When: May 13, 2023 @ 10:00 am

Come Meander with us to explore the lands, waters, and cultural resources that Mainspring Conservation Trust protects.
On the second Saturday of every month, Conservation Outreach Associate Skye Cahoon will lead you on a Meander through the rich floodplains, lush forests, picturesque meadows, and vibrant mountains that make this region so special. Together we will learn about and appreciate the natural world around us, taking time to notice both the tiny and the mighty creatures that call these places home.
This month, we are Meandering along our new accessible trail on Queen Branch Preserve in Franklin. We will wind through floodplain meadows and wetlands on this gentle amble, going slowly to admire the wildflowers and other beautiful creatures that live on this property. This ⅔ of a mile round trip walk is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility devices and will take 1-2 hours.
We will meet at the Queen Branch Preserve parking lot at the intersection of Bryson City Rd and Queen Branch Rd in Franklin at 10am on Saturday, May 13th. Participants without mobility concerns are asked to park in the upper, larger parking lot. The smaller, lower parking lot offers accessible access to the trail.
This event is free and open to the public, and registration is not required to attend. Please email Skye with any questions, and keep an eye on this page and our social media for any scheduling updates. We look forward to Meandering with you!
2023 Mainspring Meanders Schedule:
April 8th: Pinnacle Park, Sylva
May 13th: Queen Branch Preserve, Franklin
June 10th: Salt Rock Gap, Panthertown Valley, Cashiers
July 8th: Yellow Creek Falls, Robbinsville
August 12th: Gibson Bottoms Preserve, Franklin
September 9th: Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, Franklin
October 14th: Welch Farm, Andrews
November 11th: Piney Knob Trails, Murphy