2025 Community Offerings
April 14th | Bird Walk at dixon woods with topher stephens
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When: April 14th, 8am - 10am
Where: Dixon Woods Preserve Join HCLT & Topher Stephens for a joyful morning of watching the beautiful and varied birds of Dixon Woods. The walk will begin with a brief introduction on how to use binoculars to spot birds, then we will head off on a slow paced walk through the forests and meadows as we listen and look for birds in the landscape. We'll use the Four Keys to Bird Identification (Location, Behavior, Impression, and Markings) to identify each bird we see. We'll also practice birding by ear, the art of recognizing birds by their unique songs and calls. No experience necessary! Beginners are welcome! Topher Stephens is a Cullowhee, NC local with a background in biology, mindfulness, eco-psychology, and nature-based mentoring. With over 15 years as an outdoor educator, Topher brings an infectious passion and a deep reverence for the Earth into his teaching. He leads backpacking expeditions around the globe and teaches courses in birding, wildlife tracking, mindful nature connection, songwriting, crafts, and earth skills through his organization Wild Remembering. |
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April 16th | Invasive Warriors: Sassafras Gap
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When: April 16th, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Sassafras Gap Preserve https://maps.app.goo.gl/KL9MhxMQSrDv4tTV7 Questions? Email [email protected] Join HCLT for a fun and informative day of removing invasive plants from our farm and memorial orchard property, Sassafras Gap, in Highlands, NC. Learn methods identifying and of removing a variety of invasive plants, such as multiflora rose, privet, english ivy, bradford pear, and japanese knotweed. Come ready to work! Please bring water, snacks, gloves, sturdy shoes, thick pants and long sleeves, eye protection, and tools such as loppers, handpruners, and shovels if you have them. We will have some for sharing as well! This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to your community, meet like-minded people, get service hours, learn about invasives and how to properly remove, and learn more about your local land trust. See you there! |
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April 18th | Springtime Forest Bathing at Dixon Woods
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When: April 18th, 2pm - 4:30pm
Where: Dixon Woods Preserve, https://maps.app.goo.gl/htMRJ9Uo4RYJGSKC9 Description: Immerse yourself in the serene experience of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, with Dr. Mark Ellison at Dixon Woods Preserve, hosted by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. This calming event invites you to reconnect with nature through mindful exploration, deep breathing, and gentle movement in the tranquil woods. Dr. Ellison will guide you through a series of activities designed to engage your senses and promote relaxation, helping you to experience the healing benefits of the forest. Take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural environment as you let the stresses of everyday life melt away. Join us for this rejuvenating journey into nature, where you can unwind, recharge, and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty around you. Dress comfortably and come ready to experience the restorative power of the woods! |
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April 25th| Plant Praise of the Month: Hexastylis
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When: Friday, April 25th; 9:30am-11:00am
Cost: Free! This April we are highlighting Little Brown Jugs (Hexastylis arifolia) and Wild Ginger (Hexastylis shuttleworthii), two perennial herbaceous plants that have unique flowers and seed dispersal methods. Western Carolina University Biology Professor, Dr, Jacob Heiling will lead participants through Brushy Face Preserve, one of HCLT’s public access properties to identify and discuss the flowering Hexastylis genus. Please bring water, light snacks, and any other items to be comfortable outside and hiking for two hours. Brushy Face is an easy to moderate hiking trail with some elevation gain and uneven terrain. *There are 15 spots available. RSVP by emailing [email protected] * |
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May 2nd| Mushroom Inoculation WorkShop
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When: Friday, May 2nd; 10:00am-2:00pm
Join us on May 2nd at Edward Baker Preserve to transform fallen logs into a sustainable food product with mushroom spawn. Human cultivation of shiitake mushrooms for sustenance and enjoyment dates back over 1,000 years in ancient China. Producing mushrooms at home provides a recurring food supply for years, educates people on the amazing world of mycelial abilities, while producing nutrient rich compost. During this all-day workshop, participants will hike a short distance and learn the basics of mushroom log inoculation; including 3 different inoculation methods, what instruments are necessary depending on the inoculation method, and the ideal mushroom strains for our ecoregion. Participants will also receive hands-on experience and have the chance to inoculate and take home their own mushroom log. All materials and equipment will be provided for this workshop. Logs used for this workshop are sourced directly from Edward Baker Preserve and will be cut to size prior to the workshop. *Wood types used for this workshop will consist of tulip poplar and cherry. * *This workshop entails some kneeling on the ground, bending, and lifting of small logs. It is not a requirement to be able to be mobile in these ways, but is helpful.* The mushroom strains available for this workshop: COLD FRUITING Shiitake COLD FRUITING Oysters POM POM Lion's Mane *There are 18 spots available. RSVP by emailing [email protected] * |
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