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April 27-29, 2012
If you love mountain wildflowers, don't miss Asheville's 40th Annual Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage, a three-day event sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Asheville Biology Department and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Because of its great age, the Appalachian region has a rich assortment of wildflowers unequaled on the continent, and flowering plants abound in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the spring. Tours are designed to be informative and enjoyable so you will leave with a fuller appreciation of the beauty of our region's wildflowers and bird life.
Registration
Registration for field trips begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the lobby of Robinson Hall on the UNC Asheville campus. Signs on campus will direct you. The registration fee ($5 for adults and $1 for students) covers all events. Activities will take place regardless of weather conditions. Be prepared for rain and bring a lunch for morning or all-day trips. A hand lens or magnifying glass will be useful for wildflower tours, as will binoculars for birding trips. Motorcades are limited to 10 cars, and we do not furnish transportation. The mileages given are approximate one-way distances from tour starting points. All trips leave from the Robinson Hall parking lot at UNCA or from the Folk Art Center lower parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 382. The sponsoring organizations assume no responsibility for lost articles or injuries.
ALL-DAY EVENT: PLANT SALE
Friday 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Also on Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The 42nd Day in the Gardens will feature a wide variety of plants for sale by the Botanical Gardens and many other plant vendors, food (on Saturday), and entertainment. Proceeds go toward maintenance of the gardens, which do not receive state or federal support. There is no charge for outdoor activities. The Botanical Gardens are located adjacent to the UNC Asheville campus at Weaver Boulevard and Broadway.
REGISTRATION FOR EVENING PROGRAM AND GUIDED WALKS
When and where to register: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Robinson Hall lobby (UNC Asheville science building)
FRIDAY EVENING PROGRAM
Details coming!
ALL-DAY FIELD TRIPS (SATURDAY)
Trip #1. 9:30 a.m. Mountain Wildflowers
Start from Robinson Hall and travel to the Craggy Mountains. Differing elevations along the drive provide an opportunity to see many different flowers, trees, and some impressive geological formations. Driving distance 30 miles, hiking distance 1 mile. 15 person limit. Leader Scott Dean.
HALF-DAY FIELD TRIPS (all morning trips will return in time to take afternoon trips):
Trip #2. 7:30 a.m. Nature Walk to the Ray Mine
Start from Robinson Hall and travel to Burnsville by motorcade to the Ray mica mine last operated 50 years ago. Emphasis will be on birds, wildflowers, and geology of western North Carolina. Wear long pants and heavy shoes; bring a knapsack and packing materials (newspaper or plastic bags) to carry samples. Feldspar, muscovite, tourmaline, beryl, and other minerals may be collected. If you bring a rock hammer, eye protection will be required. One-way driving distance 45 miles, 1/2 mile hiking distance on moderately steep trail. Leader Bill Miller.
Trip #3. 7:30 a.m. Birding Trip
Start from the Folk Art Center and travel north by carpool along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Craven Gap, stopping at overlooks and trailheads to observe spring migrant songbirds. Driving distance 30 miles, walking distance 1 1/2 miles or less. Leader Jamie Harrelson.
Trip #4. 9:30 a.m. Wildflowers: Local Treasures
Start from Robinson Hall to selected sites in the Asheville vicinity. For those who wish to learn about a rich assortment of wildflowers close to Asheville. Driving distance 25 miles, walking distance 1/2 mile. Leader David Clarke.
Trip #5. 9:00 a.m. Beyond Beauty: A Look at Plants and Their Historic Uses
Start from Robinson Hall and travel to selected sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn identification and uses of trees and wildflowers, from the showy to the shy, you encounter along the way. Driving distance 20 miles, walking distance 1/2 to 1 mile. Leader Cindy Carpenter
Trip #6. 9:00 a.m. Wildflower Motorcade
Start from the Folk Art Center and travel north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to a point near Tanbark Ridge Tunnel and on to Craggy Gardens with frequent stops. Driving distance 18 miles, walking distance 1/2 mile or less. Leader Dan Lazar.
Trip #7. 1:30 p.m. Spring Wildflowers and Ferns
Start from the Folk Art Center and travel south on the Blue Ridge Parkway for stops at selected sites and a walk on the Shut-In Trail. Driving distance 20 miles, walking distance 1 mile. Leader Jim Perry.
Trip #8. 1:30 p.m. Trees and Wildflowers
Start from the Folk Art Center and travel north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Craven Gap and Bull Gap. Driving distance 15 miles, hiking distance 2 miles or less. Leader Scott Pearson.
Trip #9. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Wildflower Walk in the Shinn Gardens
Start from Robinson Hall to the Thomas S. Shinn property (Stone Knife Farm) in Leicester for study of wildflowers, shrubs and trees in an extensive natural setting. Driving distance 10 miles, walking distance 1/2 mile. Leaders: Nancy Shinn, David Clarke, and Tim Spira.
SATURDAY EVENING PROGRAM
TBA
SUNDAY FIELD TRIPS
For the latest, go to their web site.
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