When: April 8, 2026 @ 10:00 am
Fire Brings Life!
Join our Conservation Outreach Associate Alina along with Dr. Mark Vodak, a retired Professor of Forestry at Rutgers and current Joyce-Kilmer Partners Board Member on a spring walk in the Joyce-Kilmer Memorial Forest outside of Robbinsville, where we will go on a short walk—less than half a mile—to the burn site of the April 2025 Haoe Lead Fire (Click here to read the press release from 4/24/25). The site is less than .3 miles from the parking lot going counter clockwise on the the Poplar Cove loop trail. We will discuss the importance of fire and how the forest thrives when periodic burns occur, as well as what happens its absence. We will also see many beautiful spring ephemerals blooming in Joyce-Kilmer.
Participants will learn about the different kinds of forest fires, how/when/and why controlled burns take place, which plants need fire to reproduce, and much more fire-related information! We will also see the native spring ephemerals blooming in the forest and discuss identification tips for them and other plants, and more!
We’ll begin gathering around 9:45am at the Poplar Cove Loop Trail by the Cheoah Ranger District parking lot and begin just before 10am on Wednesday April 8th. See the map below for exact location.
We will be hiking part of the Poplar Cove loop trail, going counter-clockwise in order to reach the fire damage quickly. After our time spent at the burn area you can either continue onwards to complete the trail or return to the parking lot. The event itself will take about 1.5 hours of stop-and-start walking, and is on slightly rocky, fairly hilly trail. The hike to the burn site is less than .2 miles from the parking lot and will continue for an additional .3 miles. The fire portion of the walk has an elevation increase of 100ft, and is maintained regularly.
This walk is geared towards beginner naturalist and or those who are looking for a place to start, but is open to nature lovers, hikers, slow walkers, and people all knowledge and skill levels who enjoy a slow short walk with frequent stops to observe the landscape and study what fire has done around them.
We suggest bringing a backpack with water, a snack, a light sweater, a rain jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, and trekking poles if you like them. Also bring: any naturalist tools you may want, such as a notebook, camera, or a hand lens. We will provide magnifying tools and phone photography tips as well!
This event is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $10. 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.
Space is limited, so please fill out the form below to register then grab your notebook and prepare for a fun morning learning about the effects of wildfire in Joyce-kilmer! This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or thunder storms, but will proceed with a light drizzle. Please leave pets at home. Email Alina at [email protected] with any
questions.
Meet your teacher
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Associate, Alina Martin aims to encourage the protection and appreciation of land by connecting communities to the birds, plants, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that share our home here in the Southern Blue Ridge. Her adventures up and down the east coast have introduced her to a wide variety of habitats, and those experiences inspire her to continue nurturing her understanding of wildlife and plant ecology. Armed with her identification knowledge and ever-increasing wonder, Alina leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and finds something curious and new each time. She is a life-long birder, all-around naturalist, and avid user of eBird and iNaturalist.
Please treat your registration as a formal ticket. Read this event description thoroughly and ensure that the date, time, and location work for your schedule. We monitor event sign-ups, and restrict group size to ensure you have a quality experience out in the woods with us. If you register and can no longer attend, email Alina at [email protected]. Thank you!
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