When: April 10, 2026 @ 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. Once a month from spring through autumn, 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. In between our chatting and laughter, we’ll 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 near Maggie Valley to enjoy the many delights of springtime! US Forest Service Botanist Maria Dunlavey will join us to help identify and discuss all things wildflowers (and whatever other plants we may happen upon!). This hike is about 3.5 miles roundtrip, and is rated as moderate with roughly 600 feet of elevation gain. As always, a snack will be provided to enjoy along the way! Please bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, and anything else you need in order to be comfortable on the trail.
Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to register. We will meet in the afternoon near Maggie Valley; exact meeting location and time will be emailed to registered attendees in the days leading up to the event.
Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions. Please leave pets at home. This event is weather-dependent.
2026 Schedule
Saturday, May 9th: Wildflower Hike in Maggie Valley
Friday, June 19th: No meeting, attend Sylva Pride’s Juneteenth and Pride Picnic!
Saturday, July 19th or Saturday, July 25th: Tubing in Jackson County
Saturday, August 29th: Waterfall Swimming Hole Hike in Glenville
Friday, September 11th: Evening Fall Migration Birding Walk. Location TBD.
Saturday, October 11th or Saturday, October 17th: Leaf Peeping Hike. Location TBD.
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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