View from the Highlands, Winter 2017-18 by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

View

from the Highlands

43 Years Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains 2017-18 Winter Issue

Hikers overlooking Roaring Creek Valley and the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area Photo by Travis Bordley

Conserving Mountains • Farms • Streams • Habitat

Welcome! New Team Members Jess Laggis

Office

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

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

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

Staff Carl Silverstein Kristy Urquhart Michelle Pugliese Jess Laggis Hanni Muerdter Marquette Crockett Sarah Sheeran Cheryl Fowler Lisa Fancher Angela Shepherd Pauline Heyne Chris Link Lauren McTigue Anona Miller Cate Jaffe Emily Adler Trey Talley Michelle Durr

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

Farmland Protection Director Jess is a native of Swannanoa who grew up on the campus of Warren Wilson College and enjoyed roaming the nearby mountains. She earned a BS in neuroscience and a BA in Spanish from Furman University in 2006. Her strong sense of adventure led her to hike the southern half of the Appalachian Trail, study and work abroad in farflung places, and return home to farm in these mountains. Jess joins our staff after serving almost 3 years as the Director of the Blue Ridge Forever land trust coalition. She is leading our efforts to conserve farmland.

Lauren McTigue

Connecting People with Land Associate Lauren joined our team to manage facilities on conservation properties and help advance our goal of ‘Connecting People with Land.’ Formerly from New Jersey, she made the move to Asheville to put down roots and is excited to share her passion for conservation. Lauren previously served as the Outreach and Agriculture Coordinator with Grow It Green in Morristown NJ. She brings with her years of experience in Ecotourism, environmental education, and program development.

Where We Work Appalachian Trail Highlands Countryside of Roan French Black Broad River Mountains Smoky Mountains Valley

Balsam Mountains Our six conservation focus areas cover ten counties in NC and TN.

Letter from the

Director Thank you for an exceptional year! Wrapping up 2017, we have many reasons to celebrate — including protecting hundreds more acres of habitat, scenic views and pristine waterways, from the Highlands of Roan to the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (p. 4-7). Our conservation efforts benefit a wide variety of species and support recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors in the mountains of NC and TN. Did you know that golden eagles make their winter homes in these mountains? (p. 12-13) Getting outside is the best way to connect with the places we protect. We hope you will join us for upcoming winter hikes and educational outings early next year (p. 16-17). We look forward major accomplishments on behalf of conservation that we have underway for 2018. Thank you for making it possible! Carl Silverstein Executive Director

Highlights: • L and Protection

Updates (p. 4-7 )

• Our Community Farm (p. 8-9) • Conservation in Action Important Bird Areas Roan Field Journal Golden Eagles AmeriCorps Alumni (p.10-14 ) • Partnerships in the Business Community (p. 15) • Connecting People with Land Upcoming Events (p. 16-17) • Members’ Corner Tributes & Memorials (p. 18-19 ) For stories and upcoming event announcements between printed issues of the View from the Highlands, please visit us at

Appalachian.org,

Carl, third from left, on a Sandy Mush community hike this fall.

The mission of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for the benefit of present and future generations. We achieve this by forging and maintaining long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies, owning and managing land and encouraging healthy local communities. | 3

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Highlands of Roan Focus Area

Upper Roaring Creek Valley We purchased 142 acres in Upper Roaring Creek valley to protect clean mountain streams and habitat for native trout and other wildlife. These three contiguous properties in Avery County contain a portion of Roaring Creek and its tributaries and forested upland slopes adjoining Pisgah National Forest. “It is simply magical,” says Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett. “If I were a Hellbender, this is the stream I would want to live in.” Roaring Creek is characterized by its exceptional water quality.

“This is one of the most incredible stretches of mountain stream,” explains Crockett. “From a biological standpoint, Roaring Creek is one of the most productive native trout streams in the state. It feeds into the North Toe River, which is home to endangered species like the Appalachian Elktoe mussel.” Because of its exceptional water resources, SAHC applied for a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to purchase the land. The property Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

“This project was essentially about the water and the watershed — a high priority for conservation on a big scale,” says Crockett.

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Upper Roaring Creek Valley

New SAHC purchase Other SAHC preserves/conservation easements State of NC land US Forest Service land The Nature Conservancy – Big Yellow Mtn 4 | 2017-18 Wi

was a good fit for the Trust Fund’s priorities since it includes upper Roaring Creek, a high-quality native brook trout stream designated by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund supported the acquisition, which will protect aquatic habitats of the Nolichucky/Cane/ Protecting clean water also protects habitat for salamanders Toe Rivers Conservation Area. This and native trout. river system includes at-risk aquatic mountain for future generations. This species like the Eastern Hellbender and Federally Endangered species such as the is my heritage, and no one can possibly know how much this place means to me.” Appalachian Elktoe mussel.

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Conservation of the mountainous land protects habitat for birds and other animals, and scenic views. Rising to an elevation of 4,700 ft, the forested acreage can be seen from public recreation areas in the Roan, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Approximately one third of the land lies within the Audubon Society’s Roan Mountain Important Bird Area (IBA). “The land has been in my family close to 100 years,” said Chris Hughes, one of the former landowners. “I believe SAHC will preserve what to me is a sacred

Fred and Alice Stanback matched the grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund with a generous contribution that made it possible for SAHC to purchase these tracts. The 142-acre acquisition expands on decades of conservation efforts across the Roaring Creek Valley area.

The forested slopes provide habitat for a variety of species.

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S We plan to create a short nature trail on the property next spring. Watch for volunteer updates!

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

Big Rock Creek III

We recently purchased 21 wooded acres just south of the TN border in Mitchell County, which helps connect our existing Big Rock Creek Preserve with Pisgah National Forest. “This is another Roan success story that protects habitat for birds and native trout – with the added benefit of providing access and educational opportunities for connecting people with land,” says Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett.

in the surrounding communities to visit this property for educational opportunities,” said Crockett.

We are grateful to Brad and Shelli Stanback for making a generous gift that made this acquisition possible.

Elevations on the property rise up to 3,720 feet, providing important habitat for higher elevation species.

We plan to create a short nature trail on the property next spring, and will be hosting a volunteer work day in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association. Look for details in future announcements!

“The tract contains mature forest that provides excellent bird habitat for neotropical migratory warblers,” added Crockett. “Some migratory songbirds prefer early successional habitat, but many species need mature, old forest like this — including Hermit thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Headwater streams on the property flow into Big Rock Creek. Black-throated Green Warbler, and Ovenbird.” The tract contains headwater streams The tract contains mature forest habitat favored by some migratory songbirds. that flow into Big Rock Creek, designated as Trout Waters by the NC Division of Environmental Quality. Located less than a mile from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Appalachian Trail (AT), it adjoins our Big Rock Creek Preserve and shares over 1,700 feet of boundary with Pisgah National Big Rock Creek Forest. Our purchase of the property Preserve Hughes Gap will help protect a buffer for the AT and could eventually provide access to the Trail from our Big Rock Creek Preserve through Pisgah National Forest. “We look forward to allowing schools, scouts, and other groups

New SAHC purchase

Other SAHC preserve

US Forest Service land

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Smoky Mountains Focus Area

Stevens Creek

We recently purchased 147 acres at Stevens Creek, a quiet cove on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The acquisition permanently protects important habitat and water resources near the remote Cataloochee Valley area of the park. The property contains open habitat — places for elk, deer, turkey and other wildlife to live and eat. “Wrapped on three sides by publicly owned land, this pocket of prime forest and open pasture habitat will remain undeveloped for future generations,” says Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “The acquisition presents a wonderful opportunity for SAHC to deepen our connection to America’s most visited national park.” Located at the northern end of Cataloochee Ridge in Haywood County, the Stevens Creek land shares over 7,000 feet of boundary with a portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that serves as a key wildlife corridor for rare and threatened species. SAHC and its partners at the National Parks Waterville Lake

Stevens Creek

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

New SAHC purchase Other SAHC protected land Conservation Association, the US Forest Service land Wilderness NationalSociety Park land and the Rocky 6 | 2017 Fa

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Mountain Elk Foundation considered the tract a high conservation priority because of its location and exceptional habitat. “Protecting this land is critical for the elk, black bear and other animals moving in and out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Jeffrey Hunter, Southeast regional program manager for National Parks Conservation Association. “Wildlife aren’t aware of park boundaries and protecting lands adjacent to the Great Smokies provides protection for the animals, and creates corridors for them to move freely. This land acquisition is a critical step in preserving the biodiversity of this special region.”

know that this land adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be forever protected and managed as an opening, habitat that many of our Smoky Mountain critters need. Our hats are off to SAHC for making this happen.” Conservation of the Stevens Creek property also protects water quality. Three miles of streams flow across the tract and eventually drain into Waterville Lake, a popular boating, angling, and recreation site in the Pigeon River watershed.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been ranked as America’s most visited national park for more than a decade, with over 11.3 million recreation visits reported last year. Designated an International Biosphere Our purchase of the property provides a buffer along the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reserve and World Heritage Site, the park contains exceptional biological diversity with 10,000 known species of “Conservation of the Stevens Creek plants and animals. tract benefits both wildlife and recreational users of these rugged “Elk, turkey, deer and other wildlife mountain areas,” adds Silverstein. need a place to live and something “We are very grateful to Brad and to eat,” said Kim Delozier, Rocky Shelli Stanback for making a generous Mountain Elk Foundation’s gift that made this land acquisition Conservation Program Manager for the Eastern US. “It’s exciting to possible.”

L a n d P r o t e c t i o n U P D AT E S Conserving Forests Protects Water Quality

This forested 149-acre tract overlooks North Turkey Creek in the Sandy Mush area.

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

North Turkey Creek

We purchased 149 acres in North Turkey Creek valley in Buncombe County, adding to a contiguous block of protected lands in the Sandy Mush community. The acquisition protects wildlife corridors and headwater streams that flow into North Turkey Creek in the French Broad River watershed. “This tract adjoins the extensive network of lands protected by SAHC in Sandy Mush,” says Michelle Pugliese, SAHC’s land protection director. “It is surrounded by several tracts of land we protected between 1995 and 2011.”

North Turkey Creek New SAHC purchase Other SAHC protected land Located in the Newfound Mountains, the North Turkey Creek tract rises to an elevation of 4,300 feet. Lands at or above 4,000 ft tend to reflect

greater incidences of rare species and ecological communities. Streams originating on the upper slopes of the property flow into North Turkey Creek, a main stem of Turkey Creek. Altogether, we have protected more than 10,000 acres in the vicinity of Sandy Mush, including family farms, the Long Branch Environmental Education Center, and public lands of the Sandy Mush Game Lands. We’ve worked since the early 1990s to secure a network of green corridors for wildlife habitat and movement. Protecting contiguous tracts of undeveloped land also helps protect water quality. “We are grateful to Brad and Shelli Stanback for their generous gift that made this acquisition possible,” said Executive Director Carl Silverstein. “We plan to own the property for the long term as a nature preserve to protect water quality, forest health, biodiversity, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty.”

Streams and other aquatic environments share an intimate link with surrounding terrestrial ecosystems. Accordingly, the composition of the surrounding landscape has a substantial impact on both water quality and stream habitats. Loss of forests can lead to a variety of changes to the physical and chemical properties of aquatic ecosystems, in turn effecting the natural biological communities. Removal of trees and native riparian vegetation eliminates root networks that retain soil adjacent to streams, leading to bank erosion and the accumulation of harmful sediment on stream beds. Roots also aid in the retention Conserving natural forested and filtration landscapes protects water quality. of pollutants. Shade provided by these plants is critical in maintaining cooler water temperatures optimal for many species, including native brook trout. Deforestation also eliminates leaves and terrestrial insects, key food sources for stream invertebrates and fishes. There are a number of ways to help mitigate impacts of landscape alterations — such as planting trees and native riparian vegetation or using materials pervious to precipitation. Nevertheless, the preservation of natural forested landscapes is critical to maintaining the integrity of streams and associated biological communities. Contributed by volunteer Patrick Ciccotto, Ph.D., NC State University

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

FBRA boys put in water bars on the trail. Photo by K. Brannan, Asheville Chapter of the Carolina Nature Photographers Association

The French Broad River Academy (FBRA) has a long-standing partnership in performing service work with SAHC. This fall both the FBRA boys and girls participated in service learning hours to make our Community Farm healthier and more successful. The spirited 6th and 7th grade girls came out to the farm on two separate days in November. The 7th graders sang and danced while they worked in the shortleaf pine restoration area, prepared garden beds, and strung up a caterpillar tunnel. The 6th graders wrote a news article about their workday in the vegetable garden.

FBRA girls assisted in shortleaf pine project.

FBRA boys created four water bars on our Discovery Trail and seeded the stream restoration area and sides of the trail system with native grasses for slope stabilization, to protect water quality. We are grateful for all the work the FBRA students have put in at our Community Farm! 8 | 2017-18 Wi

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Community Farm Updates

FBRA volunteers assist farmers in our greenhouse.

From Kudzu to Cover Crops

Our Community Farm continues to serve as a model of balancing agricultural production with environmental responsibility while providing educational opportunities to diverse groups.

Farmer Incubator Program

nation owned and operated by land trust staff. Our geographic location in the Will Salley and Savannah Salley of mountains, diversification of agricultural Headwaters Market Garden use a unique enterprises, environmental focus, and French method of bio-intensive vegetable emphasis on public education also set our production on small acreage. Currently program apart. Land access remains one of in their first year of full-time farming, the biggest hurdles faced by farmers, and they have wholesale and as a land trust with a history of successful farmland preservation we are well situated restaurant accounts. They to help address these challenges. will return to Of Goats and Kudzu the downtown This year Asheville City we again Market in partnered the Spring, to with KD host a booth Ecological Will, of Headwaters Market Garden on Saturday Services mornings. Next year, they plan to expand to rotate a their operation with mushroom and egg herd of goats production. through

Sharing Our Work

At the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s Sustainable Agriculture Conference — a regional conference for NC & SC — our Community Farm and Food Associate Chris Link and farmer Will Salley participated in a panel discussion about farm incubator programs. Our Farmer Incubator Program is one of only two such programs in the

3-4 acres of the farm, removing invasive kudzu and brush to help return a portion of the farm to productive pasture. This year we split up the herd and rotated more frequently, at strategic times of growth for invasives, to test new methods for efficiency. These charismatic, friendly goats are always a hit with volunteers and visitors! Friendly goats munch through kudzu.

O u r C O M M U N I T Y FA R M Valeria Watson attended our Tractor 101 for Women and then offered her property as the case study for our Whole Farm Planning Workshop

Bringing the Community to the Farm

Farmer Education Workshops Throughout the year we host a series of educational workshop covering a variety of topics, which serve as a resource for our Incubator Farmers and other members of the community.

Danielle leads the Tractor 101 for Women workshop outside our education center.

Tractor 101 for Women Our first tractor operation and maintenance workshop specifically for women was a hit! Led by local farmer Danielle Hutchison of Beacon Village Farm, the workshop provided a safe environment for women to learn how to maintain and use tractors on their farms. Attendees ranged from college students to retirees — including apprentices, landowners, and growers who sell at local markets. The group actively discussed safety and tractor maintenance, with lots of hands-on interaction. “This workshop gave women an opportunity to learn about an area of agriculture that has typically not been accessible or welcoming,” said Suzanna Denison, workshop attendee and director of WNC FarmLink

(SAHC’s Farm Pathways partner). “There is often an assumption that women in agriculture will be doing things other than operating machinery. Farm education in tractor and heavy machine operation has historically been limited for women.” Danielle led the class in an overview of personal protective gear and safety practices, then demonstrated the procedure for starting a tractor (clutch, brake, gears) and standard safety procedures on and around a tractor during operation. She also talked about maintenance of the tractor engine, hydraulic system, coolant, steering fluids, filters, etc., and explained how different implements attach to the tractor. We plan to host a follow-up and similar workshop in 2018.

Whole Farm Planning For the second year, we led a Whole Farm Planning workshop to introduce current and prospective landowners to tools and planning resources for analyzing site potential of a tract and creating productive designs. This year, we used the property of

local landowner and artist Valeria Watson of the Zamani Refuge African Culture Center as a case study. Prior to the workshop, Chris visited the property to gather site information and photos, and to get an idea of Valeria’s goals for the land. During the workshop, he demonstrated how to use tools like Google Earth and publicly accessible county GIS systems to create a base map. Then, we used the collected data to do a site analysis

Valeria reviews the site analysis and conceptual design for her property during our Farm Planning Workshop.

and create a conceptual design for the property. Although this case study design was for a homestead tract, the workshop empowered attendees to have the confidence to plan for their own farm operations.

We are currently planning for our 2018 Farmer Education Workshop Series. Check our website and e-News for updates, or contact Chris Link at chris@appalachian.org to join our list. 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.

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Improving Infrastructure for Water Quality

[Re]Connecting Aquatic Habitat Just upstream from our new conservation lands on Roaring Creek (discussed on page 4 of this newsletter), we partnered with Trout Unlimited to replace an outdated, under-sized culvert at our Elk Hollow Preserve with a new ecologically friendly bridge. “The culvert acted as a barrier to brook trout and other cold water aquatic species as they moved up and down stream,” said Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett. “In addition, wash-over after heavy rains dumped sediment and gravel into the stream.” With this restoration, more than 4 miles of high quality streams have been reconnected so fish and other aquatic wildlife can move freely, and water quality is much improved. We are extremely grateful to Trout Unlimited, the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund, Wildlands Engineering, and Baker Construction for their hard work on this project.

Audubon Important Bird Areas

Conservation for the Birds You may have read about Audubon Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in our land protection updates, and wondered ‘why is that important?’ IBAs are part of a global initiative to identify, monitor, and protect sites critical for the conservation of birds. As the U.S. partner for BirdLife International, Audubon leads efforts across the nation to map and monitor IBAs, and they work with 19 international partners to coordinate efforts throughout the Western Hemisphere. Depending on criteria, IBAs can be designated for state, continental, or global importance. They help set sciencebased priorities for habitat conservation. “These are places that are known to provide essential habitat for one or more species of birds at some time during their annual cycle of breeding, migrating or wintering,”

IBAs are places crucial for: • Threatened or endangered birds • Species concentrated in one habitat type • Species with small ranges • Large groups of birds 10 | 2017-18 Wi

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says Curtis Smalling, Director of Conservation for Audubon NC. “Designations are based on data driven population levels of priority species.”

Map: IBAs across our service area, from Audubon.org Global Priority Continental Priority State Priority

Maps and information about IBAs in NC and TN help us make decisions about conservation priorities and habitat management. Our 10-county service area includes IBAs with state, continental, and global priority. For example, one-third of our recently purchased Roaring Creek land is covered by the Roan Mountain IBA. According to Audubon, the Roan IBA is one of NC’s most important sites for Northern Sawwhet Owls and one of the most significant sites in the southern Appalachians for Magnolia Warbler. Other key species in

this area include: Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Red Crossbill, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Veery, Canada Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet. “IBAs include public lands, land trust conservation lands, and land owned or managed by private citizens,” continues Smalling. “The IBA program is not a regulatory initiative and places no restriction on land use or activities. Audubon staff work with managers of IBAs to support bird and habitat monitoring, habitat management, and education and advocacy efforts focused on birds.”

For more info, visit: www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas

C o n s e r v a t io n

On the Roan

Field Journal

with Marquette Cro ckett, Roan Steward ship Director

Many of us are aware of the plethora of feat hered friends who make the Highlan ds of Roan their home in spring and summer. The place is literally flickering with color and life! However, ma ny of the most rarely se en and exciting bird sp ecies found in the Ro an are actually spotted du ring the colder months of the year. During fall migration, a parade of warblers Marquette enjoys birdin share the area g any time of year. with birds like Americ an Woodcock and the occasional American Pi pit or Horned Lark. As fall gives way to brilliant, snowy winter mornings, you mi ght spot a Raven puttin g on an aerobatic perf ormance in the blue sky or even taking a snow bath. Ro an’s high elevation open areas have been docume nted as important winter hunti ng grounds for Golden Eagle. Occasionally the balds also serve as habitat for Snow Bunti ngs, uncommon visitors from the Arcti c. In the spruce-fir fo rest, you might be Snow Bunting lucky enough to see a Red Crossbill using th eir distinctive “X” shaped beak to feed on spruce cones, or yo u may find a mixed fora ging flock of Dark-e yed Juncos, Red-breasted Nuthatch , and Golden-crowned Kinglet. In late winter , Saw-whet Owls found only in the highest elevatio ns - begin their breedi ng season. You may he ar their distinctive “w hetstone” call as they move thro ugh the spruce-fir fore st in search of a mate . As winter snows me lt, listen closely for the burblin g sound of Winter Wre n - a harbinger of spr ing! The incredible biodive rsity of the Highlands of Roan make it an ex citing and lively place to bird no matter what th e season. Put on your lay ers, pack up your binoc ulars, and get outside!

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Researching Golden Eagle Wintering Grounds

A Golden Opportunity

Recent research conducted by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reveals that the Southern Appalachians may be an important wintering ground for Golden Eagles, once considered rare visitors to the mountains of NC and TN. As part of the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group, NCWRC set up camera trap stations across Western NC through Golden Eagles are characterized by the mantle of golden feathers the winters of 2013, 2014 and 2015. They also captured and released from the crest of head to the nape of the neck. Populations in five Golden Eagles fitted with GPS transmitters. Their research casts an the eastern US are smaller and less well-documented than their intriguing new light on these magnificent birds. western counterparts. Photo credit C. Kelly

The Golden Eagle may not be the first species that springs to mind when you think about migratory avian visitors to the Southern Appalachians. But thanks to a series of regional research studies, we are gaining new understanding about the presence of these majestic raptors in our mountains.

The camera-trapping stations were baited with meat for the eagles to scavenge, secured to the ground with steel rebar. Photo credit NCWRC

Following a standardized survey format so their research could be combined with others in the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group, the NCWRC set up 26 camera trap stations across WNC to study the occurrence and distribution of migrating Golden Eagles. They used fresh road kill as bait for the birds to scavenge, secured to the ground by steel rebar so that motion-activated cameras could capture clear photos. Over the course of three winters of data collection (2013-15), the team documented Golden Eagles at 17 camera trapping stations in 16 counties and collected tens of thousands of images. At Unaka Mountain alone they captured 1,200 Golden Eagle photos!

“This is a very shy, secretive bird,” says Christine Kelly, Wildlife Diversity Biologist with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). “Although large, the Golden Eagle is reclusive and dwells in remote areas — such that we didn’t have a good idea of its behavior and occurrence in our area until now.”

“For the camera stations, we chose small clearings on hilltops, surrounded by trees where the birds could perch,” explains Kelly. “They need to have enough space to swoop down and take off. Some of these stations were in very remote wooded areas, places difficult to access in the winter. We were hopeful we’d get one bird on camera, and it

Primary Threats to Golden Eagles • Collision with ridge-top wind turbines in their migratory path • Lead poisoning, from scavenging animals killed with lead shot • Accidental capture in foothold traps used by fur trappers 12 | 2017-18 Wi

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turned out we saw a lot more.” The camera trap study demonstrates that these mountains may be an important over-wintering area for Golden Eagles. Trish Miller and Mike Lanzone, consulting research biologists experienced with rocket netting techniques, captured five eagles. The two male and three female birds were fitted with lightweight GPS trackers which reveal more details about their movements. “In SAHC’s service area, we can tell that all the GPS-tagged birds spent time in Mitchell County, and one male spent a lot of time in the Roan and Unaka,” says Kelly. “They often roost on a forested hilltop above an open area like a farm.”

Researchers used wing and tail markings to differentiate eagles caught on camera. Juveniles have solid brown wings and white at the base of the tail. Sub-adults and adults have varying degrees of mottled markings on their wings and tail. Photo credit NCWRC

C o n s e r v at i o n I N A C T I O N Cherokee — An Eagle’s Tale

NCWRC researchers worked with a professional team to safely capture five eagles with rocket nets. The eagles were outfitted with GPS transmitters to collect additional data. At 14.3 pounds, the female “Cheoah” (held above by former NCWRC technician Kevin Parker and research biologist Mike Lanzone) was the largest Golden Eagle ever captured in eastern US. She was 15 years old when caught on Nolton Ridge near Cheoah Bald. Photo credit C.Kelly

After winter, the Golden Eagles return to nesting grounds in Canada, as far away as northern Quebec. With the data-collection process complete, efforts now focus on the monumental task of analyzing and looking for patterns to inform conservation, public education, and habitat management efforts. As a result of this regional camera trapping effort, seven more eastern states have now listed the Golden Eagle as priority species in their State Wildlife Action Plans. “We are analyzing the results and trying to determine how we can use this information to help the species,” continues Kelly. “It’s great to fill in the knowledge gaps – the biology and distribution of the group. But then what do we do with what we learned? We want to use these collected data to benefit the species. One way is to protect the forested areas where the birds roost in the winter, and this is where conservation organizations like SAHC come in — looking at priorities for land protection.” Golden Eagles detected at camera trap station No eagles detected at camera trap station Counties where Golden Eagles were detected Piedmont Foothills NW mountains central mountains SW mountains

NCWRC Map: Locations of 26 camera trap stations and summary of Golden Eagles detected

Captured and tagged near dusk at Unaka Mountain in 2015, Cherokee broke the record for the largest Golden Eagle captured in the Eastern US (13.6 lbs). The very next day, the NCWRC team broke that record again, with the capture of a Cherokee, captured at Unaka 14.3 lbs female nicknamed “Cheoh” Mountain. Photo credit C.Kelly in southwestern NC. Since then, four of the GPS units on birds tagged by the team have stopped transmitting; only Cherokee’s unit continues to send data — and it paints an impressive picture. She winters in the mountains of NC and TN, spending a lot of time in Cherokee National Forest and down by the Nolichucky River. She has even been tracked on our Lost Cove property (which is now part of Pisgah National Forest). In spring, she migrates north along the Appalachians to the Adirondack Mountains before crossing into Quebec and winging north to her nesting grounds in northern Labrador & Newfoundland — about 1,700 miles away! Cherokee particularly favors a portion of Cherokee National Forest land managed by prescribed burning, prompting researchers to ask “What is she doing there? What draws her to this place?” Analyzing GPS data from the transmitters, researchers hope to gain better understanding about the behavior of Golden Eagles and find ways to benefit the species. For example, knowing more about Telemetry research specialist what they are hunting and where Mike Lanzone with Cherokee. could lead to management activities Photo credit C.Kelly that help their prey.

NCWRC Maps: (Left) Data from Cherokee’s GPS transmitter shows her yearly range, from wintering in the Southern Appalachians to nesting in northern Labrador & Newfoundland. (Right) Example of Cherokee’s movements and wintering sites around the Unaka Mountains and Nolichucky River.

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C o n s e r v at i o n I N A C T I O N Land and Water Conservation Fund

Where Are They Now?

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is set to expire in 2018 unless Congress acts to renew it. “Because LWCF does not use tax dollars and because the program enjoys wide bipartisan support, we’re hoping the Congress will reauthorize the fund before it expires in September,” says Board of Trustees President Jay Leutze. “Hopefully members of Congress will come together to support this popular program that has impacted nearly every county in the country over the last 52 years.” The LWCF has provided critical funding to secure public lands, Nolichucky River, Lost Cove including protection of the majestic 10,000-acre Rocky Fork watershed. This year, because of the LWCF, we were able to transfer the Lost Cove inholding to Pisgah National Forest and the Rice Creek tract to Cherokee National Forest. “NC has several notable champions in our delegation who continue to press for reauthorization and funding,” continues Leutze. “Senator Richard Burr is the lead Republican in the Congress pushing for the program, while Congressman Patrick McHenry, whose district includes many parks and part of Pisgah National Forest, is a cosponsor of the House bill to reauthorize the program. Congressman David Price, who was born near SAHC’s Rocky Fork project, is a long-term champion for land and water conservation, including, specifically, the Appalachian Trail.” Please ask your legislators to support renewing and fully funding the LWCF. 14 | 2017-18 Wi

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AmeriCorps Alumni

Our AmeriCorps service members provide critical capacity for our program work while gaining on-the-job training and experience to launch careers in conservation and other environmental fields. Former AmeriCorps service members have gone on to secure successful positions across the nation.

Jamie Ervin, SAHC AmeriCorps service member from 2011-2013. Currently, we host five AmeriCorps service members (four through Project Conserve and one from the Conservation Trust for NC’s AmeriCorps Program). Since 2004, we have hosted 37 AmeriCorps members for 11-month service terms, nine of whom went on to complete double terms with us. When we followed up to see what our AmeriCorps alumni are doing now, we found that 91% are currently employed in jobs supporting the environment. Of those, 58% have stayed in our local area. Listening to their stories, we heard that the AmeriCorps program made a significant impact in their lives, as well as the communities they serve. “I emailed SAHC out of the blue in the spring of 2011, offering to volunteer after seeing a marker celebrating the conservation easement on Hemphill Bald in the Smokies,” recalls Jamie Ervin. “At that time, I was searching for meaning in post-college life, and SAHC’s mission and connection to places that I cared about resonated strongly with me. Clicking ‘send’ on that email proved to be a good decision. Several months as a volunteer progressed into two years of service. Working as an AmeriCorps

member shaped me as a conservationist and helped me channel my passion for nature into something tangible and meaningful. Since then, I’ve carried the inspiration from those years into conservation work all over the country. I’ve surveyed sub-alpine birds in Wyoming, helped protect red-cockaded woodpeckers in the Deep South, studied forest carbon in the mid-Atlantic, hung Christmas lights on an extended rock climbing trip in California, and completed two masters degrees at the University of Vermont and Vermont Law School. I’m currently in California working as a community organizer for forest conservation issues in the Sierra Nevada. Without the AmeriCorps program, none of this would have been possible, and I’ll be forever grateful for the experience and friendships that I found at SAHC.”

Jamie is currently employed as Campaign Organizer for Sierra Forest Legacy in California.

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.

Pa r t n e r s h i p s i n t h e B U S I N E S S C O M M U N I T Y Helping Out on the Farm

Aloft Downtown Asheville Thank you to the team of volunteers from Aloft Downtown Asheville who came out to work on our Community Farm in October. This energetic crew arrived ready to get their boots dirty and do some good! They helped our Headwaters Aloft staff volunteers had fun in the garden! Market Garden incubator farmers harvest carrots, beets and kale, wrapping up summer production in the fields and preparing to transition to cold-weather operations. “The Aloft staff volunteers arrived eager to work and very excited to be productive,” said Community Farm & Food Associate Chris Link. “They were very interested in fresh local food and wanted to make an impact. Their service made a big difference for our Incubator Program farmers.” The group lightened the work load with their strong sense of humor. They harvested veggies, did bed preparation for winter production, pulled weeds, spread compost, and helped ready our greenhouses for growing cold-weather greens. Aloft Downtown Asheville General Manager David McCartney even tried Aloft Downtown Asheville General his hand Manager David McCartney breaks up with the BCS compacted soil with a broadfork. tractor and broadfork (a manual tool with strong tines used to break up soil without inverting it).

Some volunteers helped harvest veggies to make way for cold-weather production.

“We had an awesome experience today,” said David. “Thank you so much for letting the Aloft team be part of something really special. SAHC does amazing work and the farm is just as amazing.” We are grateful to Aloft Downtown Asheville for supporting SAHC as a Corporate Partner, and to their staff for choosing our Community Farm for their monthly service project. We appreciate the time, effort, energy and go-get-it attitude from these volunteers!

Other volunteers assisted with bed preparation.

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

Connecting PEOPLE WITH L AND Southern Sixer Challenge

“For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership Southern Sixer Release Party

Date: Friday, Jan. 12 | Time: 4 - 9 pm Where: Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC

How do you earn your badge? Hike six of the 40+ peaks topping 6,000 ft. elevation in the Southern Appalachians, and then fill out the online form on our website to let us know you’ve met the Challenge.

Join us for the first “For Love of Beer & Mountains” seasonal release of 2018! Highland Brewing Company will donate $1 from each pint of Southern Sixer IPA sold during the release party. As one of our Corporate Partners, their support helps protect the mountains and rivers which make our area so special. The Southern Sixer IPA is named for the 40+ mountains in the Southern Appalachians that rise to elevations over 6,000 ft. Enjoy free, live music from 7-9 pm at this family-friendly event. SAHC staff will host a table to answer questions about our land protection work, and we will have conservation merchandise for sale. Come see us!

Visit: Appalachian.org/hikes-andevents/southernsixer

Southern Sixer Kickoff Hike

Congrats to all the folks who have successfully bagged six peaks to earn their Southern Sixer badge! If you haven’t completed your hikes, you still have time. We will continue the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge in 2018.

If you have questions, please contact Emily@appalachian.org.

“I climbed Mount Mitchell from top to bottom with two of my friends and my dog. We had a blast. It was a challenging climb, but very doable. I think out of all of us, my dog had the best time. I have never seen her so happy and excited before - and to think I was nervous about her going on such a long hike. This is our first Southern Sixer and we hope to complete them all!” ~ Kayla Murphy 16 | 2017-18 Wi

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Date: Saturday, Jan. 13 | Time: 9 am | Where: Highlands of Roan Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (7) | Cost: FREE for all participants Join us on a classic hike with a winter twist! This Southern Sixer Kickoff Hike, offered as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, is an adventure through the Highlands of Roan. We will follow the Appalachian Trail through spectacular spruce-fir forests, beginning at Carvers Gap. Our trek will climb two Southern Sixers: Roan High Knob (elevation 6,286 ft) and Roan High Bluff (6,267 ft). Along the way we will pass the highest elevation shelter on the AT and the site of the old Cloudland Hotel. This winter hike may even have beautiful snowy views into NC and TN! Please be prepared for cold weather hiking, as temperatures in the upper elevations of the Roan can be much colder than in surrounding areas. Weather on the Roan can also change dramatically in a short period of time. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

Connecting PEOPLE WITH L AND Hemlock Restoration Hike

Date: Saturday, Jan. 20 | Time: 10 am | Where: Fairview Farming Community Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5-6) | Cost: FREE for members/$10 non Thom Green, Hemlock Restoration Initiative Outreach Associate, will co-lead a hike to explore beautiful stands of Carolina hemlocks in the Fairview Farming Community, where SAHC has helped protect over 1,300 acres of forest and historic farmland. We will learn about Carolina hemlock ecosystems, the hemlock woolly adelgid, and current options and efforts to control the adelgid. We will begin with a short walk to a large stand of hemlocks where we will first discuss the hemlock woolly adelgid and mitigation options. We will then travel to Hickory Nut Gap on the Eastern Continental Divide and traverse several SAHC conservation easements, giving hikers a chance to learn about our land protection work in the area and see more hemlocks. We will be rewarded with scenic views from Ferguson Peak and Rocky Point along the way.

Save the Date! Check Appalachian.org for future updates AT Countryside Conservation Focus Area Feature Hike

Date: Saturday, February 10 Our Conservation Focus Area Feature hike series highlights the six distinctive geographic regions where we work. Explore one of SAHC’s signature protected properties and learn what makes our Appalachian Trail Countryside Conservation Focus Area unique. Details TBA

Winter Tree ID Hike

Date: Saturday, February 24 Have you ever wondered how to identify trees when there are no leaves? Join us for an educational hike to explore ways to identify trees in winter — such as examining bark patterns, community types, the form of the tree, and more. Details TBA

Full Moon Hike

Date: Thursday, March 1 Enjoy an opportunity to view conservation lands in a totally new light — under pale lunar illumination! Hike a conservation property at sundown to enjoy spectacular views, then watch the full moon rise. Called the “Worm Moon,” this late winter full moon phase signifies the time when the ground begins unfreezing, heralding the beginning of spring planting. Details TBA

Appalachian Spring Member Celebration Date: Thursday, May 17 Land Trust Day Date: Saturday, June 2 June Jamboree Date: Saturday, June 9

For questions, more info, or to register for hikes, please contact Emily Adler at emily@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205. Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+) View from the Highlands | 17

Members’ CORNER

Members’ CORNER Protecting Land, One Nuptial At a Time

Wedding Gifts for Conservation

Special occasions offer a unique opportunity to share your love for the Southern Appalachians with friends and family. This year, two couples chose to make SAHC part of their gift registry, generously and creatively helping raise funds for critical land and water conservation in our region.

Tributes

A tribute gift is a special way to honor someone!

our wedding by helping to protect the mountains we love was the greatest gift.”

In honor of Kellen Lee Alexander John & Dee Mason

Jesse Singleton, daughter of former Trustee Kathy Singleton, and her fiance Ben Lazarus created a charity registry for their wedding, selecting SAHC along with two other nonprofits to benefit from gifts.

In honor of Jeanette & Kent Blazier Josephine Morrison In honor of Jay Leutze Twin City Garden Club In honor of Jimmy Massey Emily Wood In honor of the wedding of Jessie Singleton & Ben Lazarus Samuel Bedford Meredith Carden Dorothy Wilson Chappell Norma Cobb Sue & Dave Daniels Barbara Dicke Mary Dohrmann Tegan Donelley Anna Lazarus Barbara Overbay John Whisnant In honor of “the Awesome SAHC Family!” Caitlin & Will Hopkins

Nate and Karina

Karina Costa and Nate Sutton collected donations for SAHC as part of their special day, encouraging guests to commemorate their wedding with a donation to help protect the mountains they love. “With Nate’s background in conservation ecology and my own in agriculture, supporting SAHC was an easy choice,” said Karina. “We are grateful for the work SAHC does every day to better our environment and community, and commemorating

Ben and Jesse

“Now more than ever, we must support the organizations that stand up for our rights, protect our environment, and conduct life-saving research,” said Jesse. We are grateful to these couples for helping to make the world a better place. Best wishes!

Welcome New Members!

New members, Tributes, and Memorials to date as of December 12.

Steve & Michelle Agan Virginia Behrens Kathleen Brannan Joanne Burtner Karina & Nate Costa Ken Davis Tim Evans Dr. Richard Feit Ross Forrest

Gail Lindenberg Dan & Terri March Tracy & Miall McCormack Mike & Barbara Noyes Jack & Susan Pierce George Riordan Marilyn Turner James Verbrugge Mike & Mary Watts

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Sue Fruchey D.J. & Juli Gerken Gary Gouge Graham Hallward Noah Illes Pam Kelley Elizabeth & Jacqueline Lawdley Jessie & Ben Lazarus n t e r

New Businesses: RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide Downtown Yoga Center Land & Lore Ecotours LLC Patagonia

Members’ CORNER

Memorials

In Memoriam: Jay Bretz Jay Bretz, 65, of Weaverville passed away on August 29. A great hiking companion and passionate volunteer, Jay loved chatting with staff and other members at our events. Volunteering and supporting SAHC were very important to him, and he will be deeply missed by all who have enjoyed his presence over the years. “He had such a passion for life and love of people,” recalls Membership Director Cheryl Fowler. “He was SO friendly and such a joy to talk to. He was always the first person to come to our table at the release parties. He would come bring a donation, talk with me about his travels and ask how my family was doing. He was such a kind man.” An avid supporter of the local arts community, as well as the non-profit organizations that work to preserve the beauty of these mountains, Jay was often seen at local festivals and music performances. He enjoyed travelling as well as hiking and biking. “Jay was great company on the trail,” remembers Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett. “He came on almost every hike I’ve led. He headed up carpools, served as unofficial tour guide to the Roan, and was just generally a wonderful person and good company. I will miss him.”

We share in honoring the memory of those friends who have passed. In Memory of David C. Bailey Lisa & George Francisco In Memory of Kay Hultquist Chip & Teri Hultquist Joseph Hultquist James & Katherine Overholser In Memory of Audrey Kaiman Judy Murray & Tom Gatti In Memory of Stan Murray Ellen & Hank Lyle In Memory of Ed Schell David & Sharon Benner Ellen & Hank Lyle In Memory of Jim Skeen Christine Miller Ted & Nancy Spetnagel In Memory of Ruth Wetmore Parsec Financial Management

From All of Us:

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who has made a gift or volunteered this year to support land and water conservation in our region. You are the heart and soul of SAHC, and we are so grateful for all you do to help protect the mountains that we call home. Thank you for being conservation superstars. We couldn’t do it without YOU!

View from the Highlands | 19

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

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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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A Gift that Lasts Forever

Upcoming Hikes & Events! â&#x20AC;&#x153;For Love of Beer & Mountainsâ&#x20AC;? Southern Sixer Release Party Friday, January 12

Southern Sixer Kickoff Hike Saturday, January 13

Hemlock Restoration Hike Saturday, January 20

AT Countryside Focus Area Hike Saturday, February 10

Winter Tree ID Hike Saturday, February 24

Full Moon Hike When the special places in our world are protected, we all benefit. Your support ensures future generations will find their own wonders and discover delight in the places that bring us joy. Please consider making a gift today!

Thursday, March 1

Appalachian Spring 2018 Thursday, May 17

Appalachian.org