increase their fat reserves by up to 50% of their total body weight. Long distance migrants may even double their body weight in fat reserves before migration.

During flight, a bird will shed about 0.6% of its body weight each hour- and some birds fly for whole days at a time. For comparison, this is like a 150 lb person losing almost a pound during each hour of exercise. Such metabolic feats are virtually unparalleled in the rest of the animal kingdom.

How They Navigate

More Info:

Birds use a combination of several “tools” to navigate during their long flights. Different species will rely on different tools. While much of mystery behind birds’ senses of navigation has not been solved, it is critical to note that the basic drive to migrate is purely genetic. Migration is a result of millions of years of evolution, over which various mechanisms have been selected that

assist with navigation. Some navigation is most likely learned. From birth, short distance migrants probably learn by following their flock. It is also believed that birds recognize familiar geographic features after repeated flights. It has been shown that Indigo Buntings navigate based on the position of the stars, supporting the idea that other species probably do too. Birds also cue onto the Earth’s geomagnetic field and the position of the setting sun. Ultimately, a bird may navigate using any combination of cues depending on which is available at a specific time and place.

Follow the Roan Golden-winged Warblers Down South So now that we are better acquainted with Neotropical migrants, we can learn where one of our favorites here at SAHC, the Golden-winged Warbler, migrates. While still important, the Southern Appalachians are host to only a small percentage of the Goldenwing breeding population. The core population stretches from the Northeast, through the upper Midwest and Ontario.

Birds generally follow large migration highways, called flyways. Every fall across their range, Golden-wings fly south to Central and South America.

Depending on their breeding location, they take different flyways to get there.

The Southern Appalachians straddle two flyways - the Atlantic and Mississippi. It’s known where the birds land, but it’s still largely unknown what path Appalachian songbirds take to get there. Follow the lines on the map to see where the Roan Golden-wing population may migrate in the fall.

References and Places for More Information • • • •

www.gwwa.org http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/fact_sheets/ http://faculty.ncwc.edu/mbrooks/pif/Fact%20Sheets/neotropical_migrants.htm http://conservation.audubon.org/

What You Can Do to Help Many Neotropical migrant populations are in decline. Here are some ways you can help.

Join a local bird club and participate in annual events like the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Support SAHC’s efforts for habitat restoration & preservation.

Buy shade grown coffee.

Protecting wintering habitat in the tropics is just as important as protecting breeding habitat in the Southern Appalachians.

Shade grown coffee maintains good wildlife habitat.

Avoid going off trail in wilderness areas. Frequent off trail traffic disturbs wildlife and degrades surrounding habitat.

Keep cats indoors. Outdoor cats are one of top predators of songbirds.

In addition to U.S. organizations, support Central and South American conservation organizations. For migratory species of all kinds, protecting land in the U.S. is not enough.

Legacy

– of Land and People Secrets of

Little Cove Creek Farm

The Highlands of Roan is one of the most magnificent and ecologically diverse places in North America. With over 27 rare natural communities, nearly 800 plant species, and the declining Golden-winged warbler, the Roan Highlands are a spectacular sight to see. George and Jean Nilsen thought so too when they decided to move here in the 1950s.

For over 20 years, they farmed, Stream on Little Cove Creek Farm

managed bees, and lived off the land,

exemplifying responsible land management and sustainability in a volatile ecosystem. After many years of caring for their land, the Nilsen family decided to protect it forever and establish a lasting legacy by gifting the farm to SAHC. Jean grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, where her father was State Senator Harry F. Hittle. George grew up on a farm just north of Bergland, Michigan. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943, went back on active duty in 1950, and in the course of his duties met Jean. The couple later settled

in Johnson City, Tennessee, where George taught at East Tennessee State University. In the Southern Appalachians, George fondly remembered the rural environs of his youth, being “brought up on a one horse farm with no electricity and plenty of milking cows.”

Thrilled by the beauty of the Roan Highlands, the couple decided to recreate a homestead here. They moved a historic log house Jean found near the Tennessee border (outside Gate City, VA) to a 40± acre plot in the Roan. They used wooden boards from an old schoolhouse in Johnson City to create flooring for the living room and transported stone from Fort Austin, VA, for the fireplace. George spent days building a gravity well 800 feet up the mountain so that they would not have to use electrical wire for the kitchen sink. They produced over 50 quarts of applesauce and blueberries and purchased a cow, Molly Moo. George relived his boyhood days, with an added emphasis on protecting wildlife.

Because they loved the land and respected the work of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, in 1984 the Nilsens opted to gift the farm to SAHC, retaining a life estate, enabling them to live on and enjoy the property during

We invite you to join the Legacy Society of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Outbuilding cabins on Little Cove Creek Farm

Gifts of any amount are sincerely appreciated, and we can tailor your legacy to meet your unique financial and conservation goals. A gift of any size made to SAHC in your will or trust will be directed to our region’s most pressing land and water conservation needs. For more information, contact Kristy Urquhart at 828.253.0095, ext. 201 or email kristy@appalachian.org. All inquiries will be held in confidence.

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their lifetimes. Twenty-four years later, they decided the farm had become too much to maintain, and gifted to property to SAHC outright.

“Finally, it got to be more than we wanted to work at, so we cleared out and told SAHC to take over,” said George. “We both hope Little Cove Creek Farm remains a wildlife place for peace, food, and shelter as they see fit. Being military people we’ve lived in more places than most. Being responsive to wildlife, ‘wild’ places, and to the miracles and mysteries of land as old as Roan Mountain still makes us wonder at the magic we lived amongst!”

Little Cove Creek Farm, nestled in the Highlands of Roan

What will be Your Legacy?

The Nilsens now reside in Banner Elk, North Carolina, and continue to be treasured members of the Legacy Society of SAHC. Members of the Legacy Society participate in our Planned Giving Program so that we can honor their contributions during their lifetime and celebrate the legacy they sustain.

Life Estates, like the one donated by the Nilsens, are just one aspect of our Planned Giving Program. Other ways to meet your personal conservation and financial goals through your estate include: Bequests, Life Insurance Policies, Real Estate Gifts, IRA’s & Pension Plans, Gifts of Stock & Gifts of Cash. You can potentially convert assets into income while supporting the work of SAHC with Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, or Charitable Lead Trusts. Contact us at 828-253-0095 for more information.

Baa-tany Goat Project

SAHC continues to cultivate the land in the name of conservation. Currently, the Nilsen farm houses Baa-tany Goat Project Coordinator, Jamey Donaldson.

their home as means to protect such a critical ecosystem in our flagship focus area,” said SAHC Seasonal Ecologist, Chris Coxen.

The purpose of the Baa-tany Goat Project is to restore the Grassy Bald corridors along Roan’s western side by using goats as an experimental management tool. The cabin’s close proximity to Carvers Gap enables Donaldson to monitor the goat’s progress throughout the summer.

Jamey Donaldson and the Baa-tany Goat Project are always looking for new volunteers to care for the goats. Join in 5th Annual Herding of the Goats this year!

“It’s great that we can support the goat project through the generosity of the Nilsens and continue to use

Baa-tany Project goats on the Roan

Little Cove Creek Farm Re-envisioned:

Baa-tany Goat Project – 5th Annual Herding of the Goats Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Time: 8:00 AM Where: Carver’s Gap in the Highlands of Roan Leaders: Jamey Donaldson and Rich Preyer Kick off the first day of summer by helping Jamey Donaldson move 34 goats to other side of Jane Bald from Carvers Gap. RSVP to Rich Preyer at rich@appalachian.org or by calling 828-253-0095 ext. 205

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Enjoy the View!

Upcoming Outings & Hikes For all hikes, direct questions and registrations to Rich Preyer, SAHC PR & Outreach Americorps Associate, at 828-253-0095 x 205 or rich@appalachian.org. When you RSVP, please include your phone number we can reach you in case the hike must be canceled due to inclement weather or other last-minute changes. “Difficulty” is based on a scale of 1 (easiest) to 10 (most strenuous).

Drovers Road Sunset Hike Date: Friday, April 13 Time: 4:30 PM Where: Drovers Road Preserve in Fairview, Buncombe County, NC Leaders: John Ager & Rich Preyer Difficulty: 6.7

Join SAHC members and friends for an adventurous Sunset Hike on Ferguson Mountain and Rocky Point along the Blue Ridge that separates Buncombe and Henderson Counties. Our hike will begin on Drovers Road Preserve and we will climb up to Rocky Point on a rather steep trail. Hikers will get great western views of the sunset off of Rocky Point where we will rest for a light dinner and drinks. The hike is difficult and will take around four hours.

This hike is for the adventurous only! We will be ascending to Rocky Point at dusk and returning after dark.

Bring hiking shoes, light dinner, water, jacket/rain gear, camera, insect repellent Little Hump Hike, 2011

and flashlight. Hike is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Bill Popper Memorial Hike

Date: Thursday, April 26 Time: 10:00 AM Where: Black Mountains, near Burnsville in Yancey County, NC Leaders: Rich Preyer Difficulty: 3.4 Join SAHC for a day of discovery on the stunning Popper Tract, a living memorial to SAHC supporter Bill Popper. This will be the first guided hike open to the general public on the Popper Tract. We will start off the day searching for wild edibles, mushrooms, and wild flowers, then cool off in the creek while hunting for salamanders and craw fish. This will be an easy to moderate hike on a portion of the breathtaking 573-acre tract that Bill Popper worked so hard with SAHC to protect for posterity. The hike is limited to 15 people.

Bring hiking shoes, water shoes if you wish to hike in the creek, lunch, water, jacket/ rain gear, and a camera. Hike is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Little Hump Partnership Hike

Date: Sunday, May 20 Time: 10:00 AM Where: Highlands of Roan Leaders: Rich Preyer of SAHC, Ben Wicker of Highland Brewing Company & Gary Peeples of US Fish and Wildlife Service Difficulty: 8.1

Come celebrate SAHC’s partnership with USFWS and Highland Brewing Company with a hike to Little Hump Mountain in the beautiful Highlands of Roan! Learn all about Little Hump, Highland’s latest seasonal beer’s namesake, and experience why it is so deserving of the publicity. Bring hiking shoes, lunch, water, jacket/rain gear, camera, and warm clothes. This hike is free and open to the public.

Hampton Creek Cove

Date: Sunday, June 2 Time: 10:00 AM Where: Hampton Cove Creek in the Highlands of Roan

Celebrate National Trails Day and Land Trust Day with SAHC in the Roan.

Mushroom Hike

Date: Sunday, July 22 Time: 10:00 AM Where: South Toe River area, near Mt. Mitchell in Yancey County, NC Leaders: Charlotte Caplan, local mushroom expert, & Rich Preyer Difficulty: 4.6

Join SAHC & Charlotte Caplan, mushroom expert, for a day of scavenging mushrooms on an SAHC-protected track in the area of the South Toe River headwaters. This will be an easy to moderate hike as we explore the lush environs for mushrooms. Pisgah Forest is adjacent to the property on the south, east, and west portions. There will be nice views of Mt. Mitchell along the way.

Bring hiking shoes, lunch, water, jacket/rain gear, camera, and warm clothes.

Find out More! To get recent updates & additional information about our hikes & events, visit our website!

Appalachian.org • RSVP for hikes to rich@appalachian.org 1 8 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 2

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Upcoming Events!

Mountain Science Expo at the Arboretum

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012 Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Where: Arboretum, NC Leaders: Michelle Pearce and Rich Preyer The motto of the NC Science Festival is “Life is Your Lab.” SAHC will be there to talk about the importance of continuing to soil and water quality in western NC and eastern TN. The event is free to attend but it costs $8 to bring a vehicle to the Arboretum. No need to RSVP—you can just show up.

Annual Membership Event

Calendar of Events Drovers Road Sunset Hike Friday, April 13 Mountain Science Expo Saturday, April 14 Robinson Rough Work Day Saturday, April 21 Popper Tract Exploration Thursday, April 26 Villainous Vine Wrassling Saturday, May 5

Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012 Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM Where: Asheville, NC See pages 22 and 23 for a full description of the Annual Membership Event.

Annual SAHC Membership Event Thursday, May 17

June Jamboree

Little Hump Hike Sunday, May 20

Date: Saturday, June 23, 2012 Where: Highlands of Roan Join SAHC for adventures in the stunning Highlands of Roan. Roan Mountain State Park will be our headquarters this year. Participants will meet for coffee at the Pavilion at 8:00 am before the hikes begin. After the hikes there will be a fellowship from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the State Park Conference Center with light snacks and beverages. Full hike descriptions & registration information will be forthcoming.

Volunteer Opportunities

See page 13 and 17 for upcoming Volunteer Days.

Land Trust Day Saturday, June 2 Baa-Tany Goat Herding Wednesday, June 20 June Jamboree Saturday, June 23 Mushroom Hike Sunday, July 22

We started out 2012 with a great group hike on the Walhalla Trail.

Membership Benefits As a member of SAHC, you are helping to preserve some of the most unique habitat, clean water, local

farms, scenic views and landscapes of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. You help provide places for people to hike, bike, fish, and camp. As a member, you receive: Free guided hikes on protected properties • “View from the Highlands” quarterly newsletter • E-newsletter

Discounts on merchandise • Invitations & discounts to special events Apply online at Appalachian.org or fill out the form on page 22.

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Partnerships

in the Business Community

Waterrock Knob Partners: Appalachian Realty Associates

Roan Mountain Partners: Highland Brewing Company Mast General Store New Morning Ltd, including: Bellagio Art to Wear Bellagio Everyday Blue Spiral 1 Gallery Fine Arts Theatre New Morning Gallery Salesforce

Cold Mountain Partners: Roberts & Stevens, PA

Big Yellow Partners: Equinox Environmental Consultation & Design First Citizens Bank

Max Patch Partners:

Carolinas Investment Consulting, LLC Eastman Credit Union Network Computer Solutions Nona Mia Ritrovo Southwings

SAHC is expanding our corporate partnership program.

We’d love to design a benefit package that meets your needs.

Contact Cheryl Fowler at 828-253-0095, ext.

209 or email cheryl@appalachian.org.

SAHC Corporate Partnership Levels: Mt. Mitchell (elevation 6,684 ft.) $25,000+ Waterrock Knob (elevation 6,292 ft.) $15,000+ Roan Mountain (elevation 6,285 ft.) $10,000+ Cold Mountain (elevation 6,030 ft.) $5,000+ Big Yellow Mountain (elevation 5,480 ft.) $2,500+ Max Patch (elevation 4,629 ft.) $1,000+

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SAHC Current & Former Trustees enjoy a hike atop Yellow Mountain.

Left to right: Ken Maness, Kent Blazier, Jeanette Blazier, Witt Langstaff, Jr.

Land Trust Day!

Saturday - June 2, 2012 Celebration & Support for Your Local L and Trust

It’s a day to celebrate the conservation of our mountain home — where we live, recreate, and harvest resources that sustain our families! Coinciding with National Trails Day, Land Trust Day was established in 1992 as an opportunity to honor the public service provided by land trusts. Each year, SAHC plans guided hikes for this special day and gratefully receives proceeds from participating businesses to help fund our work throughout the year.

Visitors of the Blue Ridge Parkway and other renowned scenic areas bring more than $2 billion a year to the region. Recognizing that their customers value the open spaces and outdoor recreation areas protected by land trusts, several retailers donate a percentage of sales on Land Trust Day to SAHC. On this special day, we ask you to support these businesses — And to get out, breathe some fresh air, get your heart pumping and enjoy the inspiring natural places preserved by the efforts of your local land trust, SAHC. More details to follow!

Do you own or influence a business in our region? We invite you to participate in Land Trust Day as partner to SAHC – to bring increased exposure to your business while celebrating the benefits of land conservation.

Our natural environment is one of our greatest economic assets.

The income SAHC receives from contributing businesses on Land Trust Day makes up roughly 3% of our operating budget, which is vital to our capacity to save the places we all enjoy. Contact Cheryl at 828.253.0095 ext. 209 or cheryl@appalachian.org to find out how to join us on this special day.

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New Members

Welcome to SAHC! We couldn’t do this without you!

Marianne Newman W. Peter & Rhonda Graper Deyerle Anderson Cliff Pennell Betsy Gray & Ed Lunow Bruce Armstrong Rebecca Plummer & Highland Mapping Charlie & Ann Baker Jon Ellenbogen Jo Hogan G. Alex Bernhardt, Sr. Suzy & Ed Rankin Nancy & Ted Humble Jake Blood Cynthia Ray Joan Jordan Larissa Bowman & Gail & Scott Silver Bill & Sharon Katz Randy Wetzel Jim and Jane Sleeva Genny King Doug Buchanan Greg & Dawn Starks Lee King Shawna Cagle Irene & Michael Stoll Bill Knips Chuck & Lisa Carver Gary & Carol Ellen Taft Laurel Ridge Property Jerry & Kathy Case The Henderson Family Owners Association Martha Coats Toe River Club, LLC Ann & Mike Leonard Kellie Culp Mr. & Mrs. Donald Tom Leonard Norman & Debbie Davis Tomlinson Keith Levi Amy Duernberger Nina Vinson Mr. & Mrs. Richard Martin Muriel Edens Austin Walker Tom Martin Mary Ellen Edmonds Sandra Willan Carroll & David McScott Ferguson Doug & Pat Williams Cullough Chas Fitzgerald John Wingerter John & Connie McLendon Bill and Gwen Garwood Tom McMurrain Mary Gavlik Thruston & Patricia Morton Greg Glance

We sincerely apologize. The following individuals were inadvertently omitted from the annual list of supporters in the last View from the Highlands: J. Randolph Humble and Rebecca & Jason Warner.

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Annual Membership Application Please enroll/renew me as a member

Name Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail (Donations and annual memberships dues are tax deductible.)

Please check applicable boxes.

New Member __ Renewal __ Gift Membership __ Business Membership__

__ Other __ Organization

$ $100

__ Family __ Single

$50 $35

___ Please enroll me in your monthly giving program at $_____ per month for ___ months

Credit Card #:_________________________________________ Expires: _______ Name as it appears on the card: _________________ 3-digit security code: _______ Our membership draws from a wide variety of backgrounds and income levels. Please know that whatever you give will go toward active, focused, and sensible land conservation work. Thank you!

Mail to: 34 Wall Street, Suite 502, Asheville, NC 28801

Financial information about the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at (919) 733-4510. The license is not an endorsement by the state.

Tributes

Tributes are gifts in honor of someone or a special occasion.

In honor of Betsy & Ed Lunow Diane Lunow In honor of Bill & Dee Dee Maxwell Julia Godsey In honor of Birth of Christ Scott Ferguson In honor of Bob Gault Ruth Wells In honor of Frony Ward & Allan Morgan Sylvia Dry In honor of Jack & Maxine Dalton Billy & Jill Campisciano In honor of John Huie Charlie & Ann Baker In honor of Lee King Jack & Libby King In honor of Leslie Casse Nancy & Ted Humble In honor of Phillip Thomas John Finnegan & Stephanie Horton In honor of SAHC Staff David Ray

Memorials

Memorial gifts are gifts of flowers in perpetuity.

In memory of Bill Popper Marcia Herman In memory of Daisy & Harry Sample Mary Ellen Edmonds In memory of W. Mills Dyer Deborah Dyer Neves In memory of Dr. John Gray Tom & Kim Barnhardt In memory of James J. Griffith, Jr. Helen Gift In memory of Jim Crews Mary Crews In memory of Jon Moore Jane Adams Elizabeth Blakely Martha Coats Richard Martin Donald Tomlinson | 21

Member’s Corner Exciting Changes

Based in Moore County, NC, the April Fools Old-Time String Band brings a traditional repertoire with rhythmic & streamlined fiddling, rowdy & ragged vocals and guitar, and erratic clawhammer banjo underscored by a bass pulse. Think of raw, foot tapping, dance music!

for Annual Membership Event & June Jamboree SAHC has implemented changes to our traditional Annual Meeting format, incorporating recommendations from planning processes in 2009 and 2012. The purpose of the changes is to make the Annual Membership Meeting and Jamboree as beneficial, enjoyable, and informative as possible for SAHC and our members.

We have made the process of changing the Annual Meeting evolutionary rather than abrupt, in order to honor past traditions and long-time SAHC members who are used to the prior format.

Since the early 1980’s, the SAHC Annual Meeting and Jamboree was held at the Corpening Center in Crossnore, NC. The event consisted of fellowship, a full day of hikes, a reception with a presentation, business meeting, raffle, and plant auction. Quite a lot to fit into one weekend and a bit too far for most SAHC members to travel. So, after receiving feedback from members we’ve made some changes.

SAHC will hold its Annual Membership Event in May, where we will elect new trustees, present the Stan Murray Volunteer Award, recognize outgoing trustees, and celebrate the accomplishments for the year with our members. The event will alternate each year between North Carolina and Tennessee in a populous area such as Asheville or Johnson City.

The June Jamboree is an opportunity for our members to celebrate our accomplishments by experiencing a day in our flagship project area, the Highlands of Roan. Hikes will vary from yoga on the mountain to birding tours. This year’s event will be Saturday, June 23. Hikers will have the opportunity to meet at 8:00 am at the Roan Mountain State Park before the hikes begin for a light breakfast and coffee and from 4:00 6:00 pm after the hikes for a reception and presentation.

Photo courtesy of Melanie of whiteboxweddings.com

Highland Brewing Company Tasting Room Thursday, May 17 from 6 – 8 PM

WE did it!

Annual Membership Event!

50,000 acres — For You, Forever.

Join SAHC members and friends for an event to honor our members and celebrate our milestone in protecting over 50,000 acres! You can look forward to enjoying: • Celebratory party!

• Live Music – by April Fools Old-Time String Band • Lively Raffle for Enticing Prizes • Great Local Food • Volunteer of the Year Award • Election of New Trustees • Recognition of Outgoing Trustees

Come Celebrate with Us!

As always, we look forward to seeing familiar faces and new faces at both events. Look for additional info in the near future.

Do you have a story about camping in the Roan? Angling for trout? Volunteering with SAHC? Do you have a happy memory of a special place now preserved? What inspires you about conservation? We’re collecting stories and photographs to share at these celebratory events. E-mail sahc@appalachian.org to share with us.

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What Does 50,000 Acres

Gott Farm, Madison County

Protected Mean to You?

Here are just a few examples of the hundreds of projects SAHC has completed to date. We know that healthy mountains make healthy communities, so we are celebrating our conservation achievements...

For Clean Water...

Rough Creek Watershed

Waynesville Watershed • Woodfin Watershed • Canton Watershed • Laurel Ridge adjacent to the Asheville Watershed • Montreat Wilderness

For Recreation...

Highlands of Roan, with 17 miles of the most beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail • Bike trails in the Rough Creek watershed

For Inspiring Views...

Mt. Mitchell State Park & Snowball Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway • Little Pisgah Mountain • Crawford Creek adjacent to Shining Rock Wilderness

Highlands of Roan

For Future Generations...

Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, NC • Gott Farm in Madison County, NC • Claxton Farm in Buncombe County, NC

For Health...

Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview NC

Fairview Farming Community • Sandy Mush Farming Community • Spring Creek Community

For Economic Development...

Local food produced by local farms - Hickory Nut Gap Farm • Viewsheds protected as a major driver of tourism Look for these stories & more at the Annual Membership Event on May 17.

We applaud our trustees, past and present. Your impassioned service and dedication have an an immense impact on our conservation success. Thank you for your tireless efforts!

Proxy Form: Annual Membership Meeting of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

As part of the event, the membership will elect nominees to the Board of Trustees. This is a proxy form. Please sign and return the proxy immediately, particularly if you cannot attend the event. This is very important. No business may be conducted unless a quorum of the membership is present in person or by proxy.

The Board recommends the nomination of Patty Cunningham-Woolf, Asheville, NC, to be nominated for a first three-year term, and Leslie Casse of Asheville, NC and Florence Krupnick of Asheville, NC be nominated to a second three-year term. The nominees are active members of the Conservancy who have generously agreed to devote their time and talents on its behalf.

Proxy: I hereby appoint Jeanette Blazier or Carl Silverstein as proxies to vote, on my behalf as indicated below, at the Annual Membership Event of The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to be held on May 17, 2012. I also give my proxy authority to act on other business (if any) that may come before the meeting.

Nominees to the Board of Trustees: q Vote for all nominees listed above, except withhold vote from the following nominees (if any) q Vote against Signature: ____________________________________Date: ______________ (You can mail form to SAHC at 34 Wall Street, Suite 502, Asheville, NC, 28801)

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Legacy?

What’s Your

Get Connected! with SAHC online @:

Blog: www.southernappalachian.wordpress.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/SAHC Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ southernappalachianhighlandsconservancy

Upcoming!

Annual Member Event May 17, 2012

To leave a legacy for future generations, remember SAHC in your estate planning. In addition to doing your part to maintain our mountain heritage for future generations, you can take guided hikes to some of our most cherished lands. Contact us at 828.253.0095 for more info.

Use this QR code to view upcoming events on our website.

Land Trust Day June 2, 2012 June Jamboree June 23, 2012 More details inside, or visit our website:

Appalachian.org