Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend Offers a Variety of Events for Nature Lovers

May 13 - 15, 2016    Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend   Enjoy three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain.  The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. 221 in between Blowing Rock and Linville NC. 

A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks are offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain. All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist’s Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who plan to attend multiple days should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday.  

This is one of the best opportunities of the year to learn more about this remarkable 300 million year old wonder.

2016 Naturalist Weekend events and programs include: 

Friday	May 13
All Day	Audubon Spring Bird Count – Hosted by High Country Audubon, participants will be birding at various locations around Grandfather Mountain to complete a tally of the Grandfather’s bird life. Reservations required. To register, contact Jesse Pope at (828) 733-2013 or jesse@grandfather.com or Mickey Shortt at (828) 733-4326 or mickey@grandfather.com.
10 a.m.	Sensory Hike on the Profile Trail – Experience the Profile Trail with a ranger-guided walk that focuses on more than what meets the eye Participants are encouraged to bring along a notepad or nature journal and something to write with, as we stop along the hike and make rubbings of textures, smear soil on pages or other opportunities to fully take in the array of senses we have. 2 miles round trip. Meet at the Profile Trailhead on N.C. 105.
2 p.m.	Beacon Heights Guided Walk – Take a short ranger-guided hike up to Beacon Heights, which overlooks the Blue Ridge Parkway to the east and Grandfather Mountain to the west. 1 mile round trip. Meet at Beacon Heights overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway (just south of the intersection with U.S. 221 near Linville).
6:30 p.m.	Evening Wildflower Walk – Take an evening stroll on Grandfather Mountain’s Woods Walk trail to enjoy and observe the wildflowers on the ridge of Grandfather Mountain. Reservations required. To register, contact the Naturalist Office at (828) 733-4326. Limited to 12 participants.
Saturday	May 14
8 a.m.	Spring Songs – Go birding by ear and binoculars in search of spring migrants on Grandfather’s Woods Walk trail. Some binoculars will be provided. Reservations required. To register, contact the Naturalist Office at (828) 733-4326. Limited to 12 participants.
9:30 a.m.	Stories in the Stone – Join an Appalachian State University geologist on a walk to explore the geologic past of Grandfather Mountain and the Southern Appalachians. 1 hour. Meet at the Black Rock Parking Area on Grandfather Mountain.
10 AM- 3:30 PM.	Naturalist Table – Stop by the Naturalist Table in the Nature Museum to learn more about the park and the activities of the day.
11 a.m.	Sixteen Natural Communities – Grandfather Mountain is recognized for its collection of 16 distinct natural communities. Join director of education Mickey Shortt for a look at a few of these and the life they host. Meet at the Black Rock Parking Area for this guided walk. 1.5 hours.
11:30 a.m.	Junior Ranger Program – Kids are invited to learn about Grandfather Mountain’s native animals through hands-on activities and learn how to become a Grandfather Mountain Junior Ranger. Meet at the Butterfly Garden.
1 p.m.	An Introduction to The Naturalist’s Journal – Hike with Grandfather Mountain naturalist Amy Renfranz, an award-winning interpreter and writer, and learn ways to become a better naturalist by recording what you observe while in nature. Bring a pencil and the nature journal of your choosing, or one will be provided for you. The program is family-friendly and will last approximately two hours. Meet at the Woods Walk.
3:15 p.m.	Live Owl Program – Meet two owls that are native to Grandfather Mountain in a program centered on the mountain’s nightlife. Meet in the Nature Museum Auditorium.
8 p.m.	Sunset and Stargazing – We’ll travel to the top of the mountain for a special opportunity to enjoy sunset, twilight and the night sky on Grandfather. Reservations required. To register, contact the Naturalist Office at (828) 733-4326. Limited to 24 participants. Weather permitting. 1.5 to 2 hours.
Sunday	March 15
4 p.m.	Profile Trail Wildflowers – Take an opportunity to discover the wildflowers of Grandfather’s western slope on a ranger-guided walk along the Profile Trail. 2 miles round-trip. Meet at the Profile Trailhead in Grandfather Mountain State Park on N.C. 105.