The Village Nature Series
The Village Nature Series (VNS) is co-hosted by The Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and features experts in their field presenting on wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage. Traditionally, these events are held at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers, NC on the last Tuesday of every month during the summer season.
Programs are FREE, family-friendly, no registration needed, rain or shine.
Thank you to Cedar Creek Club for sponsoring these programs!
Programs are FREE, family-friendly, no registration needed, rain or shine.
Thank you to Cedar Creek Club for sponsoring these programs!
2023 Village Nature Series
Join us from 5:00-6:00pm at the Village Green Commons at The Village Green on the last Tuesday of each month April -September
April 25th - Invest in the Biodiversity of Cashiers: Creating a sustainable future for a complex ecosystemSonya Carpenter, Ecologist and Native Plant Enthusiast
The Cashiers Valley is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem. By celebrating the beauty of our iconic landmarks such as Whiteside Mountain, Panthertown Valley, the wild and scenic Chattooga River we can work together to protect, preserve, and create a sustainable future for our home. This Earth Day let's discuss ways that we can invest in our community to support the abundance of species that share this home with us. Join Sonya Carpenter, ecologist and native plant enthusiast as she presents tangible ways that we can invest in Cashiers and build resilient landscapes.
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Photo by Andrew Renfro
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May 30th - Hiking to Heal: An Introduction to Forest Therapy Dr. Mark Ellison, Pinnacle Forest Therapy, certified Forest Therapy Guide
This interactive learning experience will introduce participants to the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and the healing benefits of spending time in nature. A central component of forest therapy is promoting good stewardship of natural resources and conservation. Participants will experience forest therapy as I guide the group in a sensory experience that ends with a traditional shinrin-yoku tea ceremony.
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June 27th - Sense of Place: A Final EmbarkmentDr. Gary Wein, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Executive Director and botanist
Visitors and residents know that our part of the Appalachian Mountains are special, you can feel it in your bones. This region has a strong sense of place. Join Dr. Gary Wein of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust who has been actively conserving this biologically diverse land for almost two decades, as he takes us on a final geological, ecological, historical, and unique natural heritage journey of the Southern Appalachians, before his retirement after 17 years!
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Photo by Andrew Renfro
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July 25th - Cashiers Valley: Ancient Cherokee Travel Corridor Lamar Marshall, research director of Southeast Heritage
The Cashiers Valley is a unique geological of the Blue Ridge. This gap was a link between the Lower Cherokee Towns along the Keowee River in modern Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, and the Out Towns located along the Tuckasegee and Oconaluftee Rivers in Jackson and Swain Counties, North Carolina. Join Lamar Marshall, renowned historian of early Cherokee history, on a journey of Cherokee trail systems in the Cherokee Territorial Claim, and how these trails helped form our Plateau today.
NOTE: This presentation will be held in the Albert-Carlton-Cashiers Community Library across from the Village Green, located at 249 Frank Allen Rd. Cashiers, NC 28717 |
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August 29th - Secret Life of SnakesPatrick Brennon, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Highlands Biological Station
Join us to hear about the biology of regional snakes, learn the differences between venomous and non-venomous species, and even see a live snake up close! We will also dispel many common misconceptions about these often-misunderstood creatures. Live animals will be present -- Fun for all ages!
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Corn Snake by Patrick Brannon
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September 26th - Native Plants for the Vegetable GardenAdam Bigelow, horticulturist and botanist, Bigelow's Botanical Excursions
Native plants benefit us, our gardens, and the landscapes and ecosystems we depend on. Learn about the benefits of native plants and the harm caused by invasive plants. We will discuss how native plants can attract beneficial insects, beautify vegetable and flower gardens, and provide nutrition to the dinner plate.
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by Adam Bigelow
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