2024 Community Offerings
On Going - Winter Walk Wednesdays
This new year, HCLT will be hosting winter hikes on our public properties to encourage folks to get outside during the winter time! Starting January 17tt, HCLT staff will be leading casual hikes for anyone to join.
Whether you want to take a nature hike, show friends or family the public lands in the area, or get a workout in, these hikes are perfect for all. They are free and everyone is welcome to enjoy the outdoor space along with some HCLT staff. We will be meeting at the trailhead for each hike. Please email americorps@hcltnc.org or check our social media pages for more information. January 17th - Kelsey Trail Preserve
January 31st - Brushy Face Preserve February 14th - Ravenel Park February 28th - Dixon Woods March 13th - Edward Baker Preserve March 27th - Mckinney Meadow April 24th - Sunset Rock |
April 18th - Grub for Good Earth Day Trivia at Whiteside Brewing Company
When: April 18th, 5pm - 8pm
Where: Whiteside Brewing Company, 128 State Rte 107, Cashiers, NC 28717 Join HCLT for a special Earth Day themed Trivia night at Whiteside Brewing Company! Test your Earth Day knowledge while enjoying good beer, good eats, and supporting a great cause! 10% of proceeds will be donated to HCLT to continue our efforts in conservation and education in the community! |
April 22nd - Sunset Hike at Satulah Mountain Preserve
When: April 22nd, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Where: Meet at Kelsey-Hutcherson Founders Park Celebrate Earth Day in the heart of nature with a sunset and moonrise hike at Satulah Mountain Preserve, guided by the staff from Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Experience the magic of the transitioning skies as the sun dips behind the mountains, painting the horizon with hues of orange and pink. With each step, immerse yourself in the serenity of the preserve's pristine wilderness, learning about its delicate ecosystems and the importance of conservation. As darkness falls, witness the enchanting moonrise, casting a silvery glow over the landscape. Join us for an evening of exploration, inspiration, and reverence for our planet's beauty. This hike is free and open to the public. The hike is 3.5 miles round trip. Difficulty level is moderate to difficult. |
May 2nd - Wine & Nature Trivia Night with High Country Wine & Provisions
When: Friday, May 2nd, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: High Country Wine & Provisions, 621 Franklin Rd. Highlands, NC 28741 Sign-up: email hope@hcltnc.org High Country Wine and Provisions & Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust are excited to announce their upcoming Wine and Nature Trivia Night! This unique event will blend the pleasures of wine tasting with an exploration of the natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of sustainable farming practices in winemaking, as Guy Davis, owner of High Country Wine and Provisions and Davis Family Vineyards, shares insights into his family's commitment to environmental stewardship. From vineyard to bottle, participants will learn about the eco-conscious methods employed by Davis Family Vineyards, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of sustainable viticulture. In addition to wine education, guests will engage with the knowledgeable staff from the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, who will impart fascinating tidbits about the rich cultural and natural history of the region. From the geological wonders of the plateau to its diverse flora and fauna, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the unique ecosystem that surrounds them. Attendees will then have a chance to play a game of wine & nature trivia, testing their skills and knowledge of sustainable farming practices and natural heritage of the Plateau. The highlight of the evening will be a raffle featuring $400 worth of prizes generously donated by High Country Wine and Provisions. Lucky winners will have the chance to take home an assortment of premium wine selections from Davis Family Vineyards, including 2 rare bottles, and other enticing goodies. 10% of the night’s sales and raffle ticket costs will be donated to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust to further their work in conservation and education of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The Wine and Nature Trivia Night will take place at High Country Wine and Provisions, 621 Franklin Rd, in Highlands, NC on May 3rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The event is free, RSVP is not required, but is preferred. Please email hope@hcltnc.org to sign up! Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine, knowledge, and conservation as we celebrate the beauty and bounty of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, while supporting a worthy cause! |
May 7th- Star Gazing Stroll at Sassafras Gap
When: 8:00-9:30 PM
Where: Sassafras Gap, meeting at Peggy Crosby Center, Highlands, NC Are you curious about the Springtime constellations and how dark Highlands skies are? Come on a star gazing adventure with HCLT staff at Sassafras Gap, a HCLT public access property. This event is free and open to the Public. We'll be meeting at The Peggy Crosby Center, Highlands, NC and be carpooling to our location. Bring your own mugs, camping chairs, blankets, and binoculars! We'll be making foraged pine needle tea during our cozy star gazing. This hike will be in honor of our dark skies and why they are so important to the preservation of nature. Hundreds of wildlife species depend on dark skies for mating, finding food, and stealthily navigation. This hike is less than 1/2 mile, but includes step terrain. Please bring trekking poles if you struggle with balance. To find out the importance of Dark Skies, visit HTTPS://Darksky.org/ |
May 11th - BirdFest
When: May 11th, 10am - 4pm
Where: Monteith Farmstead and Community Park, Dillsboro, NC Get ready to spread your wings and join the flock at BirdFest, an annual celebration of avian splendor organized by Balsam Mountain Trust. This free event is set to take place on May 11th, from 10 am to 4 pm, at Monteith Farmstead & Community Park in Dillsboro, NC. In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, BirdFest promises a day filled with fun, education, and appreciation for our feathered friends. This year, BirdFest takes flight with the theme "Protect Insects, Protect Birds," highlighting the critical relationship between healthy invertebrate populations and thriving bird communities. BirdFest aims to raise awareness of this crucial interdependence and inspire action to safeguard both birds and their insect allies. Attendees can expect a lineup of free educational programming, including bird, insect & native plant-related walks, live bird ambassadors, and interactive crafts & activities suitable for all ages. From fascinating insights into bird behavior to the intricate world of insect pollinators, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy. But BirdFest isn't just about education - it's also a celebration of community! The event will feature live music, local artists and art displays, food trucks, raffles with amazing prizes, vendors, and opportunities to connect with local conservation organizations dedicated to protecting our natural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just beginning to explore the world of birds, BirdFest welcomes enthusiasts of all backgrounds to come together in celebration of our avian companions. Don't miss out on this feathered extravaganza! Mark your calendars for May 11th and join us at Monteith Farmstead & Community Park for a day of exploration, learning, and bird-inspired fun. For more information on the festival AND pre-festival community events, visit bmtrust.org/birdfest/ This festival is in partnership with AmeriCorps, Mainspring Conservation Trust, Wild Remembering, & Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and is sponsored by Vortex Optics. |
May 15th - Journaling in Nature Workshop with Brent Martin at Satulah Mountain Preserve
When: May 15th, 9:45 - 3:00pm
Where: Meet at Peggy Crosby Center, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC 28741 RSVP here: https://blueridgebartram.org/event/may-15th-nature-journaling-workshop/ Join the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy and Hope Corbin from the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) for a day of nature journaling, phenology, and hiking at HCLT’s Satulah Mountain property. We’ll meet at the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands at 945 AM to shuttle to the parking area for the one mile hike to the summit, where we’ll engage in some creative nature prompts to guide in our writing. We’ll have lunch, do a few more writing exercises, and be back to the Crosby Center between 2 and 3PM. Limited to 12 participants. |
May 15th - BeeKind Mindful Sunset Hike
May 23rd - Sunset & Moonrise Hike at Ravenel Park
May 30th - Wildflower EcoTour with Adam Bigelow
When: May 30th, 9am - 12:00pm
Where: Sassafras Gap Preserve Cost: Sliding Scale $15 - $50 RSVP: email hope@hcltnc.org Join HCLT to explore wildflowers at our lesser known public access property, Sassafras Gap Preserve! This wildflower walk will be led by Adam Bigelow, local naturalist and wildflower expert |
May 31st - Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas Training
When: 5/31, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Join HCLT and US Fish and Wildlife Pollinator Specialist, Bryan Tompkins, for a citizen science training to learn how to use the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas. What is the Bumble Bee Atlas? The Atlas is a community (aka citizen or participatory) science project aimed at gathering the data needed to track and conserving bumble bees. The information that we have suggests that many species of bumble bees face an uncertain future, but we lack the data needed to implement effective conservation measures, especially at the regional scale. "Community science" means anyone is welcome to participate and help contribute to a better understanding of bumble bee needs. How does the Atlas work? Community scientists, like yourself, spread out across one of our project states to survey for bumble bees and report back whatever they find! Survey methods are catch-and-release, so no bees are harmed. All you need to participate is an insect net, some vials, a decent camera (including many cell phones), and access to the internet to submit your data. To gather this data at the scale we need to inform our conservation work, we will need widespread participation. The success of the Atlas will come from land owners, agencies, scientists and you joining together to understand the needs of bumble bees. Learn more about Atlas here: https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/ RSVP by emailing hope@hcltnc.org |