Recent News

Full stories on recent updates available on our Blog

SAHC Volunteers Step Up in April!

This month, SAHC volunteers seized two opportunities to perform as responsible stewards of the land. One intrepid team wrapped up Invasive Plant Species Awareness Week (April 1-7) on Saturday, April 7, with a Garlic Mustard Pull N' Eat. They removed the invasive garlic mustard from a protected property, viewed native wildflowers while working, and cooked up a ramp & garlic mustard treat to end the day. Read Margot Wallston's full narrative of the adventure on our blog.

To celebrate Earth Day 2012, SAHC Stewardship Staff and another team of volunteers took off to Robinson Rough in Sandy Mush Valley on Saturday, April 22. The team hauled away a full truckload of debris from the property and removed swaths of invasive plant species: Tree-of-heaven and garlic mustard. Read more about the dangers of these exotic invasives on our blog. Thank you to everyone who came out to join us — you really made a difference!

 

Spring Staff Outing to the Gott Farm, Madison County

On Thursday, April 12, SAHC staff members enjoyed another sensational day at Peter and Polly Gott’s idyllic farm in Madison County, NC. The 218-acre farm is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest on two sides, with abundant springs, wet coves full of wild edibles, viable soil for farming, and breathtaking views — Truly an ecological gem. Read More.

2012 Egg Hunt Another Hopping Success!

Thank you to everyone who came out to join us for the 4th Annual SAHC Egg Hunt! Last Saturday, March 31, was a beautiful day at Sherrill's Inn. We had a great group of kids for the three age divisions of the egg hunt, and the Egg Hunt Bunny awarded special prizes for the finders of the golden eggs. After the hunt, SAHC member families enjoyed picnic refreshments and great tunes by the Berry Pickers on the wrap-around porch of Sherrill's Inn. The kids munched on cupcakes & cookies, then competed for more prizes in relay races on the lawn.

We welcomed several new members of SAHC who joined at the event. And, we want to give a big "shout out" to all the volunteers & contributors who made this event possible – especially to the Berry Pickers for providing such amazing music.

AmeriCorps has Service Days on Two SAHC Properties

In November 2011, SAHC hosted work days with Americorps Project Conserve Members in Minneapolis and Alexander, North Carolina. Americorps Project Conserve Members have had an integral role with SAHC for the last six years, giving the organization additional capacity to accomplish goals and complete amazing projects. While SAHC has four members who work full-time for eleven months, there are also 28 other Project Conserve Members who work in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee at land trusts and other non-profits. The two workdays enabled SAHC to work with almost all of the talented and passionate individuals within the Project Conserve program.

 

 

SAHC Trustee named 2011 Field & Stream
Conservation Hero of the Year

On October 11, 2011, Field & Stream, the world's leading outdoor magazine, announced SAHC trustee David Ramsey
2011 Hero of Conservation for his work in Rocky Fork, TN. Rocky Fork, a 10,000-acre tract just over the North Carolina line in Tennessee, was in danger of being sold for development. David walked the Rocky Fork tract many times accompanying public officials, Forest Service personnel, potential funders, and the general public advocating for the importance of its protection. He gave countless presentations to groups, clubs, the general public, and whoever would listen about the importance of saving Rocky Fork.

His ties to this rugged habitat – a critical in-holding within the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee – run deep. He and a number of other local citizens have faithfully led the call for federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, helping the U.S. Forest Service secure more than 75% of Rocky Fork.

With the finish line in sight, approximately 1,200 acres remain unprotected. SAHC supports the full funding of the President's FY12 budget proposal, which includes $5,000,000 needed to preserve this final tract and complete the protection of a world-class haven for wildlife, ensure water quality and support economic opportunities for neighboring communities.

SAHC Trustee Reunion

On Thursday, October 6, former and current members of SAHC's board met for an annual reception at the Tipton-Haynes Historic Site in Tennessee. This annual trustee reunion is a function of the Advisory Council, convened in 2010 to keep former SAHC trustees engaged as ambassadors to their communities.

 

Blue Ridge Society Reception

The 9th annual Blue Ridge Society reception was held on September 8th at the home & gardens of Gay & Stewart Coleman in Asheville, NC. The reception was held to recognize the efforts of the Blue Ridge Society, a group of philanthropic leaders who support the work of SAHC and Conservation Trust for North Carolina at a gift level of $1,000 & above annually. The event was a huge success and we are greatly appreciative of the generosity of these members. They are integral to the continued efforts of SAHC.

 

 

SAHC and Navitat Partner to Protect Water Quality

During the first week of May, staff from Navitat Canopy Adventures in Asheville volunteered with SAHC to install water bars on trails on a conservation easement. The property, a 231-acre conservation easement protected by SAHC, is located within the Craggy Mountains in Barnardsville and was protected in two phases. The first phase protected 197 acres and was completed in 2003. The second phase was completed in 2008 and protected 34 acres. Conservation of this property helps protect streams of the French Broad watershed from sedimentation and other pollutants. Click here for the full article.

 

 

News Radio Podcast with SAHC's William Hamilton Wednesday - February 10th - 2010

On News Radio 570 am, WWNC, host Doug Mayer discusses land conservation easements with attorney Albert Sneed, chair of the Buncombe County Land Conservation Advisory Board, and William Hamilton, the farmland program director with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.  click here to listen