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MountainTrue University: A history of environmental extraction and activism in Appalachia

Join us on March 11th from 12 pm- 1 pm to hear from our AmeriCorps Water Quality Administrator, Grace Fuchs, about the history of environmental extraction and activism in Appalachia. We will begin by defining the cultural and geographic boundaries of Appalachia, from there we will take a closer look at the environmental impacts of the timber, coal, and fracking industry in the region. We will then move to a historical analysis of Appalachian activists who have fought long and hard to protect their communities in the face of cultural and ecological destruction.

Winter Bird Watch on Lake Chatuge

MountainTrue will host the 15th annual Winter Bird Watch outing on Lake Chatuge, Saturday, March 13th, starting at 7:30 AM. This year we will meet at Chatuge Dam and caravan to various sites around the lake shoreline to view a wide variety of birds. Typically, 18-25 different species are observed on the outing, ranging from small songbirds to larger birds of prey and wintering waterfowl typically associated with more northern climes.

Signs of Spring Hike

This is a great late winter hike that follows the Green River offering continuous views of its quiet stretches to its most intense rapids. We'll look for early wildflowers and migrating warblers. Because it lies at lower elevations than more northerly mountain counties, temperatures should be mild and spring vegetation will be farther along.

Bearwallow CCA Spring Hike

This easy-to-moderate trail climbs one mile through the lovely mountain forest and opens up onto a large grassy field at the top. This spectacular summit will be the site for some guided reflection before looping back down the mountain. MountainTrue's Ecologist & Public Lands Director, Bob Gale, will offer some ecological insights along the hike. Once we reach the top of the Mountain Creation Care Alliance director Scott Hardin-Nieri, will provide some spiritual context around caring for our ecological neighbors.

$5

Western Region Spring Hike

Join us for our Western Region Spring Hike! For this hike, we'll hike the Panthertown Valley Trail to Mac's Gap Trail, forming a loop. This is a moderate 5.6-mile hike with 895 feet of elevation gain located near Glenville, North Carolina in the Panthertown Valley area of Nantahala National Forest. There is lots of variety on this hike - streams, views, waterfalls, lovely forests, and beautiful varying terrain.

RESCHEDULED – High Country Wildflower Hike

Join MountainTrue's Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly, as he leads us on a hike to explore the wildflowers found in Elk Knob State Park. The hike is on the Summit trail, a moderate, 4-mile out and back trail, that offers spectacular views of Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and more!

$10 – $20

Wildflower Hike

Join Mountaintrue's Ecologist & Public Lands Director Bob Gale as we explore the trail leading to Rattle Snake Lodge. More than thirty varieties of flowers are known to live on the way to the lodge, including dwarf larkspur, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and blue cohosh. During the hike, Bob will stop and discuss the wildflowers we will see on this trail. The hike will take us to the Rattlesnake lodge site, which was built in 1903 as a summer home for Dr. Chase P. Ambler. The Parkway gained the right-of-way in the 1930s, giving hikers an opportunity to explore the remains.

$5 – $15

MTU Climate Series: Climate Change in our Mountains and Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation

Join us for the next session in MountainTrue's Climate Series! During this session, we will hear from MountainTrue's very own Ecologist and Public Lands Director, Bob Gale. Bob will provide an overview of the likely effects of global climate change on the people and ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains and discuss the adaptation and mitigation strategies needed to maintain the resilience of our mountain home.

Upper Green River Inflatable Kayak Trip

Join our Green Riverkeeper for a trip down the wild and remote Upper Green River! This section is for those looking for a high-intensity whitewater experience with continuous Class II-III rapids and two Class IV rapids.

$30 – $60

MountainTrue University: Community-Powered Solar in the Fight Against Climate Change

Join Organizer & Communications Manager, Eliza Stokes, to learn more about local advocacy for 100% renewable energy in our region. Eliza will focus on the power of two recent collaborative solar energy purchasing efforts in Buncombe County – one between local governments and public schools, and another among local residents and businesses – and explore how similar campaigns could build momentum for renewable energy in other communities in our region.