Upcoming Events

"Trustee Reunion” at Clem's Cabin in Asheville, NC - Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Current and former Trustees are having an evening celebrating SAHC's landmark accomplishments and organizational growth at The French Broad River Garden Club - "Clem's Cabin" in Asheville, NC. Hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer. RSVP by September 1 to Kristy Urquhart(email) or call 828-253-0095, ext. 201.

Land conservation in America from the 1800's to present. Where does farmland preservation fit in? - September 9, 2010
William Hamilton, SAHC Farmland Protection Director, will present on this topic. William specializes in farmland and family lands preservation. William and his brother David have decided to spice things up and play some tunes for the crowd before the presentation. Don't miss it! Spring Creek Community Center - 13075 NC 209 Hwy - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m

"Chestnut Saturday” at Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley - September 11, 2010
Join SAHC as we gather with our friends and partners for an all-day celebration of the rebirth of the chestnut tree — with live bluegrass music and dancing, tours of the Chestnut Orchard, horseback rides, Rob “The Wolfman” and his wolves, kids' games, fishing, crafts and vendors.

For centuries past the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was the dominant tree of the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Mississippi. It was a fast-growing deciduous hardwood tree that reached 150 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter. But in 1904 a deadly airborne fungus was introduced into the United States and within 45 years nearly four billion trees had been lost.

Our friends at Cataloochee Ranch are helping The American Chestnut Foundation return this tree to its rightful place in the woods. By using the backcross method, researchers are working to breed a new tree that is blight resistant but has the dominant characteristics of the original American chestnut.

Cataloochee's orchard, now in its fourth growing season, will be tested in a couple of years for resistance to the blight and the survivors will be back-crossed again.

This event is from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Adults $10 • FREE for children under age 12.

In the evening there will be a gala steak dinner with entertainment and a live auction. Dinner costs $100 per person or $160 for two, which includes a one-year membership to The American Chestnut Foundation. To make reservations please call Richard Coker at (828)926-1345.

To learn more about the American Chestnut Foundation, please visit www.acf.org.

NC Membership Appreciation Event – November 4, 2010
Details about this event will be coming soon.