Upcoming Events
Garlic Mustard Pull - May 2
On Friday, May 2 from 9:30 AM to 2 PM the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is partnering with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), Roan Mountain State Park, and the Cherokee National Forest to remove invasive garlic mustard around the Appalachian Trail.
All are invited to join us for a fun day of helping to protect the natural habitats and biodiversity found in the A.T. landscape - no experience needed. Plucking out the pesky invaders when they are young is relatively easy and very rewarding work, but it does take a lot of hands! You also might get to see spring wildflowers that are able to grow in the area, thanks to the hard work of volunteers who pulled garlic mustard in the past.
Schedule:
9:30 AM to 9:45 PM - Introduction, safety talk, etc. Volunteers will be briefed, divided into groups, and dispersed across the Park and along public roadsides to pull garlic mustard. There will need to be some shuttling and driving of personal vehicles to make this happen.
9:45 AM to 1:00 PM – Pulling and bagging up garlic mustard!
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Lunch at the Conference Center and our official “weigh in”
Seasonal Events Overview
Interested in getting involved with habitat management and restoration efforts? Each year, partners in Highlands of Roan stewardship host volunteer work days and celebrations.
In mid-late April, there is a garlic mustard pull volunteer work day in and around Roan Mountain State Park, to help slow the spread of this invasive, non-native plant, which can out-compete native plants by depriving them of sunlight, moisture and space. Removing garlic mustard from thoroughfares such as Roan Mountain State Park and public roadsides is crucial to controlling the establishment and spread of this invasive species in our area.
In mid July, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy hosts a volunteer work weekend - the Grassy Ridge Mow-Off - to help manage and restore grassy balds habitat. Volunteers are welcome to come for a day or stay the weekend, camping overnight with the volunteer work group.
Each year, a seasonal Roan Naturalist helps with education and management efforts along high visitation areas of the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands. Advertising and hiring for this position usually occurs in February-March.
If any of these annual seasonal events seem appealing, mark your calendar and check the organizations’ websites below for specific details as these and other event details become available.
