When: July 13, 2024 @ 9:00 am
This event has been cancelled due to lack of interest. If you are interested in a similar event in the future, email Skye at [email protected].
Celebrate National Forest Week by learning how plants create, maintain, and change the world around us
Trees and other plants are the stage that the drama of life plays out on, but plants are more than a static backdrop. They are the foundation, feeding and sheltering the other creatures that live among them. Like the alchemists of old turning lead into gold, they turn sunlight, water, and oxygen into leaves, flowers, nuts, fruit, and wood. In some cases, they even modify their habitat to suit their needs.
During this event, we will learn how to observe the plants around us in order to understand the type of habitat we are in, and what critters we can expect to see living here. We will learn plant ID basics, discuss the ecological implications of specific species, and consider general management practices you can use to influence the habitat types on your own property. Together, we will practice using a “dichotomous key” to distinguish the natural community types at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, which boasts a high diversity of ecosystems for its size. Participants will take home their own copy of keys to common habitat types here in Macon County. Beginner, intermediate, and expert naturalists all welcome- let’s learn together!
This event is donation-based, suggested donation is $15. Donations can be made online (select “Upcoming Event” from the drop-down menu), or through cash or check (made out to Mainspring Conservation Trust) at the event. Please give what you can, but not more than you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy!
We will meet at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve (2249 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC 28734) just before 9:00am on Saturday, July 13th. See map below for the specific location. Please bring water, a snack, and sun/bug protection. You may also want a small notebook to take notes in, a writing utensil, and other naturalist tools such as a hand lens or binoculars (good for looking at distant plants or leaves in the canopy!) Extra illuminated magnifying glasses and binoculars will be available for those without their own.
This event will run for 2-3 hours, and we may walk up to 3 miles over trails that vary from wide, flat, and even to narrow, sloped, and uneven. Please note that there are no bathrooms or potable water on this property.
Space is limited, so fill out the form below to secure your spot! Email Skye ([email protected]) with any questions. This event is weather dependent; the selected rain date is Saturday, July 27th. Please leave pets at home.
