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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Conserving Carolina
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261116T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261116T110000
DTSTAMP:20260908T143934Z
CREATED:20260803T113032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T143934Z
UID:10013304-1794819600-1794826800@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Kudzu Warriors
DESCRIPTION:Join the Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” as they continue the fight against Kudzu\, a non-native and invasive vine\, at the Conserving Carolina owned Norman Wilder Forest off of Highway 176. \nThe Kudzu Warriors\, named for their hard work eradicating Kudzu on Little Warrior Mountain\, have been defending the Conserving Carolina nature preserve from Kudzu (and other exotic species) since 2011 and have made a tremendous impact on the property. Areas that were once a mat of Kudzu vines are now lush with native vegetation! But the fight is not over\, and we need your help! \nJoin us Monday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176\, between Tryon and Saluda. GPS points (35.22458\, -82.27428) \nWe will supply tools and gloves\, but please bring water and a snack for yourself\, dress appropriately and bring your own work gloves if you’d like. \nTo RSVP or for more information email mary@conservingcarolina.org.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/kudzu-warriors-13-2025-08-04-2025-08-11-2-3-2-2/2026-11-16/
CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kudzu-Warriors-at-Norman-Wilder-Forest.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T082500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T140000
DTSTAMP:20261013T195556Z
CREATED:20261012T204445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T195556Z
UID:10013673-1794903900-1794924000@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Mushroom Mountain Farm Tour!
DESCRIPTION:What: Mushroom Mountain Tour \nWhen: Tuesday\, November 17 \nMeet: Ironwood Square\, Conserving Carolina’s office\, 847 Case Street\, Hendersonville\, NC\, at 8:25 a.m. \nCost: $18 per person to be paid to Mushroom Mountain at link below (non-refundable) \nApproximately 1 hour and 10 minute drive \nConserving Carolina is offering a group outing to explore an active mushroom farm\, Mushroom Mountain\, owned and operated by Olga Katic\, who has presented at several speaker series events and our recent guided mushroom walks! \nJoin us for a behind-the-scenes visit to Mushroom Mountain and discover the fascinating world of fungi! During this approximately 90-minute guided tour\, we’ll explore how mushrooms grow\, the important roles fungi play in our ecosystems\, and some of the many ways people cultivate and use them. \nWe’ll visit Mushroom Mountain’s greenhouse\, where a variety of cultivated mushrooms will be actively growing and fruiting\, and take a peek into the laboratory to learn how mushroom cultures and spawn are produced. Along the way\, we’ll talk about mushroom cultivation\, edible and medicinal mushrooms\, and some of the techniques used to grow different species. \nWe’ll also explore the woodland mushroom trail\, where both cultivated and wild mushrooms may be fruiting depending on the weather. We’ll look at outdoor cultivation methods and explore fungal ecology\, decomposition\, mycelium\, relationships between fungi and plants\, and the often-overlooked ways fungi help keep a forest functioning. \nEvery trip down the trail is a little different—come ready to look closely and discover just how much is happening in the fungal world around us! \nPLEASE COMPLETE THESE THREE STEPS when registering: \n1) Space is limited to 40 participants and pre-registration by RSVP on this webpage below is required.  \n2) Please register and pay for your tour at Mushroom Mountain at this link: [PAYMENT LINK] \n3) Please fill out the Mushroom Mountain tour waiver at this link: [WAIVER LINK] \nWe will meet at Ironwood Plaza (Conserving Carolina’s office) and will leave promptly at 8:40 a.m. Participants should plan to return to the area in the early afternoon. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting location. If you’re coming from an area closer to Easley\, SC/Mushroom Mountain\, 200 Finley Rd\, Easley\, SC 29642\,  and you’d like to meet us at the site\, please contact Pam Torlina at pam@conservingcarolina.org to make other meeting arrangements. \nBe sure to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and being outdoors and wear sturdy footwear. Also\, bring snacks and/or a bagged lunch and plenty of water for yourself. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine\, nitroglycerine\, insulin\, etc.). Group leaders will carry a first aid kit; however\, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs. \nYou will also be asked to sign a waiver form for Conserving Carolina on the day of our outing. \nContact pam@conservingcarolina.org with additional questions.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/mushroom-mountain-farm-tour/
LOCATION:Ironwood Plaza\, 847 Case Street\, Hendersonville\, NC\, 28792\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adventures & Outings,Education & Workshops,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mushroom_credit-Olga-Katic.jpeg
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T150000
DTSTAMP:20261021T194008Z
CREATED:20260929T213048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T194008Z
UID:10013447-1794920400-1794927600@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Pollinator Paradise Partners
DESCRIPTION:Conserving Carolina is creating a pollinator garden along the scenic Oklawaha Greenway—and we need your green thumbs! No green thumb? We welcome your enthusiasm and are happy to share our knowledge with you. If you enjoy gardening (or the idea of gardening)\, and want to help create a beautiful\, welcoming space for pollinators and people alike\, come join us! \nOur vision is to grow more than just flowers—we’re building a vibrant\, family-friendly oasis that serves as a hands-on educational space. It will highlight the importance of native plants and local pollinators\, inspiring both kids and adults to connect with nature. Our plan is to utilize the gardens for community outreach programs\, workshops\, and guided tours to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and native plant species. In one half of the large garden bed\, we plan to create an interactive garden for families with children. On future workdays we may work on the hardscape by installing paths\, borders\, and structures for climbing plants\, and other things for kids to enjoy.  We welcome your ideas and creativity! \nWhether you’re a seasoned gardener or just want to get your hands dirty for a good cause\, your help makes a difference. Come be part of something that benefits the whole community—humans\, bees\, butterflies\, and beyond! \nWe will meet at the North Main Street access to the Greenway (a gravel parking lot to the left if coming from Hwy 25 just before the bridge over Mud Creek). There will be  a Conserving Carolina sign at the entrance. \nClick here for the dropped pin. \nCome when you can\, and leave when you need to. \nFor more information\, or to sign  up\, contact Mary Miller @mary@conservingcarolina.org.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/pollinator-paradise-partners-37/2026-11-17/
LOCATION:Oklawaha Greenway Pollinator Garden\, 904 N. Main St\,\, Hendersonville\, 28792\, United States
CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Butterfly-on-Purple-Coneflower.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T193000
DTSTAMP:20260917T164318Z
CREATED:20260917T164318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T164318Z
UID:10013428-1794938400-1794943800@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Landrum Library Speaker Series: South Carolina’s Botanical Treasures: Exploring Our Native and Rare Plants
DESCRIPTION:Date: November 17\, 2026 \nTime: 6:00 p.m. \nLocation: Landrum Library \nSpeakers: Samantha Tessel\, SCDNR Upstate Botanist \nSouth Carolina is home to an incredible diversity of native plants\, including many species that are rare\, declining\, or found only in particular habitats. In this engaging program\, SCDNR Upstate Botanist Samantha Tessel will introduce participants to the fascinating world of South Carolina’s native flora and the work being done to understand and conserve our state’s botanical diversity. \nDrawing on her experience conducting botanical surveys and documenting rare and tracked plant species\, Samantha will share stories from the field and explore how botanists identify\, document\, and monitor plant populations. Participants will gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of plants around us and learn why knowing where plants occur—and understanding the habitats they depend upon—is an important part of conservation. \n  \nSamantha Tessel is the Upstate Botanist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Heritage Trust. Her work focuses on South Carolina’s native and rare plant species\, including conducting botanical surveys\, evaluating herbarium specimens\, documenting plant distributions\, and contributing data used to identify and monitor species of conservation concern. She has extensive botanical experience in the Carolinas and has contributed to efforts to better understand the distribution and conservation status of South Carolina’s tracked plant species. \nSamantha’s work combines field botany\, plant identification\, herbarium research\, and conservation science to help SCDNR understand and protect the state’s botanical heritage. \n \nThe Landrum Library Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Spartanburg County Public Libraries. \nContact Pam Torlina\, pam@conservingcarolina.org\, with questions or for more information.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/landrum-library-speaker-series-south-carolinas-botanical-treasures-exploring-our-native-and-rare-plants/
CATEGORIES:Education & Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Oklawaha-Bog-Bunched-Arrowhead-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T163000
DTSTAMP:20251201T194747Z
CREATED:20251201T194747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T194747Z
UID:10012329-1794994200-1795019400@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Rock Crushers
DESCRIPTION:Join the Rock Crushers on Conserving Carolina trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge in trail building and maintenance including digging trail tread/surface\, removing vegetation\, moving rocks\, swinging sharp tools\, having fun while working hard. \nSeeking consistent weekly volunteers. \nIf interested in joining the Trail Crew\, email mary@conservingcarolina.org \nRSVP Required\nRSVP’s are required to to help staff adequately plan for safety precautions and to maintain group sizes less than 10 and so we can provide meet up information.  The leader\, Max Howes\, will send an email to all who have asked to join the team the day before the work day. To RSVP\, respond to Max’s email.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/rock-crushers-2/2026-11-18/
CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Conserving-Carolina-Rock-Crushers-Crew-at-WPM-Trail-Landmark-Flapjack-Rock.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261118T140000
DTSTAMP:20260821T151532Z
CREATED:20260610T200011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T151532Z
UID:10013124-1794996000-1795010400@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Nature Preserve Stewards - Florence Nature Preserve/Gerton
DESCRIPTION:Nature Preserve Stewards\nJoin us for our weekly Nature Preserve Stewards workday. You will be working with Conserving Carolina Habitat Restoration staff in a caring environment focused on safety and wellness\, learning and camaraderie\, on the land. Volunteers will not be asked to handle any chemicals or herbicides or to operate any fossil fuel-powered equipment. \nWhere and When\n\nWeekly\, rain\, or shine\, with exceptions for extreme weather\nAll workdays will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a well-earned break in between\nFeel free to choose specific days or pledge yourself to a steady regime as best suits you.\n\n\n\n\nFirst Wednesday: Pleasant Grove – Etowah\, Henderson County\nSecond Wednesday: Mouth of Mud Creek – Mills River/Arden\, Henderson County\nThird Wednesday: Florence Nature Preserve – Gerton\, Henderson/Buncombe Counties\nFourth Wednesday: Land Manager’s choice of Preserve\, location – to be published in each month’s volunteer newsletter and online calendar. This will be a chance to see some neat corners of the world\, with exclusive access. An email with details of the workday\, including meeting place\, will be sent to all who have registered by Friday of the preceding week.\nIn the case of a month with five Wednesdays\, we will not have a formal workday.  Volunteers are encouraged to visit and monitor any of the sites we’ve worked in together in the past.  Please update our projects in iNaturalist (contact Torry@conservingcarolina.org for details) with any interesting observations.  You can log your time spent by emailing mary@conservingcarolina.org.\n\n\n\nWhat to expect:\nA typical day might include: \n\nPulling weeds\nErosion control\nPlanting and tending trees and other plants\nMaking and recording scientific observations\nCreating habitat for all kinds of animals\nMaintaining artificial habitats (bird and bat boxes\, etc.)\nOther tasks as conditions warrant.\n\nWhat to Bring:\n\nAppropriate clothing for four hours in nature: close-toed shoes\, long pants\, and shirt sleeves. Layers are recommended as the conditions will likely change during the day.\nSunscreen\, hat\, or other personal shade device\nLunch\, snacks\, drinking water\nAny medications you may need\n\nEmail Torry at torry@conservingcarolina.org with questions. \n 
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/nature-preserve-stewards-florence-nature-preserve-gerton-5/
LOCATION:Florence Nature Preserve\, 3836 Gerton Hwy\, Gerton\, NC\, 28735-9744\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adventures & Outings,Volunteer Opportunities
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GEO:35.4733527;-82.3321464
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Florence Nature Preserve 3836 Gerton Hwy Gerton NC 28735-9744 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3836 Gerton Hwy:geo:-82.3321464,35.4733527
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T110000
DTSTAMP:20261104T144339Z
CREATED:20261104T144232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261104T144339Z
UID:10013707-1795078800-1795086000@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Native Plant Garden Team
DESCRIPTION:Native Plant Garden Volunteer Team! \nDo you have an interest in native plants and gardening?  Join us Thursdays from 9 AM –  11 AM at Ironwood Square\, 847 Case Street in Hendersonville\, home of the Conserving Carolina office.  Over two acres has been planted with an amazing collection of native flowers\, shrubs\, trees\, and bog plants.  Volunteers are needed to maintain the extensive garden for community use and educational programming. \nNo experience needed\, but please bring gloves and gardening tools! \nPlease note that hours will change seasonally.  Starting May 1st we will work from 9am- 11 pm every Thursday.  As the weather gets cooler in November we’ll work from 1:00 – 3:00pm every other week.  The website calendar will reflect these changes. \nFor more information or to sign up contact mary@conservingcarolina.org.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/native-plant-garden-team-5-3/
LOCATION:Ironwood Plaza\, 847 Case Street\, Hendersonville\, NC\, 28792\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261120T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261120T120000
DTSTAMP:20261022T201035Z
CREATED:20260824T154314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T201035Z
UID:10013282-1795161600-1795176000@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Fall Hiking Series: Little White Oak Mountain
DESCRIPTION:Where: Little White Oak Mountain \nMeet: Ironwood Square\, Conserving Carolina’s office\, 847 Case Street\, Hendersonville\, NC\, at 8:00 a.m. \nDistance and difficulty: 3.5–miles\, moderate; trail type-figure eight-ish \nElevation gain: 390′ \nApproximately 30 minute drive \nJoin us for a 3.5-mile hike through the scenic Little White Oak Mountain trail system in Mill Spring. We’ll wind our way through hardwood and pine forests\, along quiet coves and ridgelines\, and across clear mountain streams as we explore a variety of natural-surface trails. \nThe route offers a little bit of everything—from the steady climb of The Escalator to the rolling paths of Laurel Loco and Ripsaw Cove\, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the sights and sounds of the forest. With November’s changing leaves\, we’ll keep our eyes open for beautiful displays of fall color along the way. \nThis hike is a wonderful opportunity to experience a growing trail network on land that was once slated for development but is now protected as part of a 440-acre Polk County park. Come explore the mountain\, enjoy the autumn scenery\, and discover one of the area’s newer outdoor destinations! \nHikers should expect a few creek crossings\, and waterproof boots are recommended. There will be plenty of great spots for photos\, and we’re hoping to catch some beautiful fall color along the way! \n*Space is limited and pre-registration is required\, and space is limited to 20 participants. Registration\, by RSVP below\, opens at 9:00 am Friday\, October 30\, 2026.   \nContact pam@conservingcarolina.org with additional questions. \nConserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall that is free\, guided\, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at Ironwood Plaza (Conserving Carolina’s office) and will leave promptly at 8:15 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon\, time varying with group size\, distance of hike\, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting location. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead\, please contact Pam Torlina (email above) to make other meeting arrangements. \nBe sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself. \nIn case of inclement weather\, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: pam@conservingcarolina.org by 7:00 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ to see if the hike will take place. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine\, nitroglycerine\, insulin\, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however\, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs. \nBefore each hike\, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety\, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/fall-hiking-series-little-white-oak-mountain/
LOCATION:Ironwood Plaza\, 847 Case Street\, Hendersonville\, NC\, 28792\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adventures & Outings
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T120000
DTSTAMP:20260706T232825Z
CREATED:20260706T162216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T232825Z
UID:10013134-1795257000-1795262400@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: American Farmland Preservation
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, November 21\, 2026 \nTime: 10:30 a.m. \nLocation: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve \nSpeaker: Andrew Waters \nEveryone seems to be talking about farmland preservation these days\, but it can mean different things to different people. For some\, farmland preservation is about conserving farmland and natural resources. For others\, it is about preserving community. In this presentation\, author Andrew Waters describes the transdisciplinary approach to farmland preservation profiled in his new book\, American Farmland Preservation: Practices\, Policies\, and the Politics of Place. \nAuthor Andrew Waters is a native of Hendersonville and has worked in land conservation for almost twenty-five years. He has a Ph.D. in natural resource policy from Clemson University and writes frequently about conservation and southern history. American Farmland Preservation is available from Routledge Publishing and major book retailers. For more information visit andrewwaters.net. \nAndrew will have books available for sale at the event. Since the book is a scholarly title\, the price is $50. Cash\, personal check\, or debit cards may be used for purchase. \nRSVP is requested below\, but not necessary to attend the event! Please join us! \n \nThe Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Preserve. \n*Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).  Thank you. \nContact Pam Torlina\, pam@conservingcarolina.org\, with questions or for more information.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/walnut-creek-preserve-speaker-series-american-farmland-preservation/
LOCATION:Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve\, 179 Wood Thrush Lane\, Mill Spring\, NC\, 28756\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education & Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Farmland-Preservation.jpg
GEO:35.3741662;-82.1656718
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve 179 Wood Thrush Lane Mill Spring NC 28756 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=179 Wood Thrush Lane:geo:-82.1656718,35.3741662
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261123T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261123T110000
DTSTAMP:20260908T143934Z
CREATED:20260803T113032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T143934Z
UID:10013305-1795424400-1795431600@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Kudzu Warriors
DESCRIPTION:Join the Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” as they continue the fight against Kudzu\, a non-native and invasive vine\, at the Conserving Carolina owned Norman Wilder Forest off of Highway 176. \nThe Kudzu Warriors\, named for their hard work eradicating Kudzu on Little Warrior Mountain\, have been defending the Conserving Carolina nature preserve from Kudzu (and other exotic species) since 2011 and have made a tremendous impact on the property. Areas that were once a mat of Kudzu vines are now lush with native vegetation! But the fight is not over\, and we need your help! \nJoin us Monday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176\, between Tryon and Saluda. GPS points (35.22458\, -82.27428) \nWe will supply tools and gloves\, but please bring water and a snack for yourself\, dress appropriately and bring your own work gloves if you’d like. \nTo RSVP or for more information email mary@conservingcarolina.org.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/kudzu-warriors-13-2025-08-04-2025-08-11-2-3-2-2/2026-11-23/
CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kudzu-Warriors-at-Norman-Wilder-Forest.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261124T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261124T130000
DTSTAMP:20261028T000015Z
CREATED:20261024T214957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261028T000015Z
UID:10013746-1795510800-1795525200@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Special Guided Hike on the Wildcat Rock Trail
DESCRIPTION:Where: Wildcat Rock Trail \nMeet: Ironwood Square\, Conserving Carolina’s office\, 847 Case Street\, Hendersonville\, NC\, at 9:00 a.m. \nDistance and difficulty: 3–miles\, moderately strenuous; trail type-out and back \nElevation gain: 1\,038′ over 1.5 miles \nApproximately 35 minute drive \nJoin us for a rewarding 3-mile out-and-back hike along the Wildcat Rock Trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge! This beautiful trail winds through a rich forest of hardwoods\, mountain laurel\, and rhododendron as it climbs the slopes of Little Bearwallow Mountain. Along the way\, hikers will experience the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the Southern Appalachians\, including rocky outcrops\, lush vegetation\, and seasonal wildflowers. Our destination is the spectacular Wildcat Rock overlook\, where sweeping views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and surrounding mountains provide a well-earned reward for the climb. The trail includes steep sections and rocky terrain\, making this a moderately strenuous hike\, but the breathtaking scenery makes the effort worthwhile. \nThis moderately strenuous-to-strenuous hike offers a wonderful mix of forest\, mountain streams\, wildlife habitat\, and expansive mountain scenery. \n*The Wildcat Rock Trail has been closed since Hurricane Helene. Although trail repairs are complete\, the trail remains closed to the public due to ongoing road construction\, so we’ll be parking on private property rather than at the trailhead. These guided hikes offer a special sneak peek at the restoration work. \nWe’re grateful to the Rock Crushers Trail Crew\, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina\, Carolina Climbers Coalition\, Beanstalk Bridges\, and generous donors Kim Chao and Bob Carlson for making these repairs possible. \n*Space is limited and pre-registration is required\, and space is limited to 20 participants. Registration\, by RSVP below\, opens at 9:00 am Tuesday\, November 3\, 2026.   \nContact pam@conservingcarolina.org with additional questions. \nConserving Carolina is sponsoring this special guided hike free and open to the public. The hike will meet at Ironwood Plaza (Conserving Carolina’s office) and will leave promptly at 9:15 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the early afternoon\, time varying with group size. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting location. If you’re coming from an area closer to the meet up location\, please contact Pam Torlina (email above) to make other meeting arrangements. \nBe sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself. \nIn case of inclement weather\, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: pam@conservingcarolina.org by 7:00 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ to see if the hike will take place. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine\, nitroglycerine\, insulin\, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however\, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs. \nBefore each hike\, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety\, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/special-guided-hike-on-the-wildcat-rock-trail/
LOCATION:Laughing Waters Retreat – orchard\, 3259 Gerton Highway\, Gerton\, NC\, 28735\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adventures & Outings,Special Events
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GEO:35.4710289;-82.331211
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Laughing Waters Retreat – orchard 3259 Gerton Highway Gerton NC 28735 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3259 Gerton Highway:geo:-82.331211,35.4710289
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261125T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261125T163000
DTSTAMP:20251201T194747Z
CREATED:20251201T194747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T194747Z
UID:10012330-1795599000-1795624200@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Rock Crushers
DESCRIPTION:Join the Rock Crushers on Conserving Carolina trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge in trail building and maintenance including digging trail tread/surface\, removing vegetation\, moving rocks\, swinging sharp tools\, having fun while working hard. \nSeeking consistent weekly volunteers. \nIf interested in joining the Trail Crew\, email mary@conservingcarolina.org \nRSVP Required\nRSVP’s are required to to help staff adequately plan for safety precautions and to maintain group sizes less than 10 and so we can provide meet up information.  The leader\, Max Howes\, will send an email to all who have asked to join the team the day before the work day. To RSVP\, respond to Max’s email.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/rock-crushers-2/2026-11-25/
CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Conserving-Carolina-Rock-Crushers-Crew-at-WPM-Trail-Landmark-Flapjack-Rock.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261130T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261130T110000
DTSTAMP:20260908T143934Z
CREATED:20260803T113032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T143934Z
UID:10013306-1796029200-1796036400@conservingcarolina.org
SUMMARY:Kudzu Warriors
DESCRIPTION:Join the Conserving Carolina “Kudzu Warriors” as they continue the fight against Kudzu\, a non-native and invasive vine\, at the Conserving Carolina owned Norman Wilder Forest off of Highway 176. \nThe Kudzu Warriors\, named for their hard work eradicating Kudzu on Little Warrior Mountain\, have been defending the Conserving Carolina nature preserve from Kudzu (and other exotic species) since 2011 and have made a tremendous impact on the property. Areas that were once a mat of Kudzu vines are now lush with native vegetation! But the fight is not over\, and we need your help! \nJoin us Monday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Norman Wilder Forest parking area/trailhead off of Hwy 176\, between Tryon and Saluda. GPS points (35.22458\, -82.27428) \nWe will supply tools and gloves\, but please bring water and a snack for yourself\, dress appropriately and bring your own work gloves if you’d like. \nTo RSVP or for more information email mary@conservingcarolina.org.
URL:https://conservingcarolina.org/event/kudzu-warriors-13-2025-08-04-2025-08-11-2-3-2-2/2026-11-30/
CATEGORIES:Volunteer Opportunities
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://conservingcarolina.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kudzu-Warriors-at-Norman-Wilder-Forest.jpg
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