When: December 6, 2025 @ 12:00 am
Come be “out in the outdoors”!
Calling WNC’s LGBTQIA+ community! Let’s gather to share the company of nature and our fellow community members. Every other month, we come together to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space as we wander in the woods, connecting to each other and the natural world around us. These meetings are social gatherings with naturalist twists rather than structured guided hikes; our main goal is to enjoy our time together in the beautiful outdoors, including sharing a provided snack together! In between our chatting and laughter, we take the time to notice, appreciate, and learn about the creatures that call this place home, from the tiny beetles to the mighty trees. This safe space is open to anyone who seeks community and honors the spirit of respect and kindness that this club is built on- friends, family, and allies are welcome!
This month, we will be Out in Bryson City to enjoy our winter waterfalls! This gentle out-and-back hike will take us past multiple waterfalls in less than 2 miles with minimal elevation gain. After our hike, we will enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and participants will have the option to sow native seeds through our WNC Wildseed Library. Bring a pot filled with soil (or two) and peruse our selection of seeds to help you beat the winter blues and look towards spring!
Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to register. We will meet in the morning near Bryson City; exact meeting location and time will be emailed to registered attendees in the days leading up to the event. Please bring water, warm layers, a mug, a pot with soil (optional), and anything else you need to be comfortable outside for the duration of this event.
Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions. Please leave pets at home. This event is weather-dependent.
2025 Schedule
Winter Foraging Walk: Saturday, February 8th in Franklin
Birding Walk: Saturday, April 12th in Franklin
Bog Walk: Saturday, June 14th, near Alarka
Summer Picnic and Swimming: Saturday, August 23rd in Lake Santeelah
Parkway Cruise: Saturday, October 18th near Cherokee
Waterfall Hike and Native Seed Starting: Saturday, December 6th in Bryson City
Meet your leaders
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Director, Skye (she/her) inspires people to connect with their local landscape and value the conservation efforts that protect it. Integrating her experience in wildlife research with her excitement about the natural world, she strives to make science fun and accessible.
Gillian (she/her) is a queer conservation practitioner who strives to build community by connecting with others in nature and working to ensure that public lands are a welcome and safe space for all.
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