When: September 19, 2026 @ 1:00 pm
Join this special opportunity to see one of our rarest fall wildflowers!
Come hike with us to explore the unique serpentine pine barrens ecosystem and the rare fall flowering plants that grow there. We will be looking for the rare and unique Rhiannon’s Aster (Symphyotrichum rhiannon) in bloom! We are thrilled to be led by former Nantahala Forest Service Botanist and retired National Forest NC Botanist and Ecologist Gary Kauffman, an expert in the flowers of this region and brimming with stories of discoveries and exploration. He was also on the very first Mainspring board in 1997, back when we were Nikwasi Land Trust.
Gary will lead our adventure to see this unique and special flower, which has only been recorded in the serpentine barrens of WNC! It blooms for just a few short weeks before it goes to seed. Though Rhiannon’s Aster is the star of this show, we’ll admire a variety of other botanical delights along the way including Gentians, Lobelias, Passionflower, False Foxgloves, Goldenrods, and whatever else we may encounter. Come with questions!
We will be meeting on Saturday, September 19th at 1pm in Clay County east of Shooting Creek in the National Forest along Buck Creek rd. 6 miles from where you turn off of Highway 64.
This link will bring you to the exact location (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VtEZAbXbeN9YHXuN8). If you copy and paste the coordinates into your favorite mapping program that will also work (35.085577,-83.617163). View embedded map below.
This hike is approximately 1.5 miles round trip on an old, unmaintained rocky logging trail and will take about 3 hours. Total elevation gain is about 500 feet, and hiking poles will be useful for those who use them often. This hike is not ADA accessible. We suggest bringing water, an extra layer, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, a snack, and any anything else you need to be comfortable outside for the duration of this hike. This event is weather-dependent and will continue in a light rain but be postponed or cancelled in a thunder storm or heavy rains. Please leave pets at home. Email Alina at [email protected] with any questions.
Please park on the right side of the road bumper to bumper, with at least a foot between vehicles. Make sure other cars can pass on the left. We will be meeting just before 1pm and will return to our cars by 4pm. Participants are asked to obscure their observations on iNaturalist
This event is donation-based, suggested donation is 0-$20. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.
Meet your teacher!
Gary Kauffman retired as the botanist/ecologist program manager for the National Forests in NC in January of 2025. He has been with the USFS since 1992, all in NC, working as a botanist, surveying project areas, analyzing the sustainability of harvested botanical products such as ginseng, recommending restoration of rare plants and communities, and updating forest plant revisions. Gary is currently a board member for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and the Asheville Botanical Garden. He has a master’s degree in botany and has lived in western NC for the last 40 years.
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