Brevard ’ s Old Time Street Dances Call for Help

The street dances have been a staple of entertainment in downtown Brevard for many years, and the organizers are now struggling to keep the tradition alive. 

This year, the event is at serious risk of being discontinued, mostly due to a lack of people willing to step up to the plate and take charge of it. On February 22nd , those who have previously been involved in the leadership of the dances met with the Heart of Brevard members at Jaime’s Creole Brasserie. The purpose was to brainstorm an approach for maintaining th is fun community event series. 

Joe Smith, who’s been a major organizer, as well as Treasurer and Caller for the Old Time Street Dances, is at a point where he needs to retire from being involved . He’s hoping to find someone to pass the baton to. Hammond George has also played an important role in the leadership of the dances, and she too is needing to transition out. 

photo courtesy BlueRidgeNow.com

“Our greatest challenge in moving forward is manpower, ” says George. “The street dances desperately need leadership to guide the processes of permitting, set - up and break down , fundraising, marketing, and even in coordinating experienced dancers to assist the events - not to mention folks to fill those other roles, ” she adds.

While there is funding in place to guide this non - profit series through this coming summer, the finances will need to be renewed if the event is to continue in the future. 

The Heart of Brevard agreed to assist in transitioning the management of the Old Time Street Dances if someone comes forward to lead the program. HOB is offering assistance in publicizing the event through their network, and will help with insurance and a pool of volunteers. The TDA and City have also been supporting this event, and it is likely that this support will continue. 

The hope is to find interested persons to fulfill the needed roles for the dances to continue. Anyone interested in contributing their time to see the street dances continue, please contact the HeartofBrevard at info@brevardnc.org or 828 - 884 - 3278

LTLT Calls for Volunteers for The BigSweep

Volunteers Needed for Two September Projects

Sept. 12, 2015:   On the River LTLT (Little Tennessee Land Trust)  is hosting a Little Tennessee River BigSweep on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Volunteers are asked to meet in the lower parking area at Big Bear Park in Franklin, wearing clothes and shoes suitable for picking up trash in the river. Canoes and boats would be helpful but are not necessary to participate. Gloves and bags will be provided. For more information about the Little Tennessee BigSweep, contact Guy Gooder by phone at 828.349.4097 or by email.

Sept. 19: On Dry Land - For those of you who prefer to remain dry, there will be a workday Saturday, September 19, from 9 AM to noon, at the LTLT office (557 East Main Street, Franklin NC). The back building is now cleaned out at the property adjoining the LTLT office, and the group will be dismantling and salvaging the tin walls, maybe the roof, and perhaps some of the interior lumber, depending on volunteer turnout. There is also some brush that could be burned. Please wear long pants, sturdy shoes, leather gloves, and safety glasses if you have them. Crowbars and clawfoot hammers will be the main tools needed.

To volunteer for this day, please contact Dennis Desmond at 828-524-2711 x310 or ddesmond@ltlt.org. The volunteer day is weather-dependent, and Dennis will update those who have signed up if inclement weather is a possibility.

Little Tennessee Land Trust is dedicated to conserving the waters, forests, farms and heritage of the Upper Little Tennessee and the Hiwassee River Valley.  LTLT works in partnership with private landowners, public agencies, and others to conserve land and water, ensuring that the water quality, natural beauty, ecological integrity, and rural character of our region are preserved for generations to come. DONATIONS are always needed along with volunteer workers. CLICK HERE for details.

Tessentee Bottomland Preserve 

Experience the richness and diversity of the Upper Little Tennessee in the Tessentee Bottomland Preserve. This nearly 70-acre tract of bottomland and river bluff land lies at the junction of Tessentee Creek and the Little Tennessee River. The Tessentee Preserve is stop #53 on the NC Birding Trail with the preserve’s bird list at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve Signage115 species and butterfly list at 42 species and counting. Here one can hike the most extensive trail system found on any LTLT property. Volunteers have also helped to restore the historic farmstead – by restoring the apple house, smoke house, and in recent months the foundation of the historic farmhouse. The Tessentee preserve is a wonderful place to walk and to appreciate the extraordinary richness and diversity of the Upper Little Tennessee. 

Directions: From Franklin NC -  Take the Georgia Rd (US 23/US 441) south for approx.5.2 miles, turn left onto Riverside Rd and follow for 0.5 miles, turn right onto Hickory Knoll Rd and follow for approx. 1.9 miles — the Preserve is located off a private drive (2249 Hickory Knoll Rd) on the right-hand side of the road; parking area is on the left, before the farm gate.

RiverLink Needs Volunteers for RiverMusic

RiverLink's popular RiverMusic concert series is just around the corner.  The first concert featuring Orgone is May 30, 2014 from 5 to 10 PM at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza, 144 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District. For a complete schedule, including a link to a map,  CLICK HERE.


Volunteers  may sign-up via Signup Genius,  or e-mail to dave@riverlink.org, or and the old-fashioned way by phone at 828- 252-8474, ext. 11.

Volunteers are needed to do every job there is - beer, parking, ID checks, wristbands and tokens, etc. Although just about everyone wants to serve beer, please consider taking on a task that may not be as much fun, but is just as worthwhile in helping RiverLink accomplish everyone's greenway dreams.

RiverLink also needs to get some mulch on the concert site and could use volunteers for a few hours on the morning of Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 AM to 11 AM.  Some tools will be available, but more pitchforks would be very helpful. The mulch will be delivered and distributing it should be able to be done  in that amount of time.  If you're available, just contact RiverLink's Dave Russell at dave@riverlink.org or 252-8474, ext. 11.

RiverLink is located in Asheville's River Arts District, and is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play.

Enjoy RiverMusic this Friday and take advantage of a Volunteer Opportunity

September 13, 5 PM. - 10 PM  at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza, 144 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District. 

This summer has been great fun at RiverLink's RiverMUSIC. The final show of the season is this Friday night and welcomes the The Alan Evans Trio. These special events wouldn't be possible without all the amazing volunteers, and help is still needed for this concert.

There are openings for:

• First Shift Wristbands/Tokens (5:00-7:30)- 2 people
• Second Shift Wristbands/Tokens (7:30-10:00)- 5 people
• Second Shift Beer Sales (7:30-10:00)-6 people
• Second Shift Parking (7:30-10:00)- 4 people
• Second Shift River Access Watch (7:30-10:00)- 1 person

Remember all RiverMusic volunteers get a free wristband and drink token, plus an invite to the volunteer appreciation party. If you're interested, email jess@riverlink.org with you preferred shift ASAP. 

September 19, at 5:00 PM at the RiverLink Sculpture Plaza-

Volunteer Appreciation Party - RiverLink wants to show their lappreciation for all of the hard work that you've put in this summer to help make RiverMusic an amazing success. The gates will be open so you'll be able to park there. There will be free food, drinks, and RiverLink swag- like RIVERMUSIC SHIRTS. The party starts at 5:00 PM so come if you can.   

Special Volunteer Opportunity-  Thanks to Mary Noel, the special projects coordinator, RiverLink is going  to have interpretive signs along the French Broad River Paddle Trail and  needs help with sign painting, construction, and installation. The tools and supplies will be provided.  There is no set in stone date for this project so if you're interested please contact mary@riverlink.org  or to work out a time that you'll be able to come help.

September 21, 9 AM - 5 PM, across the French Broad River Watershed -- NC Big Sweep. It's time for the annual Fall river cleanup from 9 AM - 2 PM. There will be teams in boats and on foot cleaning creeks, streams, and rivers throughout the watershed. RiverLink is specifically working on the French Broad. Afterwards, all will meet together for a volunteer appreciation party with free food and libations. People with reliable water transportation are encouraged to participate - more boats are needed. To signup (as a team or individual), working along the French Broad River, email
jess@riverlink.org.

 

RiverLink Benefit Oyster Roast at Blannahassett Island in Marshall NC

December 8, 1 PM - 7 PM -  The Appalachian Oyster Bash and Seafood Boil:  A Benefit concert for RiveLink and DMA, and canned food drive for Neighbors In Need. The event is held at Marshall High Studios on Blannahassestt Island in  Marshall NC .

RiverLink is teaming up with Hills To Holy Water for a winter party on Blannahassett Island.  This is a way to celebrate the local catchers groups that promote a strong state and local economy.  The event will feature fresh seafood from Ocracoke Island and beer from Highland Brewing Company.   

This party can't happen with out amazing volunteers, and RiverLink still needs people to check IDs, serve beer, help with trash/recycling and maybe even fry some oysters.  Volunteer shifts are 12:00 PM -3:30 PM and 3:30 PM -7:00 PM. 

Volunteers will get a voucher for free food and beer. There are still shifts available, so come out to Marshall and have a great time for a good cause. To sign up or for more volunteer details contact Dave Russell:  828-252-8474 ext-11, email  dave@riverlink.org.

Friends of Panthertown Volunteer Opportunity

Summer is almost over and students are heading back to school. Your next volunteer opportunity with Friends of Panthertown will be on Saturday, August 25. Volunteers will come in from the western entrance to Panthertown Valley at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at the end of Breedlove Road in Cashiers. Volunteering is a lot of fun and all are welcome to participate. The day will  be spent maintaining the Blackrock Trail (#447) and Overlook Trail (#491). The group will hike down Carlton's Way, North Road Trail (#453), and Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) with a stop at the Salt Rock Gap overlook. 

Volunteers enjoying lunch on the Overlook Trail.

Volunteers come from throughout the region to enjoy a day in the backcountry working with other hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, scouts, equestrians, and nature lovers. New volunteers are always welcome. Tools are provided and the trail days are a great way to give back to Panthertown. REI Asheville is providing store discount coupons for those who show up, plus each volunteer gets entered into a drawing to win some awesome REI gear!

Friends of Panthertown volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at 9:30 AM. and the group will then hike in to help maintain and prune nearby trails on the eastern side of Panthertown Valley.  There will be plenty of summer wildflowers in bloom and this will be a great opportunity to enjoy Panthertown with other Friends. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves and pruners if you have them (we’ll also have some to loan out). The hike will be less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and will conclude by 3 PM.

The Friends of Panthertown is  an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to work in partnership with the USDA Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.

Panthertown Valley is one of the most spectacular areas in the southeast with cascading waterfalls, trout streams, panoramic views, sheer granite cliffs, the headwaters of the Tuckaseegee River and the east fork of Little Tennessee River. This 6,300 acre backcountry area in Nantahala National Forest offers visitors a wide variety of places to explore and has become a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, anglers, school groups, summer camps, scout troops, ornithologists, etc.

Get a link for more details about Panthertown Valley on the Sapphire Valley NC Visitor Guide.

RiverLink Calls for Volunteers

submitted by Dave Russell, Director of Volunteer Services for RiverLink

RiverFest and RiverMUSIC -- Good times by the River, but only possible with your help   

If you haven't been to one of our RiverMUSIC events, you should consider it whether you do a volunteer shift or not. We've had a great time both nights so far, and still have three concerts to go. You can read all about the series by clicking here. We still need volunteers for the events on August 3, 24 and September 14. Please let me know if you are interested.

RiverFest 2012 takes place on Saturday, August 11, from 1:00 p.m. until 7 p.m. this year. It's just around the corner and coming up quickly. We're looking for enough volunteers so that we only ask for three-hour shifts, though we encourage everyone to stay longer and join in the fun.We'll have beer from Sierra Nevada (volunteers get a free one) and some great music. Read about the musical acts by clicking here.

We need about 120 people to make it work. 

Please let me know if you are available and interested in helping out. We need folks for everything from parking lot patrol to recycling station help to pulling rafts out of the River.  

Call me or e-mail me or drop by and say "Hi" (free coffee!) and then I promise not to bother you again until ... I get desperate.

dave

Dave Russell, RiverLink
Director of Volunteer Services
(828) 252-8474, ext. 11
Cell: (828) 545-9099

volunteer@riverlink.org

Riverlink calls for Special Events Volunteers

RiverLink has two major events coming up this Summer: RiverMUSIC, a five-night concert series, and RiverFest, the usual big party by the French Broad. Each event will call for a large number of volunteers - at least 30 per night for RiverMUSIC and 110 for RiverFest - hang out with Riverlink enjoy great summer events while helping out for a good cause.

RiverMUSIC 

RiverLink's RiverMUSIC consists of five Friday evening concerts at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza, 144 Riverside Drive. All concerts start at 5:00 PM. There will be beer from New Belgium, food trucks, live music from local and national acts, and the waters of the beautiful French Broad flowing right by the stage.

 

RiverFest  

RiverFest takes place at French Broad River Park on Saturday, August 11, from 1 PM - 7 PM  this year. Last year there were 90 RiverLink volunteers  and this year even more will be needed. Work will indluce parking cars, pulling rafts out of the river, pouring beer, etc. It will be a fun day, full of live music, kids activities, the Anything That Floats Parade, beer, local food, and more.

Please contact Director of Volunteer Services Dave Russell at 828-252-8474, ext. 11 or dave@riverlink.org and come help out with one or all of these fun events. 

Panthertown Valley Celebrates National Trails Day

A hiker visits Schoolhouse Falls

June 2, 9:30 AM to 3 PM - Panthertown Valley features more than 30 miles of public trails and footpaths spread out over 6,300 acres. Join Friends of Panthertown and REI Asheville . to celebrate the 20th anniversary of American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®.

This combination fun hike, swim and work project will have participants meet at the Cold Mountain Gap (east) entrance to Panthertown Valley near Lake Toxaway. Bring your bathing suit. There will be an opportunity to go swimming at the very popular Schoolhouse Falls. Get dirty helping with trail work and earn a limited-edition REI volunteer shirt. A light trail breakfast will also be offered by REI for those who show up at the trailhead by 9:30 a.m.   Register here.

All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event. Well-behaved leashed dogs are also welcome to join us on the trails.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, dress to get dirty, bring lunch and snacks, plenty of water, and any other personal (medical) items you may need. Some tools and gloves will be provided to loan-out, but bring your own work gloves and pruners if you have them. Limited to 40 participants and spots are filling up fast! Registration is required. For more information call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or www.panthertown.org.

Support the Mountains to Sea Trail on National trails Day - June 2

VOLUNTEER to build and maintain the trail near Waynesville, on the Haw River in Alamance County, or on the Eno River or at Falls Lake in the Triangle. For more information, check out the MST calendar for these and other events.

SHOP at any Great Outdoor Provision Co. store on June 2nd, and 10% of what you spend will be donated to FMST. We'll use the money to make grants to North Carolina land trusts to acquire new land and easements where we can build the MST.Mountains-to-Sea Trail connects Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks with 1000 miles of footpaths and temporary connectors. Currently 500 miles of footpaths are complete with work crews, mostly volunteers, continuing construction. The connectors make it possible to hike the entire 1000 miles.

The route passes through 37 counties containing about 40 percent of the state's population. The trail is used by people out for an afternoon stroll as well as those planning to hike the trail from one end of the state to the other.

Foothills Conservancy Hosts Invasive Plant Workshop

June 2 - A free workshop will be held on the front lawn of the Wilson Creek Visitor’s Center  at 9 AM.  Participants will learn how to identify non-native invasive plants that are threatening the ecological integrity of Wilson Creek and how to best manage them. Cost-share incentive programs for management on larger private properties will be presented.

Wilson Creek is a designated Wild and Scenic River Corridor with outstanding resource waters suitable for natural trout propagation.  Many unique natural communities occur along its 23.3 mile riparian area.  It is a popular destination for anglers and outdoors enthusiasts alike.  Invasive exotic plants such as Japanese Knotweed, Kudzu, Oriental Bittersweet, Japanese Spiraea and others are invading these natural communities and threatening the ecological integrity of the river corridor.

Multiple agencies and organizations including the Friends of Wilson Creek, Foothills Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Western North Carolina Alliance, US Forest Service, NC Forest Service, and NC Wildlife Resource Commission are joining together to address non-native invasive plants within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor and initiate management efforts.

Volunteers are being sought to assist in management efforts. The June 2 workshop will introduce the project, train participants on the identification of target plants, demonstrate best control techniques, and discuss incentive programs for private landowners.  To register for the event or receive more information, call 828-437-9930 or akota@foothillsconservancy.org.

Freinds of the Smokies Calls for National Trails Day Volunteers

Volunteer with Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday, June 2nd for  American Hiking Society's 20th National Trails Day / 16th Annual Appalachian Trail Workday

EVENT: America's Largest TRAILgating Party
DATE: Saturday, June 2, 2012
TIME: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Between Icewater Springs Shelter and Silers Bald AND  NE and SW of Low Gap
MORE: Registration Info and Offical Form HERE

RiverLink Calls for Volunteers

RiverLink is looking for someone to assist in constructing two kiosks for the French Broad River Paddle Trail.

     

The kiosk to the right shows the kind of roof structure to be built and then transpored with the other materials to the site to be completed at a later date.  RiverLink has all the materials but needs  help with power tools and construction ability.

Current planning is to have the kiosks completed by April 20 or the following weekend. I you are able to assist, let RiverLink know ASAP with the tight timeline.

Click here to see a pdf containing the instructions to assemble the roof

Please contact RiverLink's Watershed Resources Manager  at 252-8474, ext. 14 or nancy@riverlink.org if you can help  out.  

Riverlink Workday - Volunteers Needed

On Saturday, March 31, from 9  AM until 1 PM. or so, Riverlink will have a workday to begin preparing the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza for some BIG events. The Plaza will provide the venue for the  RiverMusic Series this summer. The Series includes six nights of music, beer and food all in the beautiful setting by the River.  There is much work to do in preparation and volunteers are needed..

The March 31 workday will involve mowing,  weeds wacking, removing dead brush, and more. RiverLink will supply gloves, water and tools, though anyone with a favorite weedeater, lawnmower or brush-hog is certainly welcome to bring it.

A donated lunch is planned, so RSVP to allow for adequate food amounts.

The property is about 1/2 mile north of 12 Bones at 117 Riverside Drive. Call Dave Russell, Director of Volunteer Services  (828) 252-8474, ext. 11 for details and RSVPs..

Volunteer Workday in Panthertown Valley

March 21 - Workday at Pantertown Valley. All are welcome to join us. Tools and instruction will be provided. Meet at the Salt Rock (west) entrance near Cashiers at 9:30 AM. 

Trail Work Days are the time to give back. If you  notice that the trails you hike in Panthertown Valley are worn deep from the tread of too many boots, you can do something about it. Volunteer at one ofthe monthly Trail Work Days to help maintain and improve these most precious trails. You won’t be alone. In 2011, more than 1,000 volunteer hours were recorded, maintaining the trails, bridges and stairs in Panthertown Valley, installing trail markers and bulletin boards, removing trash and invasive species of plants, and planting trees. Additional2012  trail workdays are April 21, and May 26.
Volunteers should bring a day pack with lunch, water, and rain gear (just in case). Bring work gloves if you’ve got them, otherwise extra work gloves will be available. Wear a good pair of shoes with socks when working on the trails with us.

Expect to hike about 5-6 miles – working along the way -  take a lunch break when stomachs start growling,  we usually finishing up by 3 PM. It’s a lot of fun and the best part is that you go home tired and content knowing that you just did your good deed for the month.
Panthertown Valley  is one of the most spectacular areas in the southeast with cascading waterfalls, trout streams, panoramic views, sheer granite cliffs, the headwaters of the Tuckaseegee River and the east fork of Little Tennessee River. This 6,300 acre backcountry area in Nantahala National Forest offers visitors a wide variety of places to explore and has become a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, anglers, school groups, summer camps.

RiverLink Special Events Committee

RiverLink is calling for Volunteers for their newest volunteer group, the Special Events Committee.  Committee members will be asked to assist RiverLink at least through the summer, as in hosting a donor party in March, Earth Week events, a concert series through the Summer, and RiverFest, the biggest RiverLink event of the year.

Volunteers will take on tasks relating to a part of each event, and report progress to the committee. The special event committee will meet at least once a month, usually at 5:30 PM.

RiverLink staff will be working with and directing the committee, but outside help is essential to accomplish all RiverLink has planned. This would be a great opportunity for volunteers who enjoy or have experience in planning, and the folks who tell us, "I'd like to get involved but don't want to get in the water."

For more information about helping out, volunteers should call RiverLink's Dave Russell at 252-8474, ext. 11 or e-mail to dave@riverlink.org.

The first Special Events Committee meeting is Thursday, March 8 at 5:30 PM.
Located in Asheville's River Arts District, RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play.

RiverLink Hosts Volunteer Information Sessions

RiverLink is an exciting place with an abundance of opportunities for volunteers to get involved. From office work to helping host special events to cleaning litter from local waterways, RiverLink can match most everyone with a way to help out.

Western North Carolinians (and others) who would like to be involved in restoring the French Broad Watershed as a place to live, work and play are invited to join the team by attending one of two volunteer information sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012. There's a morning session at 10 a.m. and an afternoon session at 5 p.m. at the RiverLink office, 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District of Asheville.

The information session will detail RiverLink's volunteer positions in a Powerpoint presentation. Volunteers will have a chance to fill out a volunteer application, and Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell will be available to answer questions and help everyone find their best fit at RiverLink.

RSVP to Dave by calling (828) 252-8474, ext. 11 or via e-mail at volunteer@riverlink.org.

Riverlink Clean-up and Media Photo Opportunity this weekend

This Saturday, Nov. 5, RiverLink begins clearing one of its riverside properties in anticipation of a paved path and greenway paralleling Riverside Drive in the River Arts District. Volunteers will be weeding, mowing, collecting trash, and other activities in anticipation of eventually opening the area from 12 Bones to the Haywood Street Bridge to installation of a greenway featuring an asphalt path.

The media are invited to come by for photos and interviews from 9 AM to 1 PM at 119 Riverside Drive, Asheville NC.

RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play. For more information about how you can get involved visit  www.riverlink.org, or email  information@riverlink.org, call 252-8474.

Friends of Panthertown last scheduled workday for the season

The leaves in Panthertown are particularly spectacular this autumn season, and the daytime temperatures in the valley are pleasantly warm. Join The Friends of Panthertown this Saturday for an fun day in the woods to maintain the Mac's Gap trail in Panthertown Valley.  This is the last regularly scheduled trail work day of the season. Your next opportunity to volunteer on the trails won't be until early next year. To volunteer. R.S.V.P. on our Facebook event page.

Volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at 9:30 AM and the group will hike in to help maintain and prune nearby trails on the western portion of Panthertown Valley. Trail tools and instructions will be provide and new volunteers are always welcome. Fall is a beautiful time of the year in "the Yosemite of the East" for a fun day of giving back to this very special place. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. Hiking will be less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and the day will finish by 3 PM.

Visit The Friends of Panthertown Valley Calendar of Events for up to date information about special events and volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a member or by volunteering at one of our trail work days.

The Compleat Naturalist hosts "Tree Teams" event

October 27  The Compleat Naturalist hosts a "Tree Teams" specimen sorting event with DLIA.  Discover Life in America (DLIA) is the non-profit organization overseeing the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Attendees will  assist with the sorting of specimens collected in a study of arthropods and other invertebrates in high elevation beech forests.
This is a great opportunity for people with all backgrounds to learn first hand  about arthropods. A rare St Lawrence tiger moth in its even rarer caterpillar form have already been found and there is excitement about what else may be found at this event.

You do not need a science background; just come with sharp eyes and a willingness to learn (like any good naturalist!).  This event is free, but notification of attendance is requested, so please call (828) 274-5430 with confirmation. 

The Compleat Naturalist is located at 2 Brook Street, Historic Biltmore Village in Asheville NC.