View
from the Highlands
39 Years Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains Winter 2013, Volume 43, No. 3
The View Inside: • Yellow Mountain Gateway, p. 4 • Blackrock Mountain, p. 5 • Stream Restoration, p. 6 - 7 • Conservation in Action, p. 8 -11 • Hikes and Outreach, p. 12 - 13 • Partnerships in Business, p. 14 • Legacy of Land & People, p. 15 • Members’ Corner, p. 16 - 17 • Annual Report, p. 18 - 31
Little Hump and Hump Mountains In the Highlands of Roan Photo courtesy of Witt Langstaff, Jr.
As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2014, we are proud of our accomplishments wrapped into this Annual Report issue of the View. We’ve protected two more stunning, incredible tracts — one near and visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and one in the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery County. We also want to send out a huge thank you to all our supporters and incredible volunteers who make our work possible.
Appalachian.org Main Office
34 Wall Street, Suite 502, Asheville, NC 28801-2710 828.253.0095 • FAX 828.253.1248 sahc@appalachian.org
Stewardship Field Office
804 Rock City Road, Kingsport, TN 37664 423.323.4993 • roanwoman@aol.com
Board of Trustees Milton “Buddy” Tignor, Jr., President Nancy Edgerton, Vice President Jay Leutze, Secretary Jack Hamilton, Treasurer Jeanette Blazier, At-Large
Waynesville, NC Asheville, NC Minneapolis, NC Asheville, NC Kingsport, TN
Happy Birthday to Us!
Courtney Blossman Leslie Casse Bruce Cunningham Patty Cunningham-Woolf Lyman “Greg” Gregory, III Jim Houser Anne Kilgore Florence Krupnick Bill Lowndes Kathy Singleton Mary Bruce Woody
Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Charlotte, NC Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC Asheville, NC Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC
In early 2014, check your e-News and our online calendar at Appalachian.org for more details about our celebratory events planned for both the Tri-Cities and Asheville areas.
Staff Carl Silverstein Kristy Urquhart Michelle Pugliese William Hamilton Hanni Muerdter Judy Murray Cheryl Fowler Lisa Fancher Angela Shepherd Chris Coxen Allison Kiehl Pauline Heyne Andrea Thompson Joe Lovenshimer Anna Zanetti Caitlin Edenfield Valerie True
Executive Director Associate Director Land Protection Director Farmland Program Director Stewardship & Conservation Planning Director Roan Stewardship Director Membership Director Finance Compliance Director Communications Director Roan Field Ecologist Farmland Stewardship & Sustainability Director Donor Relations Manager AmeriCorps Stewardship Associate AmeriCorps Stewardship Associate AmeriCorps PR & Outreach Associate AmeriCorps Land Protection Associate Coordinator, Blue Ridge Forever
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Next year we’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary!
Save the Date! Thursday, May 15, 2014
Appalachian Spring Annual Member Event – at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC.
Upcoming “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Events & Hikes: Devil’s Britches Release Party – January 10 4:00 to 8:00 pm • Highland Brewing Company, Asheville, NC Highland will donate a percentage of pint sales from the event to SAHC. Enjoy free music & raise a pint for conservation! Devil’s Britches Hike — February, date TBA Little Hump Hike — May, date TBA
For Love of Beer & Mountains Partnership:
Highland Brewing Company (HBC) has partnered with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help raise awareness of the beauty and uniqueness of our region’s resources and bring attention to efforts to protect them. HBC names each seasonal release for a feature of our natural landscape.
Highlights: • Yellow Mountain Gateway (see page 4)
Letter from the
Director As we anticipate great things ahead in 2014, we can look back over the events and accomplishments of the past year with great pride. We’ve protected two more incredible tracts of land in our Highlands of Roan and Smoky Mountains focus areas. The 357-acre Yellow Mountain Gateway (p. 4) adjoins hundreds of acres we’ve already protected in the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area. Our purchase of 250 acres with the summit of Blackrock Mountain (p. 5) secures scenic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition to our ongoing land protection work, we completed construction on the stream restoration project at our Community Farm in Alexander, NC (p. 6-7) and hosted a variety of volunteer work days. We were thrilled to welcome National Geographic Traveler’s Digital Nomad Andrew Evans to the Highlands of Roan during our Nature Valley/NPCA ‘Preserve the Parks’ partnership work day (p. 11). With the opening of new Stanback Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway (p. 12), we recognize the efforts of our conservation allies. You can also look forward to a full schedule of upcoming guided hikes on our protected properties (p. 13). This year we have a very full annual report! We hope you will take a few moments to read our members’ stories in this issue and celebrate how our organization has grown over the years. Carl Silverstein Executive Director If you have a photo or story to share, please contact us at 828.253.0095 or sahc@appalachian.org.
• Blackrock Mountain (see page 5) • Stream Restoration on Our Community Farm (see pages 6-7) • AmeriCorps (see page 8) • Conservation Field Journal (see page 9) • Perspective on Grassy Ridge (see page 10) • Nature Valley/NPCA Volunteer Day (see page 11) • Stanback Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway (see page 12) • Upcoming Hikes (see page 13) • Partnership in Business (see page 14) • Legacy of Land & People (see page 15) • Members’ Corner (see pages 16-17) • Annual Report Snapshot (see pages 18-19) • Thank you to our Supporters (see pages 20-28)
For monthly updates and upcoming events, visit us online at Appalachian.org.
The mission
of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland and scenic beauty of the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for the benefit of present and future generations. We achieve this by forging and maintaining long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies, owning and managing land, and encouraging healthy local communities. View from the Highlands | 3
L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U P D AT E S
Saving the way for future generations Highlands of Roan Focus Area
Yellow Mountain Gateway
When we closed on the 357-acre Yellow Mountain Gateway tract in Avery County, we preserved more than unspoiled streams, wildlife habitat, and working lands. We opened a way for future generations to connect with the rich history of Avery County. Known as ‘Spear Farm’ by the family, the newly protected tract is situated in the center of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area and can potentially provide public access to the state natural area in the future. This impressive 100 ft. waterfall on Justice Creek, known as Cutler Falls by the Vance and Odom families, will be accessible to the public in the future, thanks to our acquisition of the Yellow Mt. Gateway.
The Yellow Mountain Gateway is one of those rare treasured jewels — a large contiguous swath of mountain land handed down generation after generation. Rather than risk it being subdivided in the future, eight heirs of the Vance & Odom families came together to sell the tract to SAHC, ensuring that it will remain protected forever.
The tract rises to 4700 ft on Spear Tops Mountain and also includes a lower pasture that fronts on Hwy 19 E. We protected two adjoining tracts in 2011 and 2012, and this new conservation success completes our protection of the iconic Spear Tops Mountain. The property is crossed by a main branch of Justice Creek and several smaller tributaries. The quality of clean headwater stream sources in the North Toe watershed made this tract a conservation priority for clean water.
Working agricultural lands on the recently protected tract include winter pastures for cattle herds that graze at Big Yellow Mountain in the summer. Preserving this land and allowing their winter grazing grounds to remain intact supports our commitment to management of the grassy balds in the Roan. We plan to hold the tract with the intent to transfer it to North Carolina when state funds become available.
Winter pasture for cattle that graze Big Yellow Mtn.
“The view of the two ‘spears’ that form Spear Tops mountain as you drive south on US Highway 19 E from Plumtree to Spear is as iconic a mountain view as you can imagine. The Vance and Odom families are pleased to know that with the sale of our family farm to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy that view will never change. Ancestors of the family actually lived on the farm in the late 1800s, and subsequently our families have enjoyed decades of picnics and hikes on the farm. The multiple creeks that run through the property provided a cool spot in the heat of the summer and lovely waterfalls of various heights as they run down to join the North Toe River.” Risa Larsen, Landowner 4 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Spear Tops Mountain
L a n d P r o t e c t i o n | U P D AT E S
Summit of success Smoky Mountains Focus Area
Blackrock Mountain summit, notable for its spruce-fir forest.
Blackrock Mountain
All you need to do is stand at the Plott Balsam overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike the trail from Waterrock Knob to appreciate protecting Blackrock Mountain. The 5,700 ft peak contains rare spruce-fir forest and two headwater tributaries that flow down its slopes. “We are so proud to have preserved this view for all to enjoy,” says Land Protection Director, Michelle Pugliese.
We purchased the summit of Blackrock Mountain and more than 250 surrounding acres in October. We plan to hold the property and manage it as a nature preserve until it can eventually be transferred to public ownership as park lands.
Blackrock Mtn tract is visible from the Blue RIdge Parkway.
Blackrock Mountain is located in the Plott Balsam Mountains of Jackson County, and the summit is clearly visible from the Plott Balsam overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile post 458). The property can be seen in the foreground view from the Waterrock Knob visitor center (mile post 451.2) and multiple locations along the parkway on the drive north from Waterrock Knob. This newly protected tract adjoins the 60-acre Blackrock Ridge tract we purchased in 2010, as well as The Nature Conservancy’s Plott-Balsam Preserve and the Sylva Watershed. The Cherokee Nation owns land in the Qualla Boundary to the north. Two headwater tributaries of Blackrock Creek originate on the property and flow into Blackrock Creek, which empties into Soco Creek. “Its proximity to and visibility from the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as the high-elevation forest communities and pristine headwater sources found on the site, make it a priority for conservation,” said Executive Director Carl Silverstein.
The newly protected tract adjoins other conservation properties.
SAHC hiking group on Blackrock Mtn.
In October, we guided a group of hikers to the Blackrock Mountain summit to enjoy clear long-distance views of the surrounding ridgelines during our Thunderstruck “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership hike. We plan to lead similar hikes to the area in the future. “Michelle surprised us with the great news while we were enjoying a mid-hike break on the summit. There was just something special about learning the mountain had been protected while we were sitting right there on it. The work of SAHC is invaluable, and it has been an honor working with such a dedicated and productive group of people.” Ben Wicker Highland Brewing Company | 5
C o n s e r v at i o n | I N A C T I O N
Repairing impacted waterways
Stream Restoration This summer and autumn, stream restoration and trail work took center stage at our Community Farm in Alexander, NC. You may have heard rumbling from heavy earth-moving equipment, but the real movers and shakers were folks on the ground working to bring our ambitious restoration and education plans to fruition.
Before
After
Our stream restoration project repaired 3,000+ feet of impacted stream. We will put native plantings in the stream buffer area, to be completed by spring 2014.
During construction, some trees had to be removed to repair eroded stream banks. We were able to use these trees to construct log sills for this project. Log sills are structures embedded in the stream channel that slow the flow of water to help prevent erosion and flood damage.
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What’s new on the farm? We’ve restored over 3,000 linear feet of streams flowing into Newfound Creek in the French Broad River watershed. Eroded banks have been repaired and prepared for planting, and we’ve rough cut an interpretive trail across our 103-acre Community Farm to showcase stream restoration, short leaf pine reforestation, and agricultural projects.
Why stream restoration? Before we received the donated farm in 2010, a long history of agricultural use and logging on the property had left eroded banks and sediment-filled stream
beds scarring its bucolic beauty. Excess amounts of sediment in the water harms stream health as well as animals that depend on it. In fact, sedimentation is the #1 water pollutant in our region. Invasive plant species also covered the steep banks with thick vine growth.
On the road to repair In order to improve the quality of water flowing across the farm and downstream, we contracted Altamont Environmental, Inc. to design a site restoration plan and oversee the construction process. We hired River Works, Inc., a construction company
Restoring Eroded Stream Banks
Eroded stream banks become steep and vertical as soil washes away and fills the stream bed. To repair the damage at the farm, we gently graded the slope down to the stream and prepared the banks for new plantings. When we’re finished, the stream corridor on the farm will have 25,000 native plantings in our 150-foot stream buffer. The deep root structures provided by these plantings will keep the banks from washing away in the future.
C o n s e r v at i o n | I N A C T I O N
In November, we hosted an open house tour of the stream restoration project. We plan to offer another open house in the spring after we’ve completed native plantings along the stream corridor.
A group of about 30 visitors learned about the restoration process and engineering plan behind the project.
that specializes in stream restoration projects, to remove sediment and debris and uncover sections where the stream had been buried. They graded the vertical, eroded slopes of the stream channels and installed erosion control matting with features such as drop pools and log sills to prevent erosion issues in the future. We created a 150 ft. buffer that extends on either side of the stream channel (300 ft/25 acres total), which will be planted with over 25,000 native trees and shrubs. The plantings in the buffer area will produce deep root structures to help prevent future erosion issues, and the buffer zone will also provide habitat for native animals. Restored stream section.
Participants in the open house tour examine a drop pool at the farm. Drop pools provide areas of slow-moving water for aquatic habitat.
Following agricultural best management practices, we installed infrastructure, including hardened crossings and offstream watering tanks, so that the land can continue to be grazed as a working farm while protecting stream and habitat health. During the course of survey and design planning for the project, we discovered 19th century farm artifacts and an intact wetland habitat area along the stream corridor. Both of these areas were protected during the construction process and can be viewed from our new Discovery Trail.
Thank you for your support! We were able to accomplish this stream restoration and mitigation banking project at the farm thanks to funding from private donors and the Pigeon River Fund.
Update: Trail Work & Invasives Removal Looking around our Community Farm you will see a new feature. The 1.5-mile Discovery Trail winds around the perimeter of the property and across the pastures to highlight important farm features. The main body of the trail was cut in by Green Opportunities contract crews and AmeriCorps volunteers. This fall, French Broad River Academy middle school student volunteers also helped with invasive plant species removal and trail cleanup and refinement. We are currently in the process of installing interpretive signs and trail markers, and we plan to host guided hikes on the trail. Look for more details in the spring! French Broad River Academy volunteers helped with invasive species management.
Community Farm & Food Assistant: Yael Girard This fall we welcomed Yael Girard, who has been working to support trail construction and interpretive signage at the farm to enhance public education opportunities. Yael is a graduate of Warren Wilson College and spent several years as a river guide in Montana. She is a talented artist with a variety of skills, including beekeeping. Yael helped rescue a wild honeybee swarm at the farm. See our blog for the story. View from the Highlands | 7
C o n s e r v at i o n | I N A C T I O N
Welcome Our New AmeriCorps Associates!
Four new AmeriCorps associates joined our team for 11-month, 2013-2014 service terms. Caitlin Edenfied, AmeriCorps Land Protection Associate Caitlin graduated from Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies with a BA in Landscape Architecture. She was an intern at the Asheville Design Center, worked as a farm manager in Lewisville, NC, and was an AmeriCorps trail crew member in Vermont. Anna Zanetti, AmeriCorps Outreach & PR Associate Originally from Johns Island, SC, Anna received degrees in Sustainable Development and Communications from Appalachian State University. Andrea Thompson, AmeriCorps Stewardship Associate Originally from the Asheville area, Andrea graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies from Montreat College. Joe Lovenshimer, AmeriCorps Stewardship Associate Joe grew up in the Morganton area and has been involved with outdoor adventure recreation since an early age. He graduated from Brevard College with a BS in Biology. SAHC’s 2013-2014 AmeriCorps Associates , listed above (left to right).
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AmeriCorps volunteers on Round Bald
Round Bald in the Roan
Partnership Work Day SAHC was pleased to host sixteen volunteers from AmeriCorps Project Conserve (APC) on Round Bald within the Highlands of Roan. For the last three years, SAHC has partnered with APC to get members out on the Roan’s grassy balds to complete a variety of habitat restoration projects. This year, APC members used hand tools to cut back woody plants from the interior of the grassy bald on Round Bald. Without management, the small herbaceous plants, sedges and grasses that characterize grassy bald habitat will eventually be overgrown by woody plants. This is a natural process called “forest succession”; however in this case, it is important to keep succession in check because grassy balds are a globally imperiled habitat. Grassy balds offer a home to rare endemic plants and high elevation grassland wildlife species – a home that will slowly be lost without the help of volunteers like those from APC.
This was the first time many of the APC volunteers visited the Roan, and it is always a delight to share that experience. Empowering people to have a positive impact on public land is the hallmark of our volunteer habitat program. APC members enjoyed the clear sunny day, taking in the unrivaled views offered from the balds while working to maintain one of the Roan’s many rare plant communities. A big thank you to all the folks who came out for the work day! Thanks also to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy — their partnership and financial support helps make volunteer work days like this possible.
C o n s e r va t i o n
On the Roan wit
Field Journal
h SAHC Field Eco
With the advent of socia l media and YouTube,
logist Chris Coxe n
many of us are becom ing familiar with a ne w use of the term “viral.” You migh t make a funny video and send it to your fri end, who sends it to th eir friends, and so on, until thousands (and often millions) of people have watched that video. It seems th at the Roan is going vir al. Its magnificent vista s keep drawing more fol ks, who then tell other folks about what they have seen. I know I ha ve done it, and why no t? It is an incredible place and it’s human na ture to share our expe riences. But with increased visitation oft en comes increased us er impacts. The regular presence of someone who can offer interpretive and leave no trace messaging ha s long been identified as a need on the Roan, bu t after this summer’s fir st Roan Ridgerunner pr ogram, it is apparent that this position fills a critical need in this delicate res ource. SAHC worked wi th the Appalachian Trail Cons ervancy and the Tenn essee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing club to supervise the incredibly enthusiastic and dedicated inaugu ral Ridgerunner Katry a’na Keely (who simply goes by Kat). Kat spent almost every weekend this summer hiking the Roan sectio n of the Appalachian Trail, speaking with hik ers about leave no trace practices, hauling out pounds of trash, and rep airing the impacts of fire rings on the balds. She kept reg ular logs of visitation nu mbers and notes abou t the types of folks she met- one we ekend even peaked to 500 users. Combined wi th having a regular in terpretive person on the ground, these data about the fre quency and types of vis itors are invaluable wh en making management decision s to limit user impacts . It is hoped that the Ro an Ridgerunner progra m will continue long into the future. Please remembe r to leave no trace when you are out in the wood s, and we will be sure to mainta in the splendor and bio diversity of the Southe rn Appalachians for ye ars to come.
View from the Highlands | 9
See the full personal narrative text on our blog at southernappalachian.wordpress.com
Personal Perspective on Grassy Ridge:
From the Bird House
Earlier this year, we welcomed a series of interns and researchers to our Grassy Ridge tract cabin, dubbed ‘the Bird House’ because of ubiquitous winged wildlife in this rich upland habitat. Lee Farese, a senior at Colorado College and one of our first visitors to the cabin, spent several weeks observing and photographing the tract. Here is an excerpt from Lee’s account of his stay in the early spring: “In the morning I am Lee on the porch of the Bird House. woken by yellowthroats, towhees, sparrows in the brush. The thrasher is on his beech branch and beginning his rough singing, and there is a thrush in the distance. Somewhere in the woods the thudding of a grouse. For three weeks I kept my red-porch post, sat with thrasher, warbler, sparrow and wren and watched how the world wakes up — watched the
“and let myself be filled by the music of the woods...” photo by Lee Farese
pears leaf out and break down into clouds of white bloom, watched the first Golden-winged Warbler come to the nearby beech. Seeking to lend myself to a place, and to lend myself to spring, which felt like a season of ceaseless hope. 1 0 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Along the way I kept note of the coming. Each morning the woods would be graced by some new voice — Rubythroated hummingbird, Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warblers, Grosbeaks, a Black-and-white, Chestnutsided and Golden-winged Warblers. Mornings I would walk Jerry’s Creek or Martin’s Branch, finding newts, salamanders, and always more in bloom — Squirrel Corn, Trilliums, Anemone, Trout Lilies, Violets, Phacelia, Larkspur, Showy Orchis. In the evenings the Barred Owls would keep the chorus, sometimes joined by a Saw-whet and once by a moonstruck Field Sparrow This was my vigil. On cold mornings and evenings (and there were many) I tended and readied the cabin, sat reading by the fire, played music. Mostly I just watched, though, let myself sink into a place and let myself be filled by the music of the woods in spring. In the evenings I would take my dinner on the edge of the porch, where I had a standing date with the cottontail who slept her days beneath the house.
Trillium blooming by a stream – photo by Lee Farese
I am indebted to Grassy Ridge, as I am indebted to all the places I have let myself fall into. For three weeks I sought to be a citizen of it, to engage with its music and bear witness to something truly remarkable that slips beneath our gaze most days. And what can I do now but give voice? There is something incredible happening here, just waiting for a listening ear and an open eye. ‘And we pray, not for new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye clear. What we need is here.’ ” View from the Bird House at Grassy Ridge photo by Lee Farese
Check out the blog & video at: digitalnomad.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/21/the-case-of-the-golden-winged-warbler
Nature Valley & NPCA join us
On the Roan
We began forty years ago with a mission to protect the Highlands of Roan. Today Roan remains wild and free because of the hard work and care that so many people have contributed. There is still much to accomplish in order to protect the globally significant habitat on Roan. Good people keep working, and SAHC is lucky enough to count many of these willing people among our ranks. In late October we hosted a volunteer work day on our Grassy Ridge property in the Highlands of Roan. The day was a culmination of work sponsored through a grant from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), which has partnered with Nature Valley to fund projects that benefit National Parks around America. Nature Valley also partnered with National Geographic travel journalist Andrew Evans to help document the importance of our project. Grassy Ridge is an essential piece of the conservation landscape, home to threatened plant and animal species and an access point to places that offer incredible vistas of the Roan landscape. We focused on habitat restoration and trail building during this volunteer work day. Volunteers helped with trail work and habitat restoration.
In the morning, volunteers worked in a Golden-winged
Nature Valley/NPCA/SAHC work day volunteers
Warbler habitat restoration area. The Goldenwinged Warbler has experienced one of the steepest population declines of any songbird over the Andrew Evans, Digital Nomad for National last 45 years. Grassy Geographic Traveler, documented our Ridge is home to several breeding pairs, volunteer work day. Check out his blog article & video on the day (address above). and through projects like this, we hope to create additional habitat for the imperiled bird.
In the afternoon volunteers used loppers, saws, and swing blades to clear brush for a future hiking trail that will eventually allow the public to stand on Little Yellow Mountain and look onto Mount Mitchell, Roan Mountain, and Grandfather Mountain — some of the most distinctive peaks in the Southern Appalachians. A tremendous thank you to all of the volunteers and our partners at NPCA and Nature Valley for making the day a success!
About ‘Preserve the Parks’ Partnership For the fourth consecutive year, Nature Valley has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Associate to advance important restoration projects in support of America’s national parks so that future generations may find inspiration & enjoyment in these places of rare beauty. This year, SAHC received a $25,000 grant from the ‘Preserve the Parks’ partnership to fund efforts to restore habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife, remove non-native invasive plant species, and enhance visitor accessibility and learning opportunities.
Don Barger of NPCA (far left) joined the volunteer group on the Roan.
View from the Highlands | 11
Events | OUTREACH
Enjoy the View!
Stanback Trails Along the Calendar
Blue Ridge Parkway
For many years Fred and Alice Stanback have supported efforts to protect land and water resources across NC, and have particularly emphasized protecting the beautiful mountains and special places along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In their honor, a series of Stanback Trails have been established on lands protected along the Parkway by the State of NC, opening a portion of a National Historic Trail to the public and for the first time making it possible for visitors to follow marked and well built trails to two major mountain peaks along the crest of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Saddle Mountain Trail Distance: 2.0 miles Difficulty rating: Moderate This trail forms a loop on Saddle Mountain and also leads to the Horn of Saddle Mountain, thereby providing the first marked hiking trail to this dramatic point on the crest of the Blue Ridge rising 2,000 feet above the Piedmont below.
The trail travels mainly through oak and mixed oak-pine forests. At the summit of Saddle Mountain hikers can view the Mitchell and Fisher River valleys to the south and east. The Sauratown Mountains including Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain may also be seen in the distance.
The 502 acres in the Saddle Mountain portion of the Mitchell River Game Lands of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission are next to the Blue Ridge Parkway between US Highway 21 and the Virginia state line.
Little Tablerock Mountain Trail 2.1 miles (4.2 miles roundtrip) Difficulty rating: Moderate This trail leads to Little Table Rock Mountain which stands on the Eastern Continental Divide and provides the first marked hiking trail to this outstanding point along the Blue Ridge. At the summit of Little Tablerock Mountain, hikers can view the North Toe River Valley to the north. Roan Mountain is visible at the skyline to the north on clear days. The 544 acres in this portion of the Pisgah Game Lands of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission adjoin the Blue Ridge Parkway between Altapass and the village of Linville Falls.
Saddle Mountain Trail The creation of these trails and protection of the land through which they pass has been made possible by the valiant efforts of many conservation partners, including: The Conservation Trust for North Carolina Piedmont Land Conservancy The Wildlife Resources Commission Blue Ridge Conservancy Please visit our website below for more details on their contributions.
Rose Creek Trail Distance: 1.3 miles Difficulty rating: Easy This trail is part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. It generally follows Little Rose Creek for much of its length through oak and cove forests. The 534 acres in this Rose Creek portion of the Pisgah Game Lands of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission adjoin the Blue Ridge Parkway near Heffner Gap just north of Altapass. For all trails: It is recommended that hikers wear a blaze orange garment during hunting seasons (September February and April - mid May).
For directions, maps and more details about these trails and the protected lands they access, 12 | visit: www.appalachian.org/community/stanbacktrails.html
Events | OUTREACH For most current info about upcoming hikes & events, see our calendar at Appalachian.org
Winter Tree Identification Hike Date: Sunday, January 19 Time: 10:00 am Where: Montreat Wilderness, outside Asheville, NC Difficulty: Easy/moderate Cost: Free for members and $10 for non-members Leaders: Chris Coxen, SAHC Field Ecologist & Anna Zanetti, AmeriCorps Associate What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, water bottle, backpack lunch, camera, warm clothes and a bag to carry all personal items Join us for a 3.5-mile hike and learn how to identify trees in winter through concepts of native forest communities, tree form, and basic tree parts (bark, leaves, and fruit). We will also offer a presentation that will include simple tips to help identify some of the common trees you see while hiking around Western North Carolina. The location, date and time for the presentation is TBA.
Love of Nature & Farmland Hike
Join SAHC - Hike for Free!
Date: Saturday, February 15 Time: 10:00 am Where: Faiview Farming Community, NC Difficulty: Moderate Cost: Free for members and $10 for non-members Leaders: Anna Zanetti and Caitlin Edenfield, AmeriCorps Associates What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, water bottle, backpack lunch, camera, warm clothes and a bag to carry all personal items This 2.5-mile out-and-back hike will venture up to Tater Knob to overlook a forested area adjoining the surrounding farmland. Hikers will learn about farmland security and how conservation of farmland is an important component of preserving NC’s natural history. Name Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail Please check applicable boxes. New Member __ Renewal __ Gift Membership __ Business Membership__
Membership Benefits:
As a member of SAHC receive: Free guided hikes on protected properties, “View from the Highlands” newsletter, monthly E-news, discounts on merchandise, invitations Level: __Family $50 __Single $35 __Organization $100 __Other $___ & discounts to special events. Know that whatever you give Credit Card #:__________________________________________ Name as it appears on the card: ____________________________ will go toward active, focused, and sensible land conservation Expires: _________ 3-digit security code: _________ work. Thank you! Join today ___ Please enroll me in monthly giving at $_____ per month for ___ months (Donations and annual membership dues are tax deductible. Make checks at Appalachian.org or fill payable to SAHC. Mail to: 34 Wall Street, Suite 502, Asheville, NC 28801) out & mail this form.
Upcoming Hikes January 19 Winter Tree ID Hike Montreat, NC February 15 Love of Nature & Farmland Hike Fairview Community February, Date TBA “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Devil’s Britches Hike Location TBA March TBA Owl Prowl Night Hike Barnardsville, NC March 22 Snowball Mtn. Hike Near Craggy Gardens April 12 Wildflower ID Hike Popper Memorial Tract May, Date TBA “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Little Hump Hike Highlands of Roan June 7 Land Trust Day Hike Our Community Farm Alexander, NC June 14 June Jamboree Highlands of Roan
Financial information about the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at (919) 733-4510. The license is not an endorsement by the state.
View from the Highlands | 13
Pa r t n e r s h i p s | B U S I N E S S C O M M U N I T Y Conservation Partnerships work to benefit the
Environment and Economy
In this issue, we’re highlighting local corporate partners that helped us succeed in the stream restoration project at our Community Farm (p. 6-7). In addition to providing reliable and excellent professional contract work, Kee Mapping & Surveying and Altamont Environmental each contribute financially to SAHC at a corporate partner level, making them strong allies in our conservation work across the landscape. Kee Mapping & Surveying, P.A. serves Western North Carolina (WNC) with professional and comprehensive services of surveying and mapping.
Brad Kee, surveying a conservation project for SAHC.
“Kee Mapping & Surveying is honored to have worked with the SAHC over the past six years. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, we are privileged to work with an organization that shares our passion for conserving scenic areas, clean water and farmlands for the enjoyment of present and future generations,” says owner Brad Kee.
Altamont is an Asheville engineering and hydrogeology firm with strong ties to SAHC. Altamont is composed of 24 professionals and provides a range of environmental remediation, engineering, and land planning consulting services throughout WNC and the South. Altamont has provided environmental consulting services to SAHC for several years and was proud to become an SAHC Corporate Partner in 2012. “It is a pleasure to work with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on land conservation and restoration projects,” says Altamont co-owner Stu Ryman. “I really admire and appreciate the work they do to 1 4 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
“This partnership has allowed us to be involved in protecting some of the most remote and pristine areas in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.” Kee Mapping & Surveying looks forward to continuing our relationship with the SAHC and supporting them as they work to protect our natural resources and the world’s oldest mountains.”
protect the natural environment and Altamont is pleased to be associated with their projects. Plus, the folks at SAHC are just nice people and easy to work with.” Altamont has provided due diligence environmental assessments for several prospective SAHC land conservation acquisitions including the Grassy Ridge, Lost Cove, and Blue Ridge Pastures. Altamont was also the designer of the stream restoration project at our Community Farm. In addition to rendering comprehensive site assessment and remediation and
ecological restoration, Altamont also ensures that a wide variety of clients meet solid waste or industrial environmental compliance, and provides civil engineering, land planning, and field services for public and private clients.
Zan Price, group leader at Altamont, explains aspects of the stream restoration design at our Community Farm.
Legacy | L AND & PEOPLE Let us welcome you into the Legacy Society.
A Legacy for the Future: Jim Martin
Gifts that Keep Giving
Learn how you can help protect our beloved Southern Appalachians through your:
Our passions draw us to the mountains, and connections to friends and family perpetuate our love. Generation after generation, mountain love keeps growing — handed from one person to another, one shared moment at a time.
Jim Martin has been with SAHC for almost 30 years. His friend Bob Carlisle was a big supporter of SAHC and shared his passion for our organization with Jim by inviting him to come up for a hike on Roan Mountain. Since that time, Jim has continued to create a legacy for the Roan, passing his love of the mountains to other friends and family. “I’ve probably been up to Roan Mountain about a hundred times over the years and always enjoyed it,” he says. He lives in Winston-Salem but doesn’t mind the 3.5 hour drive to the mountains. “It’s a bit of a stretch but well worth it. I’m a flatlander, but I love the mountains.” Realizing the powerful impact of the vista from the Roan, Bob and Jim once chartered a
Jim with grandson Cedar
bus from Winston-Salem to take a group of around 40-50 people up to the highlands. “It was a great way to show them the mountains and get them involved in the mission,” he says. An avid birder, Jim also brought people up to Roan to look for Saw-whet owls. Former SAHC Seasonal Ecologist Travis Knowles introduced him to the mountain songbirds. “As we hiked on the mountain, Travis
• • • • • Jim Martin & Bill Davis hiking at Mt. Rogers
Judy Murray. Jim has hiked a lot along the Appalachian Trail and is especially partial to the Southern Balds. Twenty years ago he became a volunteer with the annual Grassy Ridge Mow-Off.
“Mary Allen and I have included SAHC in our estate plan. We have enjoyed many memorable times in the Southern Appalachians and we want others, including our grandson, to have those same experiences. SAHC is the right organization to protect these mountains.” told me all about the birds he was hearing, and I became determined to do that,” recalls Jim. “It was a great gift — being up there and learning to identify birds by song.” Hiking in the Roan was a major inspiration for Jim. He loved the area, loved hiking, and became concerned with protecting the mountains. He served as chairman of the SAHC board and became friends with founders Stan and
He and his wife Mary Allen have continued hiking and enjoying the mountains, especially in the summer when they come to enjoy the cooler air. They’ve organized trips to bring up other couples and friends from the WinstonSalem area, and they especially enjoy sharing experiences in the mountains with family, including their children and grandson.
Will Living Trust Retirement Plans Life Insurance Gifts of Real Estate • And more...
Members of the Legacy Society receive special invitations to events and outings and annual recognition in View from the Highlands (page 29). This special recognition acknowledges the longterm impact of their support, which builds a strong, solid foundation for SAHC’s ongoing land conservation work. If you would like more information about creating your legacy, please contact Kristy Urquhart at 828.253.0095, ext. 201. Gifts of any amount are sincerely appreciated, and we can tailor your legacy to meet your unique financial and conservation goals. All inquiries will be held in confidence. | 15
Members’ | CORNER
Tributes
11th Annual Reception for the Blue Ridge Society
Tributes are gifts in honor of someone or a special occasion. In honor of Porter & Martha Ann Claxton Sara Marx In honor of Bill Fairley Anna Powell In honor of Lee Galloway & Nancy Thompson Zach Galloway
Blue Ridge Society members Joe and Sharon Goldston.
In honor of Yael Girard Ronald & Heather Girard Theresa Jeffries In honor of Will Hooker Blue Heron Whitewater In honor of Jay Leutze Charlie & Ann Baker Thomas Okel In honor of Bill & Dee Dee Maxwell Thomas Okel In honor of Allan Morgan Sylvia Dry
Members of the Blue Ridge Society and guests gathered at the home of Jack and Florence Krupnick on a beautiful night in September to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Society, benefiting the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and the Conservation Trust for North Carolina.
Guests had the opportunity to hear from both executive directors about the importance of their leadership gifts and how the organizations are working together to further conservation efforts in North Carolina. Thank you to all our Blue Ridge Society members who raised over $35,000 this year for conservation.
Blue Ridge Society members Paul and Wyndy Bonesteel.
New Members
Welcome to SAHC! We couldn’t do this without you! William & Jill Abernethy Andrew & Jennifer Angyal Brian & Wendy Bailey Lee & Emily Bidgood Robert Brewer Jaime Burnham & Gay Marie Logsdon Jerry & Doris Bush Rose Butler Ava Carr Morna Childers Tom & Mary Cors John & Nancy Cosgrove Harvey Crouch Leigh DeForth Tim Dell Kim Drye
Sherry Dubester Frances Eizember Lois Evans Sara Felsen Suzanne Fisher Robert Gaddis William & Ellen Gaddy Lydia Garvey Dick Gibson Yael Girard Ethan Gouge John & Lori Groce Heidi Hannapel Camilla Durban Hapner Jonathan Hartsell Lee Hilliard Dan Hitchcock
1 6 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Raymond Hohenberger Randall Holcombe Melisa Holman Sharon Hughes David Humphrey Mary Karnis Christine Keelin Perry Keys Penny Longhurst Ryan Lubbers Dr. Mary MacQueen Michael Mallory Marc Hunt and Cat Potts Bev MacDowell John McCreary Pat & Doug McDowell Jonathan & Kim Miller
Mike Mooney & Marja Warehime David & Karen Muow Nancee Neel & Kirk Avent Tony Oneka Carol Polsgrove Travis Proctor Michael Racine Larry Reeves Terry & Sarah Reincke Robbins Richardson Glenn Rohrbaugh Ellis Worth Sarver Barbara Shaw Dr. Steven Siegel Dr. Wendell
& Rachel Skinner David Slobodin & Jane Fant Janet Smith Sandra S. Spooner Peg & Bill Steiner Keith Stewart Mary Sundstrom George Testerman, M.D. Paul Thrailkil Brian Vasilik Margot Wallston Mark & Sandra Welker Sheila Welling Paul Westervelt Elizabeth Wilkerson Bill & Debby Wolcott
Members’ | CORNER
In Memoriam: David C. Bailey “He was an active and influential board member who helped us make key contacts in the Asheville area, which markedly advanced SAHC. David was a true gentleman of the mountains.” Rick Phelps, former SAHC Trustee who served with David Bailey. David Coleman Bailey, 92, passed peacefully into eternal life Monday, December 2, 2013. David was one of SAHC’s first board members, serving from 1976 - 1981. He was elected as Chairman of the Board in June 1980. One of his duties was to oversee endowment funds and finances of the organization. He volunteered to be Public Relations Chairman of SAHC, mostly focusing on public relations for the Roan Legislative Initiative. This initiative was formed to create constructive dialogue with legislators, media and the public about SAHC’s intent for land conservation on Roan. “I remember going with him to SAHC meetings back in the 80s when Stan Murray headed it up in TN. A small group would meet in Banner Elk. David was proud of his involvement in such a worthy cause and worked hard back then to pick the right AVL patrons to make the organization what it is today,” said Cathey Bailey. Born in New York City to Margaret Phillippi Bailey and Charles Robert Bailey, David came to Asheville with
his family during the Great Depression He attended Asheville High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During World War II, he enlisted in the US Army and became a First Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. During the Korean War, he was called to active duty and became Captain. While enlisted, he also became a graduate of Haverford College in Pennsylvania, majoring in Romance Languages. He became an account executive with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Beane and later a partner in the firm. He authored several books, including Farewell to Valor, Fashionable Asheville 1880-1930, and The Penland Chronicles. David was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, keen sense of humor, subtle wit, generosity of time and talent, dignified character, and strong faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to please consider a memorial donation to SAHC or CarePartners Hospice.
Memorials We share in honoring the memory of those friends who have passed. In memory of David C. Bailey Lisa & George Francisco George & Marcia Gsell Kate Henry Lagoon Villas HOA Mr. & Mrs. Gary Lowe Mary E. Powell John & Cynthia Winkenwerder Mary Bruce & Stephen W. Woody In memory of Cara Gwen Becker Eric Becker In memory of Margaret Brumfield Helen C. Gift In memory of Richard Coker Nelson Levings In memory of Lynne Devine Kathy & Jim Wicker In memory of Mike Harkleroad Ron Neal In memory of Jon Lober Tracey Fender Erik & Dina Jacobs In memory of Carrie Lyle Summers McCaskill Anne & Claude Libis In memory of Patricia E. McMahon Jim Schreiber In memory of Ben Pace Jamie Pace In memory of Herman F. Preston Jim Schreiber In memory of Natalie Ryan Bill Ryan & Lynn Bledsoe In memory of David Scheidt Linda Cooper In memory of David A. Tate Ray Ellis Mrs. K A Vaughan Joel & Jennifer Burgess Rion & Susan DeMars
View from the Highlands | 17
A n n u a l | R E P O RT
S n a p s h o t - O u r C u m u l at i v e L a n d P r o t e c t i o n
Appalachian Trail Countryside
French Broad River Valley
Smoky Mountains
Map: SAHC Focus Areas
Highlands of Roan
Incorporated 1974 , the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy protects land in six distinct focus areas, spanning the region from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Highlands of Roan.
Black Mountains
Across this region, we have protected 63,000+ acres in 242 completed projects Cumulatively, the land we have protected would cover over 98 sq. miles, larger than the cities of Kingsport and Asheville put together!
Balsam Mountains
Percentage of Acreage Protected by Project Type 25%
LandLand Protection 1974 to 2013 (Acreage) Protection 1974 to 2013 (Acreage) Acreage Protected
70,000
63,000
60,000
51,590
50,000
7%
7%
11% 50%
32,104
40,000
8%
30,000 20,000 10,000
30%
12,572 6% 8,554 5,459 7,007
2,486 3,973
0 1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
14%
1 8 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Fee Simple Purchase Fee Simple, Conveyed to Government/Other Fee Simple Purchase Transferred to Gov’t/Other OrganizaEon ConservaEon Easement Conservation Easement ConservaEon Conveyed to EasementEasement, Transferred to Gov’t/Other Organization Government/Other OrganizaEon Assist (SAHC not in Etle chain) Assist Fee Simple Purchase
2000
Year
2005
2011
2012
42%
2013
A n n u a l | R E P O RT
2012-2013 Fiscal Year Summary - Program & Operations 2013 Revenue
Financial Summary (Year Ended June 30, 2013) Assets
Current Assets Cash & Equivalents Receivables Prepaid Expenses Total Current Assets
Long-‐Term Assets Property & Equip. Net Long term Planned Gift Receivable Trade Lands Life Estate, Net Permanently Protected Property Investments/Endowments held by brokerage firms Funds/Endowments held by CFWNC Total Long-‐Term Assets Total Assets Liabilities Total Current Liabilities
2103
2012
1,524,810 81,311 17,346 1,623,467
1,297,518 50,000 9,078 1,356,596
367,293 224,838 132,959 54,000 54000 1,095,991 1,073,651 22,736,448 19,339,984 2,854,758 2,538,814 787,996 857,297 28,098,746 24,019,283 29,722,213 25,375,879 56,036
Contributions 78%
Grants 20%
582,213
Other 2%
Long-‐Term Liabilities Notes Payable, Net of Current Maturities
3,185,906
378,058
Total Liabilities
3,241,942
960,271
Total Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets
Contributions............. $5,038,326 Grants Public ............................. $1,008,059 Foundation .................. $ 256,181 Other ............................. $ 112,465 (Interest, sales, events)
26,480,271 24,415,608 29,722,213 25,375,879
To obtain a copy of the complete SAHC financial statements, please send us a note: 34 Wall Street, Suite 502, Asheville, NC 28801 or email: sahc@appalachian.org
Endowment & Investment Growth (1975 - 2013)
Endowment & Investment Growth, 1975 - 2013
$6,000,000
2013 Expenses Program..................................... $4,657,382 General & Administration.. $ 222,883 Fundraising ............................. $ 47,549 General & Program 94% Administration 5% Fundraising 1%
$5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 1975 1985 1995 2000 2005 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013
Annual Report | 19
Th a n k Yo u | V O L U N T E E R S
T h a n k Yo u t o o u r Vo l u n t e e r s ! Altogether, you gave 3,291 hours of service in 2013.
That’s the equivalent of 82 full 40-hour work weeks! In other words, your volunteer hours amounted to a full-time staff of eighty-two people. We depend on our dedicated volunteers throughout the year, and thank you for giving your time in service.
Invasive species removal volunteers.
Outreach & Office Volunteers 12%
Stewardship Volunteers (outside Roan) 34% 2 0 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Earth Day REI/Highland Brewing Company Partnership Trail Building & Trash Clean Up Jerud Crandall Ching Fu Phil Hartger Libby Henderson Sam Hubbard Anne Hubbard Katey MacDonald Meghan Montgomery Bill Nixdorf Daniel Ward Ben Wicker
Roan Stewardship Volunteers 54%
Invasive Species Removal & Stewardship Volunteers Sadie Adams Julia Bartley Tim Boissy Lana Burns Andra Cagle Luke Cannon Sarah Carter Anna Cohee Catrina Dillard Jennifer Eastman Gardner Goodall Lorelei Gott Priya Jaishanker Madison James Diane Johnson Steve Katz Ryan LeCours Meghan Montgomery Peggy Newen Benjamin Newman Bill Nixdorf Taylor Packard Elizabeth Schadrack Ed Schwartzman Kaitlin Shannon Danielle Sholly Kathy Singleton Valli Smith Keith Viglietta French Broad River Academy Students
Outreach and Office Volunteers Emily Bidgood Rose Butler Stuart Camblos Charlotte Caplan Leigh DeForth Kim Drye Nancy Edgerton Charlotte Ellis Art Ellis Mary Fanslow Tom Gatti Mike Green Jay Leutze Josh Kelly Florence Krupnick Lee Heyne Katey MacDonald Carolyn Novak David Ramsey Shirley Schultz Sarah Sheeran Kathy Singleton Brooke Smith David Smith Drew Stevenson Ben Wicker Patty Woolf Joan Worth Lach Zemp
Th a n k Yo u | V O L U N T E E R S
Roan Management Volunteers Little Hump “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership Work Day Peter Arnold Joe Coleman Eric Damtoff Lisa Fancher Yael Girard Katey McDonald Kristy Urquhart Drew Stevenson Dave Stroman Ben Wicker Charles Williamson
Roany Boyz Bruce Byers Carol Coffey Mike Fisher Dave Goforth Jerry Thornton Grassy Ridge Mow Off Terry Alexander Brian Bailey Emily Bidgood Lee Bidgood Sarah Fraser Tom Gatti Ethan Gouge Katryana Keely Dale Kirkley Katey McDonald Carolyn Novak Randall Rogers Jwalanta Shrestha David Smith Otto Smith
Allison Kiehl volunteers for the NPCA/Nature Valley work day.
AmeriCorps Round Bald Work Day Autumn Amici Seirisse Baker Kirby Callaway Caitlin Edenfield Suzanne Fleishman Sarah Kellogg Joe Lovenshimer Brenna McColl Thomas Pagels Jess Peete Kimber Ray Serena Shah Kat Selm Lizzy Stokes-Cauley Andrea Thompson Anna Zanetti NPCA/Nature Valley Work Day Laura Boggess Erin Buchholtz Rose Butler Joe DeLoach Allison Kiehl Nancy Edgerton Ron Edgerton David Hall Joe Lovenshimer Katey McDonald Lynn Patton Reid Patton Rich Preyer Michelle Pugliese Jim Rand Andrea Thompson Patty Woolf
Litle Hump Partnership Work Day volunteers.
BALDS MANAGEMENT UPDATE: 27 acres managed Grassy Ridge Mow-off We coordinated another successful and very wet Grassy Ridge Mow Off weekend this year. Fifteen intrepid volunteers braved long periods of rain, stiff winds, and even a little bit of hail to help maintain the grassy bald plant community on Grassy Ridge. Despite the conditions, volunteers managed just under four acres on Saturday before a soggy hike out for dry clothes and warm houses on Sunday. A big thank you to all of the volunteers for your unshakable contribution, and special thanks to Brian Bailey, who drove five hours from Georgia for his first Mow Off!
Roany Boyz The Roany Boyz completed their 12th consecutive year of volunteer mowing on Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Engine Gap. Just over three acres were managed this year by the tireless Boyz. There are not many groups of friends that would dedicate a long weekend to mow grassy bald while camping out- it’s an impressive and inspiring feat to have done it for over a decade. Their longevity is surely due to the fellowship and fun atmosphere they create around the work site. They are always looking for more volunteers to join the Boyz’ ranks — please contact us if you are interested joining this great group of folks to help protect the Roan’s grassy balds. Annual Report | 21
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy gratefully acknowledges the individuals, organizations, businesses, and foundations that generously supported our work during the last 12 months. We are indeed fortunate to have such a broad group of dedicated supporters, from our leadership donors to our corporate and foundation partners who make crucial investments in our programs. Because of the loyal commitment from those listed here and to several anonymous benefactors, we will continue to build a lasting legacy of protected lands across our Southern Appalachians. We apologize in advance for any names that may have been inadvertently omitted. If your name does not appear, please call or email us so that we may recognize you in the next newsletter. $10,000+ John & Annie Ager Anonymous (2) Robert Detjen Jay Gleason & Hershella Smith Susie & Will Hamilton Jacqueline Michel & Miles Hayes Brad & Shelli Stanback Fred and Alice Stanback Tim Sweeney $5,000 - 9,999 Fred and Cleone Black Lisa & George Francisco Dinesh & Alexandra Jain Bill and Dee Dee Maxwell $2,500 - 4,999 Vicki Bennett & Richard Luker Jim Blose and Sarah Rubin Courtney Blossman Phyllis Bosomworth David & Mary Ann Erwin William & Ellen Gaddy Joe & Sharon Goldston Michael & Sydney Green Jim Houser Laura Kimberly Myra (Popsie) Lynch Edward Oliver
Gregory Olson & Rosalind Willis Rich & Marilyn Preyer Robert & Elizabeth Pyeatt James Ross Jim Samsel & Kim McGuire Terry & Elizabeth Simmonds Kathy & John Singleton Cam Smail & Wendy Willoughby $1,000 - 2,499 Becky & Ed Anderson Michael & Catty Andry Anonymous (1) Holly & Bernard Arghiere Charlie & Troy Ball Warren & Larissa Bare Tom and Kim Barnhardt Eric Becker Frank & Ranlet Bell Kent & Jeanette Blazier Paul & Wyndy Bonesteel Clay & Leigh Bordley Dave & Lin Brown Kemper & Elizabeth Brown Kirk & Shelley Brown Nathan & Anne Burkhardt Bruce & Toni Byers H. Stuart Camblos Daniel & Leslie Casse R. Booth &
2 2 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
k
Georgeanne Chapman Dorothy Chappell John Cheesborough & Ellen Flanagan Billy & Cindy Clarke Douglas & Betsy Clarke Dumont Clarke & Shirley Linn Carol T. Coffey Elizabeth Colton Charles & Jeanne Cummings Thad and Ingrid Davis Robert & Carol Deutsch Paul & Chris Dismukes Victor Dostrow & Renee Ethridge Jennie Eblen & James Perkins Ron & Nancy Edgerton Murray Evans & Dee Montie William & Carol Falender Bill & Maxine Ference Priestley & Brent Ford Peter & Jas Gentling Helen Gift Jeffrey Goodman Clementine Gregory Jackson & Laurie Hamilton Keith & Patricia Hargrove Michael & Leslie Harvey Bob & Mabel Harvey Lance & Nancy Herning
Barbara Hiestand Robert & Jane Hite John Hoskins & Laura Webb Mary & Randy Johnson Jim & Lynn Karegeannes Leah Karpen Henri Kieffer & Ann Batchelder Joseph & Elizabeth Kelleher Anne Kilgore Jack & Florence Krupnick Betty Gayle & Felix Laughlin Kathleen Leutze Anne & Claude Libis Keith & Barbra Love Bill & Kim Lowndes William & Janice Maddox Richard & Rebecca Manske Laura & Mike McCue Charlie & Shirley Anne McCullough John & Connie McLendon Hezzy & Sharon Miller Carol Ann Mitchell & Carrie Lenburg Carol Namkoong Jeff Needham Darrol Nickels Leonard & Esther Pardue Mack & Janice Pearsall Cathy Phillips Cynthia Poortenga
Nancy Pope & Jacklyn Tatelman Suzy & Ed Rankin Sally Rhoades Ivon & Blair Rohrer, Jr. Dan Rosenberg & Jen Gervais Marc Rudow & Deborah Miles Bill Ryan & Lynn Bledsoe Shirley Schultz Lynn Silverstein Glen Singletary Dan & Evelyn Slagle Phil and Pat Smith Nina and Bill Snoddy Carole Spainhour Donna & Jim Sublett Ted & Terry Van Duyn Jean Webb David E. Wetmore Richard & Roba Whiteley Stephen & Kelley Wilkinson Tom & Laurie Williams Michael & Ellen Winner Ben Woolf & Patty Cunningham-Woolf Stephen & Mary Bruce Woody Lach Zemp
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S $500 - 999 John & Darragh Bailey Michele Ballantyne Beth Brinson Doug Buchanan Jim Carroll Maggie Clancy & Alan McGregor Ellen & Rountree Collett John Crosland III Paul & Susan Crutchfield Jack & Maxine Dalton Bill & Betty Gray Davis Darilyn Dealy Joe DeLoach Mary Fanslow Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull Sarah Slagle Garrett & Chris Garrett Greg & Michele Gregory Robert Harvey Jeff & Lee Hatling Lindsay Hearn Carleton Jones Perry Keys Mary Kiefer Charles Klabunde Witt & Beth Langstaff, Jr. Jay Leutze Ferris Lyle Michael Mallory Copley & Merriwether McLean Allison & Kincaid Mills Jennifer & Jay Mills Bruce & Mary Ann Minkin Judy Murray & Tom Gatti Jerry & Sally Nagel Margaret H. Newell Robert Peet Walter & Barbara Pitts Lunda & Tom Reeder Sandra & Bryant Riley Judith Roach John & Susie Ruhl Jim Schreiber
Charlotte Sheppard David Sherman Sandra S. Spooner Ellen & Mark Starkman Robert & Lori Thomas Chip & Melanie Thompson Buddy Tignor Jason & Rebecca Warner Joseph & Terese Williams John & Ashley Wilson, Jr. Will & Kelly Yeiser $250 - 499 Allain & Judy Andry Ellis & Barbara Aycock Charlie & Ann Baker Bob & Carol Bauer Alan S. Baumgarten, MD & Judy Hoffman, DO Regi & Katherine Blackburn Philip & Amy Blumenthal Charles & Mary Bowman Ken Brame & Judy Mattox Tom & Jo Brock Andrew & Lauren Brunk Robert Brunk Thomas & Linda Bushar Tom & Cathy Byers Barry Cooper & Sarah Bivins Linda Cooper Tom & Mary Cors J. Scott Cramer W. R. Cuthbertson, Jr. Robert Daniel Shannon & Rachel Davis William Davis Teresa Deal William & Lydia Edison Catharine Ellis & Kent Stewart Alan & Suzanne Escovitz Lina Evans & Ira Sloan Tracey Fender Randy & Beth Fluharty John & Janet Garrett Doris Gove
Bruce & Toni Byers “When I read about a new project, whether it’s in the Highlands of Roan or Hickory Nut Gorge, I feel like it’s a personal gift to me.” Bruce Byers Bruce, far right, volunteers with the Roany Boyz.
“The first time I remember going up to the Roan and camping with my family, I think I was seven years old,” recalls Bruce Byers. “From that time, I realized it was a special place. I loved those high mountaintop clearings, and still have a deep fondness for the Roan.” Bruce has been a long-time member of the SAHC family. He served as an SAHC Trustee and volunteers to maintain the grassy balds with the Roany Boyz. At times, he has even volunteered in back-to-back weekends for the Grassy Ridge Mow-Off and the Boyz. “I love getting up there and love the fellowship,” he remarks. “It’s a great excuse to get outdoors, and I love to keep those views open. ” Bruce first hiked the stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap to Elk Park around 1969. In his ‘courting’ days, he and Toni took
numerous trips and picnics to the Roan Highlands. Bruce is still an avid hiker and is especially fond of the area from Round Bald to Grassy Ridge. He thoroughly enjoys sharing his passion for the mountains with his family. Bruce has taken them all — four sons, three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren — up to the Roan. Their most frequent trip is from Yellow Gap to Little Hump Mountain. “My five year old grandson even walked all the way to Little Hump and back.,” he says. “I’m proud to be associated with SAHC. It’s a great organization, and my number one charity. I love to take people to these special places. I’ve met so many inspiring people through SAHC, and I enjoy being associated with great people and great cause. I plan to continue supporting SAHC and hope to inspire others to do so as well.”
Annual Report | 23
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S
Bring the Roan Home
“Trail Magic on The Roan Highlands” Giclee prints of gouache/pastel original art
Commemorate your love for the Roan with this limited print by renowned artist Coralie Tweed. $275 each, with 50% of proceeds donated to SAHC. Contact us at 828.253.0095 to order yours today. David Greiner Randall Holcombe Brett Hopkins & Julie McMillan Lang & Ann Hornthal Zoe Hoyle Ginny Hunneke Tom Jenkins & Rebecca Stimson Richard Kark Travis Knowles Keith Levi Ken Linker Damaso & Francie Lopez Leah & Brian Mathews Walter & Nancy McConnell
Tracy McCracken John & Cynthia McMahon Cyndi & Ronnie McNeill Steve Melton & Cheryl Fowler Mark & Mary Moody David V. Moore Tom & Sally Moore Coralie Tweed & Ray Morgan Carolyn Novak & Don Johnson Fountain & Carmen Odom Lucy Oliver & Tom Rightmyer Pat & Debbie Phillips
This Year...
Karen Prus & Lewis Carson David Ramsey Lynnell Reese Mark & Norma Ricci Bob & Julie Roepnack Charles & Ramona Rowe Ed & Ann Rowell Ed & Cathy Rudisill Ken & Patra Rule Jerry & Diana Rysticken Cherry & Paul Saenger William & Martha Scarborough Jim & Marianne Skeen Mary Kay & Bill Sullivan John Z.C. Thomas Karen Untz Martha-Ann & Craig Wardlaw Peter & Ann Weigl Doug & Pat Williams John & Cindy Winkenwerder Clark & Joanna Wright Up to $249 Andrew & Lorene Aarons Ken & Jennifer Abbott William & Jill Abernethy Jane Adams Laleah Adams Nealon & Goldie Agee Roxanna Albury & William E. Chaiken Jane Alexander Lois Alexander Max Alexander
Remember SAHC with a gift of cash or stock. Our Wells Fargo account number is 5885-3209 and the DTC number for transfers is 0141. Your broker can arrange the transfer for you or call our office for assistance. 828.253.0095 2 4 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Don & Janet Allen Melanie Allen Dr. & Mrs. Edmond Alley Tom Alligood Matt Amick Daryel Anderson Deyerle Anderson Sam & Delois Anderson Kathy Andrews Ashby Angell Andrew & Jennifer Angyal Anonymous (2) Elaine Applegate Bruce Armstrong Linda & Vernon Armstrong Juan Ascoli Eleanor Ashton Stephen & Barbara Austin Larry & Avis Autry Connie & Gilbert Backlund Robert & Kathryn Bagby Brian & Wendy Bailey Gary & Betty Bailey Rod & Bess Baird Bruce & Elizabeth Baker Ervin L. Ball, Jr. & Carol Cousins John Ball Jean Bangham Martin Barnes Pat & Glenn Bass Richard & Wallis Baud M B Baumeister Mary Ann Beasley Croom & Meriwether Beatty Isbell Behrer Helen Bell Barbara Benisch & Jacque Allan Bob & Donna Benner David & Sharon Benner Deborah Bennett Beverly Stubbs Benson George Benson Karel & Elizabeth Bernady
G. Alex & Anne Bernhardt, Sr. Darla Beverage & Kent Gardner Lee & Emily Bidgood Robert & Joy Bierbaum Clarence & Sheila Blair Elizabeth Blakely Rachel Bledsoe Jake & Cynthia Blood Richard & Jennifer Bock Matt & Raeyanna Boesch Peter Boggs Thomas Bolton Jack Bonner & Jessica Bayer Earl & Judy Booze Cindy Shealy & Greg Borom George & Alice Boss David & Laura Bourne Paige Boyd Jack & Amy Boyles Mary Boys Kathie & Risher Brabham Dr. Jane Bramham Robert & Anne Brandt Robert & Elizabeth Brannon Jack Branscomb Jay Bretz Robert Brewer Beverly & Charles Briedis Cynthia Bringle Richard Broadwell Matthew Brock Leah Broker & David Greenspan Daniel & Linda Brown Myrtle Brown Becky Brown & Josh Kelly Wes & Nancy Brown William Bruce James & Elizabeth Bryan Kathleen Buck & Ken Moore Steve Buie & Billie Harper Buie Jaime Burnham & Gay Marie Logsdon
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S Lana Burns Jerry & Doris Bush William & June Busing Don & Priscilla Bynum Jim Cahill Ernest & Berdelle Campbell Rebecca & Randy Campbell Steve & Shaw Canale Geoffrey & Patricia Cantrell Charlotte Caplan Ryck & Merry Caplan Frances & Stephen Capps Martha Carlisle Ava Carr Hank Carr Tim Carstens Richard & Barbara Carter Sarah Carter & Allison Kiehl Theresa Carter Greg and Esther Cartwright Jerry & Kathy Case Jane Castevens Dudley & Joanne Cate John & Ellen Cate Samuel Cathey Robert Cherry & Jamie Leigh Morna Childers Marguerite Clark Calvin & Martha Ann Claxton Joseph & Glenda Clendenin Bob Clifford Chuck Cloninger Erich & Linda Cluxton Martha Coats Brian Coggins Daniel & Margaret Cogswell Judy Coker Richard Colberg Gay Coleman Richard & Frieda Coleman Virginia Coleman Karen & Toby Collins Chase Condon Sally Cone
Barbara Conrad Joan Cooper Sima Cooperman David & Linda Copley Rob & Cindy Corley John & Nancy Cosgrove Lynn Cox & John Ramey Ron Cox Anne Coxe Robert & May Crawford Mary Crews Lindsay & Jeff Crick Philip Croll James & Marion Crowell Carol & Robert Cumbie Bruce & Mary Cunningham Rick & Sally Currie Polly Daniel Kathryn Daughton Nan & Charles Dauphine Barbara Ann Davis John Davis Madeline & Roy Davis Norman & Debbie Davis Philip Davis Sara Davis & Dwayne Stutzman Donald De Bona Lamar Dean Bruce DeBruhl Leigh DeForth Tim Dell Jane & H. Olin Desonier L.W. Dickerson Brian Didier Brian & Linda Dillon Frank & Donna DiMario Jamey Donaldson Philip & Deanna Dooly Mike & Elyn Dortch Jennifer W. Dotson Richard & Melinda Douglass Sylvia Dry Sherry Dubester Pat Dunn & Lee Ann Smith
Yes - I can help save Mountains!
Make your Annual Gift today at:
Appalachian.org/donate Frank Durand Richard & Frances Duvall W. Mills & Nancy Dyer Norman & Erna Earle M. Katherine Early Zellie Earnest Todd & Lynn Eastin C. John & Flo Ann Easton Michael & Anna Eddy Kevin & Marilyn Edgar David & Charlene Efird Frances Eizember Art & Charlotte Ellis Richard & Sylvia Elwyn Amy & John Ende Brian Ericson John & Sandra Erwin Linda Ewald F. Miles Ezell Lisa Fancher Heinz & Elisabeth Feil Mac Felder Sara Felsen Bambi Fincher
John Finnegan & Stephanie Horton Gerald Firak Michael A. Fisher & Sherry J. Hinton Bob & Liz Fisher Suzanne Fisher Chas Fitzgerald Fred & Annick Flaxman John Flood Lou & Ignacy Fonberg Norma Forbes Mary Park Ford Linda Frankl & John Kaufmann Jacquelyn Franklin Tim & Judy Frederick Robert Gaddis Paul Gallant Lee Galloway & Nancy Thompson David Gantt Art & Nancy Garrett Judy Garry
David & Jan Garver Lydia Garvey Warren & Sharon Gaskill Bob & Susan Gault Jim & Kathleen Gears Sally Gerhardt Charles Gershon Bill Gibson Ron Gibson Aldean Giles Ed Gill John & Minnie Gillett Linda Giltz Peter Girardi Greg Glance Andrew Glasgow Ash & Anne Gobar Karen Goklany Michael & Elizabeth Golden James Goldsmith Jane Goldthwait Linda M. Good David Goodkind & Marcia Giger
Annual Report | 25
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S
Monthly Giving – Join today!
SAHC depends on reliable support from our monthly donors to help sustain our mission. Monthly giving is automatic, convenient, simple & secure. And, you can enjoy our exciting program for free year-round!
Appalachian.org/donate Laura Gordon Roy & Ellen Gortney Peter & Polly Gott Ethan Gouge Aimee Govett & Wayne Speer Robert & Anne Graf David Graham W. Peter & Rhonda Graper Becky Gray Cornelia Green Greg Greenhow & Sherlene Spicer-Greenhow Dorothy Griffith Fred Grindle John & Lori Groce Robert Gross & Diana Donovan Albert & Betty Gumpert George Gurley Peggy Guthrie Joe Hackney Ted & Kellie Haddock Anne Hager Ed.D.
R. Phillip Haire Ben & Kathryn Hall John Hancock Danna Hand Kathleen & George Handley Diane Hankins John & Bootsie Hansen Camilla Durban Hapner Kitty Hardt Mary Harrell Art & Hannah Harris Herbert & Karen Harriss Bob & Nancy Hart William & Alice Hart Jonathan Hartsell Charles & Clara Hasbrouck Wanda Hayes Barbara Hearn Damon & Megan Hearne Vaughan Hedrick & Don Parlington Jim & Caryl Heid Eberhard & Jean Heide Alan Heilman
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Elizabeth Hemme Cheryl Hemmer Brevard Henry Glen & Mary Jo Hess William & Mary Hess Dale & Linda Heyne Pauline and Lee Heyne C. Carroll Heyward Nancy Hill Sara Hill Craig Hirshberg Dr. & Mrs. J. Parks Hitch, Jr. Charles & Pamela Hodge Raymond Hohenberger Ben C. Hole David & Debbie Holland James Hollandsworth Melisa Holman Norma Holmes Sam & Nancy Hope Dennis & Sherry Horn Laura Phelps & James Horney Dorothy Houlditch
Alan Householder Sandra Houts Ann & Sam Hubbard Isham Hudson Daniel Huger Kay Hultquist J. Randolph Humble David Humphrey John Humphrey John Hunt Brian & Mary Jane Hunter Michael & Marsha Hupko Christina & Robert Hvitfeldt Clint & Ann Iles Marilyn Iles George & Laura Ivey John & Freddie Jackson Erik & Dina Jacobs Marlene & Jay Jacoby Thomas & Audrey Janzen Gus Jerdee Thomas & Marian Jerdee W. Eugene Jessup Nick Joerling & Lisa Bruns Charles & Luise Johnson Dan & Karol Lynn Johnson David & Judy Johnson LuAnne Johnson Patty Johnson Robert & Julie Johnson Robert Johnson Bill & Jill Jones Donald & Ann Jones Eckess & Anne Jones Malcolm & Marie Jones Robert Jones Sandy Jones Steve & Jodi Jones Joan Jordan L. Collier Jordan Connie & Noel Kane-Maguire Bob Kaplan Ann Karegeannes Mary Karnis Bill & Sharon Katz
Lewis & Marilyn Kearney Christine Keelin Joseph Keiger Theodore Keith Donna & Robert Kelly Jackie Highley Kelly Judy Kelly Tom Kenney Jesse & Phyllis Key Ada Khoury & Renee Taylor Carl & Stephanie Kiefer Ruth Kimberly Lynn Kindley Kathryn King Doris Kirby Larkin & Rosa Kirkman Thomas Klages James Knight Robert Knight & Debra Segal Terry & Laura Knight William Knips Laura Kratt Fred Kraus Donald & Ruth Kreh Douglas Kriek Cameron Kurowski & Holly Musgrove Jeanne Lambrew Stephen Lampl August & Susan Landl Carol Gault Lane Witt & Helen Langstaff Robert Larson Sarah Larson Brian & Sara Lavelle George & Jan Lee Tom & Claudia Lee Robert Leger R. Michael Leonard T. Bentley Leonard Norma & Thomas Leonard Jennifer & Charles Lewinsohn Paul Lima Judy Lincks
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S John & Jessie Little Newton & Marilyn Lockhart George & Joanne Lofquist Carl Loftin Jerome Long Lynn & Gretchen Loudermilk Douglas Lowman Dell Loyless Ryan Lubbers Diane & Jerry Lunow Meg MacLeod Dr. Mary MacQueen Lee & Pat Magness Ed & Sue Mahoney Jo Ann Main & Carol Nichols Alma Manenica Gail Manheimer Michele & Brad Makrucki Christina Mann Brent & Lisa Manning March Hunt & Cat Potts Mr. & Mrs. Lanty L Smith Jean & Jack Margeson Sharon Marlowe Maggie Marshall Chandler & Virginia Martin Charles & Belinda Martin Elizabeth & Robert Martin Jim & Mary Allen Martin Carolyn & John Martin Karen & William Martin Sara Marx Annie Mascorro Jane Massey Paula Massey Ben & Ingrid Mast Tom & Sara Masters Mark Matheny Jon & Melissa Mather John & Nancy Mathewson Guy & Deanna Mauldin Dr. William May Donald McAllister John & Polly McArthur Bill & Becky McCall
Jackson & Pamela McCarter Sandra McCarver Patricia McCauley Raymond & Sue McClinton Roy McClure Hugh & Carol McCollum Tom & Robin McCoy John McCreary Carroll & David McCullough Kenneth & Sandra McDonald Bob McDonald Karen & Gary McDougal Pat & Doug McDowell George & Carolyn McEachern Robert & Geeta McGahey Dianne McGee Jeanne & James McGlinn John McGowan Barbara McIntyre Mark McKenzie Richard McLain & Lonni Schultz Jean McLaughlin & Tom Spleth George McLellan Robbie & Jen McLucas Tom & Denise McMurrain Paula & Gerald McNabb James Medlin Bill & Wanda Melton Sandy & Jackie Melton Peggy Melville Neal Menkes Carl & Holley Merschat Sandra & Don Mikush David & Jill Millar Jonathan & Kim Miller Kenneth Miller Meridith Miller & Ken Christensen Robert Miller William E. Mills Susan Minkler
For Love of Hiking “Ron and I are true supporters of SAHC and its land conservation mission. However, there’s nothing like actually stepping foot on these protected properties to really feel their worth. I learn something new about forest systems, native plants or animals, or water quality on every hike. Besides, you meet the nicest people in the woods!” Nancy Edgerton, Trustee Rick Mitchell & Cynthia Martin Lou & Linda Modica Cynthia Modlin John Moore Joy Moore Tim & Debi Moore Eric Morgan Aaron & Anna Morris Catherine Morris Pam & Joe Morris Josephine Morrison Irene Moser & Robert Shepard David & Linda Moulton Karen & David Mouw Susan Muehl Jennifer Mullendore David & Karen Muow John & Sherry Murphy William Murphy Katharine Tilson Murray Marillyn & Ron Nations James Neal Nancee Neel & Kirk Avent Robert & Julia Nesbit Ed & Laura Neves Margaret Newbold Gordon Newland Marianne Newman
Donald & Barbara Newton Ted & Ronda Newton Buddy & Joan Nickels Claudia & Mike Nix John Noel Jung J K Noh, MD W.T. Norris, Jr. Philip & Julie Oglesby Thomas Okel Tony Oneka Teresa Onofrio Doug & Darcy Orr John Oscarson Janet & James Ouzts Carol Owens
Jamie Pace Anne Paine Rebecca Paluzzi Jim & Sarah Parham C.E. Parker David Parker Joseph & Mary Parks Jon & Emma Parsons Joy Pastucha Michael Pawlyk John & Wanda Payne Sam & Linda Pearsall George J. Peery & Mary M. Stair Cliff & Sarah Pennell
Outdoor Clubs
American Rhododendron Society Middle Atlantic Chapter Valley Forge Chapter Four Seasons Garden Club French Broad River Garden Club Foundation Mountain View Garden Club Shady Oaks Garden Club Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Tennessee Eastman Co. Recreation Club Toe River Club, LLCC. Town & Country Garden Club Annual Report | 27
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S
Wear a piece of SAHC:
Show your support with our merchandise!
Our “Access” line of shirts celebrates access to those things you support - Trails for recreation, Local Farms for local food, Habitat for wildlife, and Clean Water. Our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” shirts celebrate our partnership with Highland Brewing Company and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, raising awareness of the natural treasures that make our area unique.
Appalachian.org/shop Matthew Perry Isak Pertee Susan Peters Scott & April Peterson Fred Pfohl George Phillips Taylor Pickard Steve Pignatiello Parrie Pinyan Cecil & Grace Pless Laurance & Dana Pless Rebecca Plummer & Jon Ellenbogen
Carol Polsgrove Penny & Ray Ponder Deborah Pope Jerry & Barbara Porter Dick & Laurie Potteiger Anna Powell Howard & Nancy Powell Mary Louise Powell Robert & Sandra Powell Kathleen & Philip Pratt Ralph & Marty Prevost Robert Price David & Amanda Proffitt
David Purdy Mary Purvis Glen Pyles Michael Racine Patrick Raft Scott & Joanne Rasco David & Christine Ray Terry & Sarah Reincke Ted & Zibs Reiter Paul Ressmeyer & Alison Lee Bob Reynolds Charles & Caroline Ribelin
Double or Triple Your Gift! Make your donation go further. Ask your company about matching your charitable contribution. If your employer participates, simply request a matching gift form and mail it to us. (See page 31 for a list of employers who made a matching gift in the past year.) 2 8 | Wi n t e r 2 0 1 3
Margaret Rich Robbins Richardson Craig & Diane Rightmire Daniel Rineer Gerald Rittenberg Jane C. Roberts Thomas Roberts Anne & Kenneth Robichaux Brenda Robinson & Larry Rodgers Charles Robinson E. Wilson Robinson Heman Robinson Susan Roderick Charles Roe & Charlotte Jones-Roe Glenn Rohrbaugh David Rollins Holmes & Jane Rolston Duke Rose David & Norma Royster Dan & Rosalie Russo Darlyne Sahara Carolyn Sakowski & Alton Franklin Marti & Gary Salk Ann Satterthwaite Daniel & Susan Sauer Tobin & Katherine Savage David Scanlon & Jewel Tabor Gary & E. A. Schenk John Schmid Norbert & Peggy Schneider Nancy & Samuel Schuman John Schwartz Edward Schwartzman Jonathan Scott Mary Scott Mike & Lana Scott Victor & Diane Scott Michael Sebert Alice Sebrell Edgar & Nancy Shackelford Donald Shaffer Barbara Shaw
Rob & Sarah Sheeran Dr. Steven Siegel Robert Sigmon Gail & Scott Silver Mark Skelton William Skelton Dr. Wendell & Rachel Skinner Jim & Jane Sleeva David Slobodin & Jane Fant Gordon & Ginny Small Bruce Smith David & Melissa Smith Eugene & Marianne Smith Eugenia Smith & Charles Caldwell Jeff Smith Jim Brooks & Janet Smith Karl Smith Laurence Smith Margaret Smith Peter & Carolyn Smith Sherwood & Eve Smith T.A. & Kitty Smith Thomas Smith Becky & Rocko Smucker Alan Solomon Paul & Lois Somers Lewis & Marcia Songer Daniel Sparlin Donald Spude Zach Spurgeon Stefan Stackhouse Lucia & Philip Stadter Sharon Stafford Shelley J. Stahlman & Creel Pickel Caesar & Dorothy Stair David & Carolyn Staley Joe & Mary Standaert John & Ashley Stanier Brooke & Isabel Stanley Greg & Dawn Starks Lida & O.E. Starnes Frank & Jaqueline Steele Peg & Bill Steiner
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S Robert & Audrey Stelloh John Sterling Lorna Sterling John Stevens Wyatt & Kim Stevens Nancy Stewart Anne & Jim Stokely Irene & Michael Stoll Lee & Margaret Storey Norris & Vivian Stowe Robert & Marea Stratton Alfred Strayhorn Jerry Strother Allen Sublett Mary Sundstrom Paul & Anna-Catherine Super Sally Sutton-Hilton Judy Sutton Megan Sutton & Andy Tait Nancy & David Swann Alicia Swaringen Harold Sweetman Susan & Allen Sweetser David & Carol Swing Shannon Szwarc Gary & Carol Ellen Taft Charles & Brenda Tate David & Debra Taylor Douglas Taylor Jonathan Taylor Sylvia Teague Carolyn & Remo Termini William & Jo Terry Donna Terzak George Testerman, M.D. Philip Thomas Richard Thomason & Heide Goldstein Sarah Thomason Craig Thompson Hugh & Marilyn Thompson Bob & Mary Thompson Peggy Tibbits Dr. & Mrs. John C. Toole David & Alice Torbett
Reba & Don Totten Kristina Trainque Cathy King Travel Mary Trice Nancy & Richard Truluck Amy Turner Harrison Turner Hope Turner Kristy Urquhart & Drew Stevenson Brian Vasilik Mrs. KA Vaughan Michael & Fran Vavrek Beth & Joe Vogler Jim Von Bramer Cathy & Tony Walgate Austin & Abigail Walker Charlie & Cathy Walker Sam Walker Tom & Debbie Wallace Florence Wallin Demming & Susan Ward Harold & Libby Ward Jeff Wardeska Robert & Ruth Warner Anthony & Janice Warren Bill & Judy Watson William Webb Stephen Weissman & Gary Ross-Reynolds Gladys Welch Michael Welch & Marquette Crockett Mark & Sandra Welker Sheila Welling Ward & Laura Wellman Dewey Wells Keith & Barbara Wells Ruth Wells Terri Wells & Glenn Ratcliff Paul Westervelt Hugh White Julie & Jim White Sterling Whitener Ben Wicker & Libby Henderson
Joelle Wicker Kathy & Jim Wicker Melvin Wieben Sam & Teenya Wiest Elizabeth Wilkerson Vicky Willard Barbara & Yardy Williams Jackie Williams Susan Williams Charles & Karen Wilson Eileen Wilson Mason & Prue Wilson Pam Wilson Steven & Judith Winchester John Wingerter Dennis Winner Geraldine Winstead William & Shirley Winston Bill & Debby Wolcott Oscar & Anna Wong Emily Wood Jane & Jack Woodside Rosemary & Merle Woodworth Sidney & Dick Wooten Charles & Nancy Worley Joan W. Worth Laurie Wright Patricia & Terry Lee Wright Jo Wykoff Elizabeth Ann Wyndelts Matt Yetter Carroll Young Hank & Nancy Young Hal & Ann Yungmeyer Lauran Ziegier Donald Zobel Sherrill & Ted Zoller
Leaving a Legacy for Conservation The Legacy Society of SAHC exists to recognize the extraordinary commitment and foresight of people who make a life income or bequest provision for SAHC. When you include a gift to SAHC in your estate plans, you join a growing number of visionary conservationists committed to protecting the special places of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. If you have provided for a lasting gift, please let us know so we can thank you. We gratefully recognize members of the Legacy Society of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy: Sandy & Jackie Melton Katherine Bachman* Carol Ann Mitchell & Carrie Mildred Blaha* Lenburg Tom & Jo Brock Kay Murray* Robert D. Brown* Rick Phelps G. Kimberly Carter* Bill Popper* Carol Coffey Lynnell Reese Lee Davis Caroline & Charles Ribelin Robert Detjen Allan Safford* Jerome Drown* Shirley Schultz Pauline Dunne* Terry & Elizabeth Alan & Suzanne Escovitz Simmonds Bill & Maxine Ference William Smith* Robert & Kerri Ford Susan Stone* Mildred Hawk* Pat Tompkins Julia Irwin* Charlotte Umholtz* David & Judy Johnson Nancy Wallace* Julia Jones* Amelia Jo Wier* Jim & Mary Allen Martin Ben Willis* Laura & Mike McCue *those whose gifts have been fulfilled
Annual Report | 29
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S
Grants Strengthen Our Strategic Conservation Work: We would like to thank the following grant makers for awarding grants that strengthen our work. Appalachian Trail Conservancy: $5,000 to fund research and outreach through the summer Highlands of Roan Ridgerunner position. Buncombe County: $50,000 to complete conservation easements in the Fairview farming community along the corridor of the Drovers’ Road Scenic Byway. Beattie Foundation: $5,000 to support SAHC’s land conservation and stewardship program. Community Foundation of WNC: $10,000 to support a new regional Farmland Access Service position, which will link farmers to available and affordable farmland in Western NC. The Conservation Fund: $45,000 to support legislative outreach with the NC General Assembly to preserve funding for conservation in the state. Conservation Trust for North Carolina: $18,840 to support our land protection projects along NC scenic byways. We also received $3,300 for a paid summer internship through the Max Mukelabai Diversity Intern program to support our online public outreach. Edward E. Haddock, Jr. Family Foundation: $5,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle to enable SAHC’s stewardship team to access and monitor permanently protected properties. 32 06 | W F ai lnlt e2 r0 1210 1 3
Nature Valley & National Parks Conservation Association: $25,000 to fund efforts to restore habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife, remove non-native invasive plant species, and enhance visitor accessibility and learning opportunities in the Roan Highlands.
Pigeon River Fund: $20,000 to help fund stream restoration at our Community Farm to improve water quality in the French Broad River watershed. $20,000 to support inventorying of plant and wildlife habitat in the Plott Balsam Mountains.
NC Department of Agriculture: $75,870 to purchase conservation easements on agricultural lands in the Fairview and Alexander communities.
SARE Grant: $10,000 to fund farmland access, specifically the agricultural business incubator program at the Anderson Farm.
NC Department of Transportation: $350,400 to purchase conservation easements along the Drovers’ Road Scenic Byway, protecting the scenic views and rural community character enjoyed by travelers along this route. New Belgium Brewing Company: $5,000 to help purchase equipment for our beginning farmer incubator program at our Community Farm in Alexander, NC. Open Space Institute: $25,000 to support legislative outreach and relationship building to build support and leadership for dedicated funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
USDA - NRCS: $458,250 from the Federal Farm and Ranch Protection Program to purchase conservation easements on working agricultural lands in Leicester and the Sandy Mush community.
Blue Ridge Forever We are the fiscal agent for this collaboration of 10 local land trusts in Western North Carolina. The following grants were awarded to the partnership: Merck Family Fund – $20,000 NC Dept. of Justice – $175,000 Park Foundation – $15,000 Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation – $21,600
Th a n k Yo u | S U P P O RT E R S & D O N O R S Our local business partners and organizations of all sizes provide invaluable support for SAHC’s mission and operations. We are grateful for their support, so please support them.
Business Members
Corporate Partners Waterrock Knob Partners: (elevation 6,292 ft.) - $15,000+
Alley Kat Sandwich Shop Alpine Ski Center Andrade, Roy Household Arbor Investment Advisors BBR Associates, LLC Bear N Friends Toy Shoppe Biltmore Estate Black Mountain Savings Bank Blue Heron Whitewater LLC BROO Haircare Café Lola Bistro Campbell’s Morrell Music Carolina Native Nursery Cheadle’s Art & Sign Co. Common Ground Distributors, Inc. David A. Ramsey Photography Early Girl Eatery East Tennessee State University Evergreen Home & Garden Showplace Fairview Town Crier Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant Highland Mapping, Inc. Jack of the Wood
Jonesborough Farmers Market Laughing Seed Café The Local Taco Mahoney’s Outfitters Mauk’s of Jonesborough Natural Pet Supply Nona Mia Ritrovo One Center & Lighten Up! Yoga One Stop Wines & Liquors Painters Greenhouse, LLC Pisgah Map Company Red Chili Korean Restaurant Rush Street Neighborhood Grill Sandy Mush Herb Nursery Second Gear Sensibilities Day Spa Shoji Spa & Lodge Sisters McMullen Bakery Ten Thousand Villages The University of Tennessee Weinhaus Wilson, Worley PC WCQS
Matching Gift Companies Bank of America CNA Foundation Duke Energy GLAXOSMITHKLINE Foundation JP Morgan Chase Foundation O’Brien & Gere Parsec Financial Management Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Shell Oil Company Foundation Matching Gifts
We are currently expanding our corporate partner program and would love to create a benefits package for you.
Contact Cheryl Fowler at 828.253.0095 ext 209 or cheryl@appalachian.org to find out more.
New Morning Ltd, including: Bellagio Art to Wear Bellagio Everyday Blue Spiral 1 Gallery Fine Arts Theatre New Morning Gallery
Roan Mountain Partners: (elevation 6,285 ft.) - $10,000+
Highland Brewing Company Salesforce
Cold Mountain Partners: (elevation 6,030 ft.) - $5,000+
Mast General Store New Belgium Brewing Co. Roberts & Stevens, Attorneys at Law
Big Yellow Partners: (elevation 5,480 ft.) - $2,500+
Altamont Environmental, Inc First Citizens Bank Friends at Jubilee! Community
Max Patch Partners: (elevation 4,629 ft.) - $1,000+
Eastman Credit Union Equinox Environmental Keith Hargrove Architect PC Hickory Nut Gap Meats Kee Mapping & Surveying Navitat Canopy Adventures Network Computer Solutions Parsec Financial Management Samsel Architects | 31
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Upcoming! To leave a legacy for future generations, remember SAHC in your estate planning. The Legacy Society of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy secures our incredible landscape and mountain heritage for future generations. Contact us at 828.253.0095 to be recognized as a part of the Legacy Society.
Save the date for our 40th Anniversary Party! May 15, 2014
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