Spring 2018 View from the Highlands

View

2018 Spring Issue

from the Highlands

Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains

Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig Photo by Steve Bridges

Conserving Mountains • Farms • Streams • Habitat

Letter from the Director “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”

~ Gary Snyder, poet

Thank you for protecting this land.

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

Board of Trustees

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

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

with Land Associate

AmeriCorps Anona Miller Cate Jaffe Emily Adler

Trey Talley Michelle Durr

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Stewardship & Volunteer Member Stewardship & Volunteer Member Conservation Education & Volunteer Member Land Protection & Education Member Roan Highlands Volunteer & Outreach Member

Whether you spend your days in the shadow of the Roan, or only visit periodically when you feel the need to escape ‘home,’ or simply have a profound love of the Southern Appalachians from afar — thank you for helping to protect these incredible places.

The Southern Appalachians face increasing pressure due to the popularity of the area and its accessibility to large population centers across the Eastern United States. Your support means that we can continue protecting the water resources and globally significant biodiversity of the region, while connecting people with nature and helping manage areas for public recreation and farming.

Thank you to all our supporters and partners for helping surpass our end-of-year Annual Giving Program goal. We are currently working on a full schedule of new land protection projects in 2018, and look forward to sharing those with you. And, as always, our spring and summer events, hikes, and volunteer work days present exciting opportunities for us to connect with each other. We look forward to seeing you!

Carl Silverstein Executive Director On the Cover: Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig Steven Bridges, Western Carolina University: “After being socked in by clouds for sunrise on top of Mt. Mitchell, we decided to hike the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig. This turned out to be one of the most amazing morning hikes we’ve done since moving to Asheville. The Deep Gap Trail always manages to switch between alpine and enchanted forest, and this morning it was doing its best enchanted forest impersonation. Thick fog in the trees gave way to a spectacular light show once the sunbeams broke through. Unforgettable.”

In 2003, SAHC secured purchased a 2-acre parcel in the saddle of Deep Gap, which we then transferred to the US Forest Service for the public to enjoy. It is a popular camping spot for hikers trekking north from Mt. Mitchell State Park.

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.

Big Cove Creek Donation — for love of the Roan

National Forest, at the base of Wolf Ridge on the north side of Roan High Knob,” shared the former landowners Ben and Leah Sherman.

“For more than 10 years we raised our young boys among the rocks and creeks and the cozy shadows of The Landowners often tell us about their Roan.” love for and deep connection with land in the Southern Appalachians. “When we had to relocate, we knew Their passion and stories of their we wanted to conserve as much of the land as possible. We were aware relationship with land inspire us. of SAHC before buying the land “In 2001, we fell in love with the and increasingly learned of the good property adjacent to Cherokee work SAHC does protecting so many Located a scant quarter mile from our Little Cove Creek Preserve, the new preserve adjoins Cherokee National Forest at the foot of Wolf Ridge, a high elevation ridgeline that descends from Roan High Knob.

Roan Mountain State Park Hampton Creek Cove Big Cove Creek

Appalachian Trail

New land donation to SAHC Other SAHC preserves/conservation easements US Forest Service land

State of TN State of NC

The property adjoins Cherokee National Forest near Roan High Knob and can be seen from the Appalachian Trail. beautiful areas. We are so happy SAHC will protect this property for future generations.”

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

Appreciating the beauty and ecological importance of the Highlands of Roan, a couple recently donated 15 acres in Carter County, TN to SAHC for us to protect forever from development.

Although small in acreage, the property contains significant habitat and water resources. More than half of the property is covered by open areas and early successional forest, which could potentially serve as habitat for rare species such as the Golden-winged Warbler. Nearly 1,000 feet of streams flow through it, including a portion of Big Cove Creek, one of the headwater tributaries of the Doe River. The Doe River watershed is popular for trout fishing.

Near the new preserve in every direction there are public lands popular for recreation — Roan Mountain State Park to the north, Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area to the east, and the Appalachian Trail and national forests to the west and south.

We are very grateful to Ben and Leah Sherman for donating this land for permanent conservation, and to Brad and Shelli Stanback for donating funds for transaction costs and long-term stewardship of the property.

Land Protection Updates | Spring 2018 View from the Highlands | 3

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

Marshall Watershed

Protecting exceptional water resources

In northwest Madison County, 541 secluded acres of forest filter miles of clean mountain streams that once provided drinking water to town residents. We recently worked with the Town of Marshall to permanently protect the property with a conservation easement — our sixth project to conserve municipal watershed lands.

The Clean Water Management Trust Fund provided a grant to protect this tract and its outstanding water resources.

The Marshall Watershed is located in the Walnut Mountains, adjoining 156 acres previously protected by SAHC conservation easement. It is near a network of almost 100,000 protected acres in Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.

With an impressive eight miles of streams flowing through the property, including Hunter Creek and its tributaries, this conservation

The conservation easement permanently protects forest habitat on the tract, where the town had once considered timber harvest to generate income from the land.

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Healthy salamanders are an indicator of good water quality (above). Eight miles of clean streams flow through the Marshall Watershed property, eventually joining the French Broad River (below).

easement will help protect the quality of water flowing into the French Broad River. Mature forest habitat across the tract creates ample opportunity for native plants and wildlife to flourish, and many trees onsite were estimated to be 100 years old. The property contains Rich Montane Seeps, a type of non-boggy mountain wetland community that provides important amphibian habitat.

“The Town of Marshall has been committed for years to preserving the Marshall Watershed from development,” said town attorney Jamie Stokes, on behalf of the Town of Marshall. “We are proud to have finalized this project, with the assistance and dedication of SAHC, so that this beautiful landscape and the natural resources thereon will be protected and preserved for many generations to come.”

This

conservation

Appalachian Trail

French Broad River

Marshall Watershed

Town of Marshall

New conservation easement Other SAHC preserves/conservation easements US Forest Service land

project represents substantial collective effort over the course of almost five years. It was made possible by a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, a generous philanthropic gift from Fred and Alice Stanback, partial donation of the value of the conservation easement by the Town of Marshall, and an Environmental Enhancement easement Grant from the NC Dept. of Justice.

View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Land Protection Updates

“Pattie and Ed Ellis have documented over 100 species of plants and animals and located 15 springs across the cove during their 30+ years on this property,” says Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “This conservation easement will help protect habitat and clean water in the French Broad River watershed.”

Boyd Cove

Habitat, headwaters protected in Sandy Mush

The Boyd Cove conservation easement will protect forested habitat for diverse species.

“When we found Sandy Mush, it felt like home. People were very friendly and helpful, and the boys learned a lot of life skills. We learned to live off the land and gained a great respect for it.

Boyd Cove is a very pure place, and we want it to remain that way forever.

With this conservation easement, we are comforted in knowing that when we are no longer here — and even after our grandchildren or greatgrandchildren are gone — it will still be protected.”

Pattie and Ed Ellis moved onto the property in 1981 and raised their two sons there, learning to work the land on their homestead. The experience provided unique educational opportunities for their family and inspired them to permanently protect The family enjoyed the secluded cove. sightings of a variety species, including “We had decided to bring up our of hellbender salamanders children in a natural way and spent a lot of time traveling and looking for a and a peregrine falcon. place to do that,” recalls Pattie Ellis. “Sandy Mush is a special

Boyd Cove

New conservation easement Other SAHC preserves/conservation easements Buncombe County open space

Bald Preserve, and other privatelyowned properties. These connected, protected lands support plant and animal diversity in the Newfound Mountains. The tract contains over 5,580 feet of streams, including tributaries of Sandy Mush Creek.

Protecting the land will protect tributaries of the French Broad Watershed from sources of sedimentation and other types of pollution.

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

We recently protected 88 acres in Boyd Cove, adding to thousands of protected acres in the Newfound Mountains of Sandy Mush. Landowners Pattie and Ed Ellis, their niece Kate Tierney and her wife Kara Powis worked with us to grant a conservation easement that will protect the forest cove forever.

place, and we are glad to be part of the movement to preserve it,” says Ed Ellis.

“When we learned about friends and neighbors in Mike Ellis, Patty and Ed’s son, grew up in Boyd Cove.

Sandy Mush conserving their properties, we wanted to do the We are very grateful for a generous same.” philanthropic gift from Brad and Boyd Cove adjoins our Robinson Rough Preserve within a network of conservation lands that include the Long Branch Environmental Education Center, Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, Little Sandy Mush

Shelli Stanback, a grant from Buncombe County, and a significant donation of value from the landowners themselves, all of which made this conservation easement possible.

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

Black Mountains Focus Area 6 |

Strawberry Gap Forested land above Hickory Nut Gorge

were once cut down to allow for what farming could be pursued on the mountainsides. We can assume wild strawberries once grew in the full sunshine. There is some mystery associated with the area. Old Timers have told me about a rocky area that echoes when walked upon, as if there is a cave below the ground.

While the cabins are gone, the forest has returned and will provide a wonderful setting for hiking in the ever expanding Hickory Nut Gorge Trail System.”

We purchased 155 acres at Strawberry Gap in Fairview, NC, protecting views from scenic Blue Ridge Pastures on the Buncombe/Henderson County boundary just north of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock.

With an upper elevation of 3,800 ft., the property is covered by a variety of thriving forest communities, including a portion of the Audubon Society’s Chimney Rock/ Hickory The Strawberry Gap property adds to a network of protected Nut Gorge Important Bird Area.

We plan to own the property for the land that encompasses Hickory Nut Gap Farm and the Drovers long term and manage the forests Road Scenic Byway. to promote resilience, diversity and Strawberry Gap has been a high to the Fairview area. The existing longevity. conservation priority for more Trombatore Trail joins the southern than a decade. It lies along the boundary of Strawberry Gap, while “Protecting this property after many regional Hickory Nut Gorge Trail another proposed trail is planned years of planning for conservation in System, a cooperative effort headed along the eastern ridgeline boundary the Fairview Valley was a great success for SAHC,” said Land Protection by partner land trust Conserving on the way to Ferguson Peak.

Director Michelle Pugliese. “I have Carolina, which will eventually link public hiking trails in the Hickory Our purchase of the property adds to many fond memories of hiking to Nut Gorge near Chimney Rock a growing network of lands we have the Blue Ridge Pastures, and am protected in the area, which includes comforted to know that the lands Little Pisgah Mountain, fertile that lie immediately behind it will be bottom farmland along Ashworth protected forever.”

Creek, Hickory Nut Gap Farm and Forest, Drovers Road Preserve, and We are very grateful to Fred and the Drovers Road Scenic Byway Alice Stanback and the James G. K. McClure Educational and (Highway 74A).

Development Fund for making this “Strawberry Gap, a passageway conservation acquisition possible. from Buncombe to Henderson County across the Blue Ridge, was once a place for neighbors to walk to work down the mountain or to visit one another,” reflects neighboring landowner Representative John Ager (NC House of Representatives).

“There are plenty of old chimneys Our popular “Yoga on the Mountain” on both sides to give a sense of the outings have frequently been hosted We plan to manage forests on the at Blue Ridge Pastures; Strawberry Gap community there. Most of the trees property for the long-term.

View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Land Protection Updates

is the wooded land directly behind the open area of the pasture.

Stony Point forms a rocky bluff with an incredible view of the fertile Fairview valley.

The bulby nose of Stony Point can be seen by travelers along the Drovers Road Scenic Byway (NC Highway 74A) between Fairview and Chimney Rock. However, a climb to the top of the bluff reveals a spectacular vantage point with sweeping long-range views of Fairview Valley, Cane Creek Valley, the Brush Creek area and distant mountain ranges.

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Stony Point

Beautiful views from a Hemlock bluff We recently purchased this 15acre tract to fill a gap within the contiguous network of conservation lands we have worked to protect in this scenic region along the Eastern Continental Divide.

A portion of Brush Creek flows through the property, which lies within the Audubon’s Chimney Rock-Hickory Nut Gorge Important Bird Area. Vegetative communities found onsite include a low elevation rocky summit, a Carolina hemlock bluff, chestnut oak forest, and rich cove forest.

We plan to own the property for the long term, managing it along with our adjoining

Strawberry Gap tract for forest health. In the future, we may offer guided hikes to the summit as part of our outings program.

Black Mountains Focus Area

Nestled between our recent acquisition at Strawberry Gap and other conservation lands, this triangular slice of land in southern Buncombe County contains stands of Carolina Hemlock and a section of Brushy Creek.

“We are proud to have purchased this previously unprotected portion of the landscape around Hickory Nut Gap, which is a visible landmark to so many people from various vantage points” said Carl Silverstein, Executive Director.

We are very grateful for a generous philanthropic gift from Fred and Alice Stanback and a grant from the Conservation Trust for North Carolina for transaction costs, which enabled us to make this purchase for conservation.

Stony Point

Strawberry Gap

New SAHC acquisitions Other SAHC preserves/ conservation easements Other protected lands

This stunning view of the Fairview farming community from Stony Point takes in many places we have protected in the area.

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

S A H C Com munity Fa r m Access to Land, Livelihood & Learning

Community Farm Volunteer Day Wednesday, April 18 at 10 am SAHC Community Farm

This Earth Month volunteer work day will focus on planting a pollinator garden near our farm house. We will plant native species that, once established, will create vital habitat for wildlife, especially pollinators like bees!

After working we will eat lunch and have an opportunity to tour the Discovery Trail.

On this 1.5-mile educational walk we will see SAHC’s bee yard and learn about other ongoing projects on the property. Donated to SAHC in 2010, the 103-acre Community Farm is home to our Farmer Incubator Program, as well as a multiple habitat restoration projects. Our Community Farm continues to serve as a model — balancing agricultural production with environmental responsibility while providing educational opportunities. Sign up to volunteer at Appalachian.org.

We are very grateful to the French Broad River Academy volunteers who worked on the Community Farm this winter.

Farmer Incubator Program Updates

Headwaters Market Garden is beginning their first full year of production in our Farmer Incubator Program. They will be selling produce at the Asheville City Market downtown on Market Street on Saturday mornings from April through December.

In addition to the healthy, flavorful vegetable crops offered last season, they are expanding salad greens production this year and adding several new crops like garlic, spinach, onions, arugula, cucumbers, and culinary herbs. They will also be making a push this season to start working with gourmet chefs in Asheville.

View their farming updates on Instagram at @headwatersmarketgarden.

Call for Applicants - Farm with us!

This year we are looking to add two new farm operations to our Farmer Incubator Program.

We are especially interested in production or small livestock plans that include: cut flowers, nursery crops, culinary & medicinal herbs, mushrooms, eggs, meat birds, goats, and/or sheep.

Our Farmer Incubator Program provides access to land, infrastructure, equipment, and technical support for a nominal monthly fee.

For info or to apply to our program, visit Appalachian.org.

Contact Chris Link at chris@appalachian.org with questions.

We will have exciting news to share about our Community Farm later this year.

Look for updates in the next few months!

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View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Our Community Farm

Farm Workshop: Two-wheel Tractor

Upcoming Farmer Education Workshops

Demonstration and Maintenance of the two-wheel, “walkbehind” BCS tractor, including hands-on experience for participants. Get an introduction to the two-wheel tractor!

This is an economical tool used worldwide by backyard gardeners, homesteaders, property managers and market gardeners/farmers.

We will demonstrate multiple attachments from the basic tiller and power harrow to the trailer and mower. You will learn about their uses and how they could help you efficiently manage your farm operation or property.

Cost: $20. Register online at Appalachian.org.

We have another full calendar of farm workshops being planned for 2018:

Thursday, April 12 from 2-5 pm

Farm Workshop: Mobile Walk-In Cooler Thursday, May 3 from 2-5 pm Do you need temporary cold storage to bring your fresh produce or farm products to market? Learn how to build a mobile walk-in cooler using the CoolBot, a tool that overrides an air conditioner’s temperature sensors, allowing you to convert a household air conditioner into a cooling unit.

We will cover design considerations, materials, and costs for converting an enclosed trailer into a mobile walk-in cooler maintaining 38-40° F. Cost: $20. Register online at Appalachian.org.

Two-wheel “Walk Behind” Tractor Demonstration & Maintenance April 12 Walk-in, Mobile Cooler May 3 Food Safety Modernization Act Training with NC Extension Late June Pasture Walk: Invasive Plant ID, Control and Removal Early July Black Soldier Fly Digester Design: System Connections Late July Integrated Pest Management/ Pest Management in an Organic System — Field Walk August Cattle Talk 2: Handling and the Bud Box System September

Visit Appalachian.org for farm workshop updates and online registration, or contact Chris Link at chris@appalachian.org to be added to an email list for Farm Workshop announcements.

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

Our Community Farm work is funded in part by grants from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

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

On the Mountain — New Roan Naturalist

Travis B o rd ley

Golden-winged Warbler Habitat Management Our Grassy Ridge Preserve in the Highlands of Roan has long been identified as a hotspot for migratory Golden-winged Warblers (GWWA). Since 2014, we have conducted habitat management at this property to provide the ideal mix of breeding habitats for these rare birds. This year, we were assisted by the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoing Club (TEHCC). SAHC and TEHCC volunteers teamed up over the course of 4 very cold winter work days to maintain 2 acres of scrubby old field habitat, known as a nesting site for GWWA. As an added bonus, TEHCC volunteers will be able to use the woody debris from our the work days to make repairs to the Roan Mountain sections of the Appalachian Trail, including building steps and trail reinforcements.

We are extremely grateful to TEHCC for all their hard work on this project!

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We welcome Travis Bordley as the 2018 Seasonal Roan Naturalist! Travis served as our 2016-17 AmeriCorps Roan Highlands Volunteer & Outreach Member, and he returns this year to continue outreach and education efforts in the Highlands of Roan. He will help educate hikers about the sensitive ecology in the Highlands of Roan and Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics to minimize recreational impacts in the Appalachian Trail corridor, and perform basic ecology and stewardship functions to support grassy balds management programs. This position co-sponsored by our partners at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

AmeriCorps — Where are they now?

We continue our series to highlight former AmeriCorps members who have served with us. Join us in learning about and celebrating these environmental careers launched through service. AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations across the country.

Anna Zanetti - Friends of the Smokies NC Director “In September of 2013 I began my journey of service through AmeriCorps Project Conserve with SAHC. As the AmeriCorps Public Relations and Outreach Associate, the best part of my job was leading educational hikes throughout the region to highlight areas that SAHC protected. During my year of service, I realized that I wanted my career to focus on advocating for our public lands. After one term with AmeriCorps I was offered a job with Friends of the Smokies, an organization that raises funds, volunteers and awareness for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I now serve as the NC Director. I would not be where I am today without SAHC — they were my Asheville family then and have continued to support me today.

I am thankful for the support and confidence gained through AmeriCorps and my time with SAHC, and I am honored to work for Friends of the Smokies. Our public lands — national parks, forests, monuments, wild and scenic rivers and more — need advocates to continue the protection of these treasured areas.”

View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Conservation In Action

Ca l l for Vol unteers !

Roan Garlic Mustard Pull Big Rock Creek Volunteer Work Day Saturday, April 28 at 10 am Big Rock Creek Preserve, Highlands of Roan

Join us in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association and Nature Valley for a volunteer work day in the Highlands of Roan.

This work day will take place at our Big Rock Creek Preserve to support our initiatives to connect people with land.

Formerly the home of Trailridge summer camp and Camp Pleiades, the Big Rock Creek Preserve in Mitchell County, NC contains 127 acres of unique high elevation habitat and streams. It is surrounded

by Pisgah National Forest on three sides, and the Appalachian Trail is less than a mile to the north.

Our Earth Month service day will involve improving and maintaining the camping and trail facilities on Big Rock Creek Preserve, providing better access to connect people to nature.

Volunteer activities will include trail construction, vegetation management, site beautification, and more. Work gloves, safety eye wear, hand tools, and first aid kits will be available on site. Feel free to bring personal gloves or tools. Please dress in layers and bring a rain jacket as we will be working at high elevations and the weather is unpredictable.

We plan to work from 10 am to 3 pm, with a break for lunch at 12:30, provided by SAHC. Sign up to volunteer at Appalachian.org.

For questions, contact Michelle Durr at michelled@appalachian.org.

Saturday, April 21 at 9:30 am Roan Mountain State Park We will work with partners of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Roan Mountain State Park to remove invasive Garlic Mustard.

Contact marquette@appalachian.org for questions.

Save the Date!

Summer Work Days in the Roan

Grassy Ridge Mow-Off

July 13 - 15 at Grassy Ridge Camp out or come for a day. Join other volunteers as we work to maintain the globally rare grassy and shrub balds found on Grassy Ridge, one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant sites in the Roan Highlands. Sign up at Appalachian.org or contact marquette@appalachian.org.

Roany Boyz & Girlz

July 20-22 at Engine Gap Join the Roany Boyz and Girlz in a weekend of jovial camaraderie while helping manage the grassy balds habitat at Engine Gap in the Highlands of Roan.

Come for a day, or set up camp at Round Bald and stay for the weekend. For more info or to volunteer, contact Carol Coffey at caroltee@aol.com.

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

Thank you for being our friends!

New Members Emily Adler

Rebecca Goggans

Timothy Rowe

Clark Harris

Dan & Lori Santelle

Joy Alfred

Nancy Hayes

Cynthia Alleman

Nancy Hogan

Timothy Ballard

Derik Hultquist

Bonnie Barnes

John & Amy Hultquist

Jennifer Barnhardt

Noah Illes

Eleanor Billington

Paige Jeffries

Phil Blake

Joanne Jenks

Howard Browers

Allison Jordan

Rena Brown & Kirk Johnson

Gail Kase

Jan Burkhead

Lelia Kirkman

Kyle Carter

Carol Koury & Kenneth M Jones

David & Pam Cashwell Pat & Tim Chambers Don Clapp Barbara Clarizio Carli Cooper Ann Costello Ted Coyle Christy Cupido Claire Danielson Edwin & Arleen Decker Richard & Leslie Dressler Matt Drury Joel Fine James Foster Lenore Frazier

Spencer Scheidt Joe & Francis Sechler Kathleen Seguin Benn Mary Sinclair Jeff Slosman Sharron St. John Cathy Stevens Michael Stevenson Sam & Julie Stevenson

Peter Krull & Dr. Melissa Booth

Christine Story

Brian & Jessica Laggis

Sara Voelker

Robert & Debbie Lampton

Christine Westfeldt

Rebecca Lance

You-Ying & Andy Whipple

Mary LaVigne

Michael & Becky Wiese

Elizabeth & Jacqueline Lawdley

Rod Wise

Susan & David Leader

Ruth Zweidinger

Beth Lee Andrew Lynch Charles & Barbara McCary Lauren McTigue Maureen Miller Larry Murray Greg & Mary Virginia Overholser Jan Parkinson Steven Perri Kert Phillips Jessica Pistole Plant Family Foundation Don Portwood Robert Prioleau Sarah Rath

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Chuck Scharff & Kimber Kessinger

Gail Underwood

Ric Zeller New Business Members Blue Ridge Aromatics Blackbird Frame and Art Analog Devices Ball Corporation Memorials

In Memory of Jane Hatcher Mary Anglin In Memory of Kay Hultquist Chip & Teri Hultquist Derik Hultquist John & Amy Hultquist Joseph Hultquist Greg & Mary Virginia Overholser James & Katherine Overholser In Memory of David Joerling Will & Tess Joerling In Memory of Audrey Kaiman Ben C. Hole In Memory of Harrell Julian Lewis Tina & Robert Davis In Memory of John Lowndes Sally Long In Memory of Deborah Dyer Neves W. Mills & Nancy Dyer In Memory of Sue Mayes Newhall Susan & Robert King

In Memory of John L. Bones Susan Nugent

In Memory of Preston Sellers Michael & Cynthia Justice

In Memory of Frieda Coleman Richard Coleman

In Memory of Pamela Sizemore Jim Schreiber

In Memory of Jim Crews Mary Crews

In Memory of David Tate Ray & Susan Ellis

In Memory of Robert Neal Culver John Schmid

In Memory of Phyllis C. Zemp Lach Zemp

View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Thank you for your support!

Tributes In honor of Lindsey, Phillip, & Cora Mae Brock Kevin Brock In honor of Tom & Jo Brock Art & Charlotte Ellis In honor of Elizabeth King Brown Jon & Melissa Mather In honor of John Brumit Charles K. Brumit In honor of Elizabeth Cheesborough Charles & Jeanne Cummings In honor of John Cram Neal Reed In honor of Egg, Celene & Fred Emily Ellerbe In honor of Claire Ellington Richard Ellington In honor of Bob Gault Ruth Wells

In honor of Luke, Isla, Claire & Felicity Johnson John & Dee Mason In honor of Malcolm Kendall Charles & Jeanne Cummings

In honor of the wedding of Jessie & Ben Lazarus Karen Fleiss Lynne Gorman Jennifer Harris Eugenie Montaigne Cameron Nelson Mary Lynn Robinson Daniel Siegel

In honor of Jay Leutze Ellen & Rountree Collett Jamie & Elizabeth Kiser In honor of Kenneth Linker Cynthia Wright

In honor of Michael & Leslie Harvey Betty & Fred Gittinger In honor of Sydney Hendry Mason Cummings In honor of Alan & Chrissy Householder Glenda & Darrell Eastridge In honor of Robert Inglis Cailey Gibson

In honor of Bill & Dee Dee Maxwell R. Fielding & Julia Lewis In honor of Laura McCue Charles & Jeanne Cummings In honor of Beth McPherson & Steve Sykes Sharon Stafford In honor of Judy Murray & Tom Gatti Art & Charlotte Ellis In honor of Larry & Susan Newman Art & Charlotte Ellis

Give Monthly – It’s easy!

In honor of Mack Prichard Judy Murray & Tom Gatti In honor of Steve & Amy Quinn Art & Charlotte Ellis

In honor of In honor of Bill Ryan The Kruger Brothers Lee Ryan Judy Murray & Tom Gatti & Nancy Aalberg In honor of Eliana Lang In honor of Jim Schreiber Alex & Kristy Lapidus Norbert

In honor of Popsie Lynch In honor of Andrew Lynch Peter & Polly Gott Judy Murray & Tom Gatti Megan & Todd Johnson In honor of Sue Guerrant Gaye Booth & Vernon Larry Benjamin Lord

In honor of Taylor Pickard Amy Pickard

& Peggy Schneider In honor of Alison & Dave Schuetze Caroline & John Clark In honor of Zane & Rebecca Scott Art & Charlotte Ellis In honor of Dr. & Mrs. R.W. Shelton Dr. & Mrs. John C. Toole In honor of Rachel, Jamie, & Arthur Shelton Kevin Brock In honor of David & Melissa Smith Pat Dunn & Lee Ann Smith Jennie Smith-Pariola In honor of Tom & Vivian Todd Art & Charlotte Ellis In honor of Harry & Pat Turner Art & Charlotte Ellis In honor of Frony Ward & Allan Morgan Sylvia Dry In honor of Thomas Ward Harold & Libby Ward In honor of Dave Werle Starks Financial Group In honor of Rebecca Withrow & Brian Wurst Naomi Slifkin

Johnny Davison, volunteer and monthly donor “I travel a great deal around Western North Carolina and at some point I started to notice how much of our land was being developed. I soon realized I needed to be part of an organization that preserves land for current and future generations. I did a lot of research into all the land trusts in WNC and I chose to become a member of SAHC because of the amazing conservation work they’ve done in areas where I spend most of my time hiking.

It brings me comfort knowing that I’m part of an organization that seeks to protect the mountains I live and play in.”

Being a monthly donor is an easy way to make an ongoing impact in your world. Sign up at Appalachian.org for a monthly commitment that makes sense for you and your budget!

Thank you for your support! | Spring 2018 View from the Highlands | 13

Corporate Partners Mt. Mitchell: $25,000+ Conservation Advisors of NC Waterrock Knob: $15,000+ New Morning Ltd. Salesforce Roan Mountain: $10,000+ Eastman Chemical Company Mast General Store Cold Mountain: $5,000+ Causeway Interactive Heritage Restoration & Construction Highland Brewing Company Parsec Financial Management Big Yellow: $2,500+ Anchor QEA Appalachian Realty Associates Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Kee Mapping & Surveying Norfolk Southern Foundation USA Raft Max Patch: $1,000+ Addison Farms Vineyards Aloft Asheville Downtown Blue Heron Whitewater Duke Energy Foundation East West Capital Eastman Credit Union Equinox Environmental French Broad River Garden Club Google Jubilee! Community McLucas Ventures Network Computer Solutions Recover Brands Romantic Asheville Roberts & Stevens, Attorneys at Law Salvage Station Samsel Architects Second Gear Starks Financial Group Steelcase Foundation Westmoreland & Scully Wildwood Consulting, LLC To become one of our Corporate Partners, contact Cheryl Fowler at cheryl@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 209.

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Corporate Partner Profile: Salvage Station Salvage Station is a riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. We are grateful to the Salvage Station for their commitment to support SAHC at the Corporate Partner level by donating event space for our Appalachian Spring celebration this year!

“We really appreciate what SAHC does,” says Jimi Rentz, co-owner of the Salvage Station. “They are out saving outdoor spaces and that’s something we have been doing here — restoring this area along the river for people to enjoy.

Our relationship fits hand in hand.”

Shop and Dine to Support Conservation!

Land Trust Day/National Trails Day

Saturday, June 2 Each year, in conjunction with National Trails Day, we partner with local businesses and restaurants to raise awareness about the economic impact of conservation on our local communities.

To participate as a Land Trust Day sponsor, contact Cheryl Fowler at 828.253.0095 ext 209 or cheryl@appalachian.org.

We are grateful to these NC and TN businesses who will be donating a percentage of sales on Saturday, June 2!

Donating 20%

Donating 10%

Asheville and Waynesville locations

Donating 5% ART TO WEAR

View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Thank you for your support!

Upco ming Hi kes & Event s :

“All Hands on Deck!” with guest speakers Audrey & Frank Peterman Monday, March 26 at 7 pm Humanities Lecture Hall, UNC Asheville

With the support of Everybody’s Environment (including SAHC), authors Audrey and Frank Peterman will present the keynote address for UNC Asheville’s Spring Greenfest.

Authors of Legacy on the Land and Our True Nature: Finding a Zest for Life in the National Park System, Audrey and Frank Peterman share more than two decades of exploration in our national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. They pioneered efforts to promote these public lands among Americans of color, helping to engage a more diverse cross-section of the country in enjoying and protecting them. Free and open to the public.

Picnic for Public Lands

Saturday, March 31 from 2-5 pm USA Raft Nolichucky Outpost, Erwin, TN Join us for a special TN event, part of a 52-week tour celebrating the public lands that have been protected thanks to funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). We will picnic on the grounds of the USA Raft Outpost on the banks of the Nolichucky River, near the Appalachian Trail.

America’s most important conservation and recreation program, LWCF will expire in less than a year unless Congress acts. For 52 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has protected national parks and open spaces in every corner of the nation.

For directions, visit USARaft.com.

The Future is Now: A New Approach to Land Conservation in a Rapidly Changing Climate Tuesday, April 10 at 5:30 pm The Collider, Asheville, NC

Worldwide, the conservation community is grappling with the challenge of ensuring that natural systems — and the species that depend on them — will have the ability to adapt to climate change and continue to thrive. Fortunately, we know that land protection can increase the chances for natural systems to adapt. SAHC has partnered with the Conservation Trust for NC, Open Space Institute, Wildlands Network, NEMAC, EcoForesters and The Nature Conservancy to develop sophisticated frameworks to identify priorities for resilience.

Our Southern Appalachians have been identified as critical to the path of migration for species from the southeast. We continue to use new data and modeling techniques to build upon our decades of experience in strategic land protection planning. By prioritizing areas adjacent to large protected tracts and creating contiguous networks of conservation lands for wildlife corridors, we continue to create more resilient landscapes.

Join us as we discuss how we are working together with new climate data to create a network of resilient protected lands and why our efforts matter now more than ever. Panel Discussion moderated by SAHC Board President, Jay Leutze.

Free and open to the public. RSVP to Pauline Heyne at pauline@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext. 216.

Connect with Protected Places | Spring 2018 View from the Highlands | 15

“For Love of Beer and Mountains” Stargazer Observatory Event

Wednesday, April 18 at 7 pm Grassland Mountain Observatory, Walnut, NC Enjoy a night of stargazing in honor of Highland Brewing Co.’s new Stargazer White Ale. Protecting land can lessen light pollution and keep the night sky vibrant. In Madison County we have conserved over 3,500 acres, helping to protect dark skies and the visibility of stars from the Grassland Mountain Observatory.

Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the sunset and panoramic views. We will see Venus in the west while learning about the night sky from members of the Astronomy Club of Asheville, including long-time SAHC supporter and conservation landowner Bernie Arghiere. After dark, we will use the observatory’s 16-inch robotic telescope to see stars, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. Near 10 pm the planet Jupiter will rise in the east!

Cost: Free for SAHC members / $10 for non-members Sign up now at Appalachian.org or contact emily@appalachian.org.

Stargazer White Ale Release Party

Appalachian Spring

Thursday, May 31 from 5 - 8 pm Salvage Station, Asheville NC Appalachian Spring is SAHC’s annual membership event. Please join us as we celebrate 44 years of conservation with live music by Daniel Shearin and Friends, and food provided by the Salvage Station.

You won’t want to miss the music! Daniel Shearin is a singer/songwriter who experiments with different textures, instruments, and various “found sounds” to accompany his singing and finger-style guitar.

In 2014, Daniel was a finalist in international, national, and regional songwriting contests including a performance at The Lincoln Center in New York City.

Ticket price includes: Dinner and music. Cash bar.

Tickets In Advance at Appalachian.org:

SAHC Members: $30 | Non-members: $35 Student/Project Power: $20 Child Ages 7 -13: $10 | 6 & under: Free $40 at the door

Thank you to the sponsors for this event!

Friday, April 27 at 4 pm Highland Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Company will donate $1 to SAHC for each pint of their newest seasonal, Stargazer White Ale, poured at the release party. Enjoy free live music starting at 7 pm at this family-friendly event. Staff and volunteers will be onsite to answer questions about our work and sell “For Love of Beer & Mountains” merchandise.

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View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Connect with Protected Places

Wildflower Wednesdays

Mark Your Calendar!

Our Wildflower Wednesday Hike Series showcases the incredible biodiversity in our region. A representative from the WNC Botanical Club will join us on each hike to help identify and learn about the flowers.

Picnic for Public Lands at USA Raft Saturday, March 31 p. 15

Wednesday, April 25 at 11 am Sandy Mush Farming Community Take a guided visit to a conservation easement property where the Pardue family has enjoyed birds and wildflowers since the 1970s. On this hike, the main attractions will be spring wildflowers such as bloodroot, hepatica and spring beauty, and birds such as Blue-headed Vireo and Ovenbird.

The hike will be at elevations of 3,400 to 4,000 feet, providing beautiful vistas. We will walk approx. four miles through woodlands and along primitive trails, with some bushwhacking and occasional steep slopes. To celebrate Earth Month there will be an optional hour of fun volunteer work on this outing, pulling invasive garlic mustard. Cost: Free for SAHC members and afternoon volunteers, $10 for non-members/non-volunteers.

Wednesday, May 30 at 11 am Prices Creek Preserve near Burnsville, NC Bill Popper Memorial Hike Enjoy a wildflower memorial hike to honor our friend Bill Popper and his dedication to preserving the 573-acre property he loved. The hike will take us through forested areas to a nice spot along the creek to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Along the way, we will hopefully see some Purple Turtle Heads blooming and maybe eat some Indian Cucumber. We will hike about four miles with some possible bushwhacking. Cost: Free for SAHC members /$10 non-members Wednesday, June 27 at 11 am Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, TN On the final Wildflower Wednesday Hike we will head to the 693-acre Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, jointly managed by the state of TN and SAHC. This area is known for its incredible biological diversity of plant and animal life. So far, 225 native plant species have been documented in the cove, as well as 78 bird species. We will hike approx. three miles with a few steep sections. Cost: Free for all participants.

To join us for a hike, sign up online now at Appalachian.org or contact Emily Adler at emily@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Speakers Audrey & Frank Peterman at UNC Asheville Spring Greenfest Monday, March 26 p. 15

The Future Is Now: Land Conservation in a Rapidly Changing Climate Tuesday, April 10 p. 15 Farm Workshop: Two-wheel Tractor Thursday, April 12 p. 9 “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Stargazer Observatory Event Wednesday, April 18 p. 16 Community Farm Volunteer Work Day Wednesday, April 18 p. 8 Volunteer Day: Roan Garlic Mustard Pull Saturday, April 21 p. 11 April Wildflower Wednesday Hike Wednesday, April 25 p. 17 “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Stargazer White Release Party Friday, April 27 p. 16 Big Rock Creek Volunteer Work Day w/ Nature Valley & NPCA Saturday, April 28 p. 11 Farm Workshop: Mobile Walk-in Cooler Thursday, May 3 p. 9 May Wildflower Wednesday Hike Wednesday, May 30 p. 17 Appalachian Spring Celebration Thursday, May 31 p. 16 Land Trust Day/National Trails Day Saturday, June 2 p. 14 June Jamboree — Details TBA Saturday, June 9 June Wildflower Wednesday Hike Wednesday, June 27 p. 17 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off July 13-15 p. 11 Roany Boyz & Girlz Weekend July 22-24 p. 11

Connect with Protected Places | Spring 2018 View from the Highlands | 17

2 0 1 7 A nnual Repo r t Letter from the President — Jay Leutze “I was two years old in 1966 when the founders of SAHC began negotiating to purchase the bald summit of Hump Mountain from the family of Oscar Julian. After fourteen years of negotiation, we, along with our partners at the US Forest Service, succeeded in purchasing 1,800 acres, which represented most, but not all, of the acreage the family held. That acquisition made possible a spectacular re-route of the Appalachian Trail along the grassy ridgeline.

Fast forward to a hot spring day in Elizabethton, TN, this past year.

It was thrilling to sit in a law office with Carl Silverstein, Michelle Pugliese, and our AmeriCorps Associate Spencer Sheidt on one side of the table, and the children of Oscar Julian on the other. With a few nervous remarks, but mostly in silence, the attorney passed the papers between the purchaser and the sellers for signature. Deeds were signed, funds transferred. And it was done. On that day we added to SAHC’s legacy in the Highlands of Roan with thae purchase of 324 acres on the Tennessee side of that famed ridgeline. The property had for some years been considered as a “Future Development Phase” of the Windcrest subdivision, but the signatures secured a different future.

Now, as a member of SAHC, you own it. I do. And soon, when and if the Congress acts, the public will own it as part of Cherokee National Forest. This is the work we do. Sometimes it takes years for a family to decide to protect their land with us. But our work lasts forever. And it is always worth the wait.”

What we accomplished together!

Protect We protected 1,876 more acres last year — more than twice the size of Central Park! This includes 17 miles of streams.

Steward You donated 1,860 hours of volunteer labor — eight times as long as the Apollo 11 mission.

Connect Together, we hiked 2,065 miles – the distance of the Oregon Trail.

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Protected sweeping views from the

Appalachian Trail at Hump Mountain.

Protected wildlife habitat adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the nation’s MOST visited national park.

Protected important water resources across the mountains: North Turkey Creek in Sandy Mush, the Weaverville Watershed, Laurel Ridge near the Asheville Watershed and Blue Ridge Parkway, Glade Creek near the Catawba River headwaters, and Roaring Creek Valley in the Higlands of Roan.

Expanded our Big Rock Creek Preserve to connect people with nature.

Managed more than 10 acres of grassy balds and 2 acres of early successional habitat in the Roan.

Engaged more than 1,000 youth and adults through workshops and presentations.

View from the Highlands Spring 2018 | Annual Report

Financial Report

Grants & Supporting Funds

SAHC Assets

2016/2017

2015/2016

Current Assets Cash & Equivalents Receivables Prepaid Expenses Mitigation Credit Total Current Assets

$ 1,988,554 53,707 29,443 167,153 $ 2,238,857

$ 2,105,469 22,978 20,621 23,868 $ 2,172,936

Long-Term Assets Permanently Protected Properties Endowments/Investments Planned Giving Receivable Life Estate Land Assets Property & Equipment Escrow Accounts Trade Lands Total Long-Term Assets

$ 25,745,479 6,750,413 62,575 3,316,289 2,645,417 564,918 54,000 $ 39,139,091

$ 21,678,484 6,295,612 81,479 3,272,064 1,248,005 9,833 54,000 $ 32,639,477

TOTAL ASSETS

$41,377,948

$34,812,413

SAHC Liabilities & Net Assets Total Liabilities $2,049,958 $356,550 Total Net Assets $39,327,990 $34,455,863 TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $41,377,948 $34,812,413 To obtain a copy of the complete SAHC financial statements, please send us a note: 372 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 or email: sahc@appalachian.org

Revenue

$7.5 million

Expenses $2.7 million

Other 9% Grants 16% Program 86% Contributions 75% Includes $4.4 million raised for land and conservation easement purchases for the following fiscal year.

Fundraising 3% General & Management 11% Includes $500,000 for land and conservation easement purchases.

Thank you to the following for providing critical funding for our work.

2017 Calendar Year Appalachian Trail Conservancy — $1,300 for Golden-winged Warbler habitat management, $1,035 for educational kiosk posters at Carvers Gap, and $5,000 for a Seasonal Roan Naturalist.

Community Foundation of WNC — $29,500 from Food and Farming focus grants to support our Farmer Incubator Program and $16,000 to support WNC Farmlink.

NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources — Clean Water Management Trust Fund grants for $425,000 for land acquisition in Roaring Creek Valley, $275,000 for conservation easement purchase on the Weaverville Watershed, and $380,000 for conservation easement purchase on the Marshall Watershed.

NC Department of Agriculture & Conservation Services — $27,156 for an agricultural conservation easement at Rush Fork Farm.

Southwestern RC & D — $6,000 from a TVA Agriculture Energy Grant for solar panels at our Community Farm.

Triskeles Foundation — $1,000 from the Hearth Arts & Environment Fund, for operations.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program — We are in the second year administering a $600,000 grant awarded to SAHC, the Organic Growers School and WNC Farmlink to continue developing Farm Pathways: Integrating Farmer Training with Land Access.

Blue Ridge Forever Dept. of Justice Environmental Enhancement Grants — $120,317 to support the administration of the Blue Ridge Forever coalition and conservation projects of member organizations.

Merck Family Fund — $25,000 from a 2-year grant to support the coalition.

Z. Smith Reynolds — $20,000 from a 2-year grant to support the coalition.

Annual Report | Spring 2018 View from the Highlands | 19

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Asheville, NC Permit No. 460

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

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Have you considered including SAHC in your estate planning?

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

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

Your Legacy...

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

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