Evenings are getting chilly, leaves are falling, and HRI is getting ready for some fun events in October. We hope you can join us for some of these online, in-person, and even self-guided activities. See a list of some highlighted events below with links to full descriptions and RSVP information. We will be adding a few more events as they are scheduled, so visit the Events page on our website for updates.
Hike the trails of Montreat to learn about hemlocks and oaks that make up an important part of the forests there. Download maps and information from our website for this self-guided activity. Includes two options for an easy stroll or more strenuous trek.
On this combination educational hike and mini-volunteer day, we will visit some Carolina hemlocks in DuPont and learn an easy method of treating trees with CoreTect tablets along the trail as we go. We will hike the Flat Rock Trail area off of Sky Valley Rd. We will reserve Oct. 13 as a backup for raindate or overflow date if we have more responses than available spaces. RSVP by Oct. 1.
Join HRI and the NC Forest Service Buncombe County Ranger for a walk along the Swannanoa River Greenway in east Ashevilleto discuss some common tree health issues including HWA, emerald ash borer, and oak decline. This short walk will be on level ground, much of it paved, so it is accessible for people of varied abilities. RSVP by Oct. 8.
This pair of events will give you background information and hands-on practice with tree health assessment and multiple DIY treatment application methods for hemlock woolly adelgid. Sign up on the NC Arboretum website by Oct. 14.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020: Chemical Treatment at the Profile Trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park
We are looking for a few volunteers to help with chemical treatment along the start of the Profile Trail. Email volunteer@savehemlocksnc.org by Oct. 22 if you are interested.
Hemlock Treatment Demonstration in Asheville (date and location TBA)
Learn about HWA treatment methods with in-person demonstrations and practice assessing tree health. Check our events page for more details as they are posted.
Other volunteer opportunities
There will be additional opportunities for volunteers to help with treatments and other restoration activities at various locations throughout the remainder of the year. Email volunteer@savehemlocksnc.org to be notified about those days.
COVID information for in-person activities:
The Hemlock Restoration Initiative is restarting our educational programs and volunteer events. Despite the lifting of restrictions, we acknowledge the risk that COVID-19 continues to pose to members of our community. To maintain the safety of our event participants and staff, HRI is limiting the number of participants at all events and requiring that all individuals follow HRI’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. This means that sign-ups will be held on a first-come-first-served basis. Anyone not following the guidelines on the day of the event will be asked to leave. Please review the COVID-19 safety guidelines on our website to ensure that you are comfortable following these guidelines. Please also let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend an event for which you are registered so that we may allow someone else to fill your spot.
Contact us at info@savehemlocksnc.org or 828-252-4783 with questions about these or any other upcoming events. We hope to see you in October.
