When: March 9, 2024 @ 10:00 am
Join a Nantahala National Forest Botanist for this special opportunity to see one of our earliest and rarest spring wildflowers
We’re back with one of our more popular events from 2023, a pilgrimage to see the uncommon Harbinger-of-Spring (Erigenia bulbosa) in bloom! Nantahala F.S. Botanist Maria Dunlavey will lead us on an adventure to see this delicate little flower, which has only been recorded in two places in North Carolina and is visible for just a few short weeks before it fades away to await the next spring. Though Harbinger-of-Spring is the star of this show (if our timing is right, we should see blankets of its snowflake-esque blooms!), we’ll admire a variety of other botanical delights along the way including toadshade trilliums, walking ferns, Bishop’s caps, and whatever else we may encounter.
Because of the rarity of Harbinger-of-Spring, participants are asked to refrain from sharing georeferenced photos or otherwise publicizing the location of the plant.
This event is donation-based, suggested donation is $10. Donations can be made online (select “Upcoming Event” from the drop-down menu), or through cash or check at the event. Please give what you can, your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy!
This hike is approximately 3.6 miles round trip and will take about 4 hours. The first 0.2 miles are on the AT at a moderately intense grade (mostly staircase), with the remainder of the hike on Forest Service roadbeds at gentle grades. Total elevation gain is about 500 feet. We will meet near the Fontana Marina in Graham County, after registering you will receive an email detailing where to park to meet the hike leaders. Fill out the form below to register, and email Skye with any questions. This event is weather-dependent.
Below are some of the beauties we saw last year! Left to right; Harbinger-of-Spring, Dutchman’s Breeches, Red Toadshade Trillium, Bishop’s Cap, Yellow Toadshade Trillium, Wood Anemone
This event has reached its capacity. Email Skye with your full name and number of people in your party to be added to the waitlist.
