Grandfather Mountain State Park May Programs

BANNER ELK, NC (April 28, 2107)…Here are some really great programs at Grandfather Mountain State Park for the month of March.

STREAM ECOLOGY
Appropriate for all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets please. Join a Park Ranger to learn about how the living and non-living things interact in mountain streams. What are all of those bugs and other critters swimming and crawling through the creek? We will catch and identify what type of creature they are and what these species could tell us about water quality. Nets will be provided. Any participants wanting to get into the stream should bring waders or clothes that can get wet and a towel to dry off. Boone Fork Parking Lot is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway; just north of mile marker 300. For more information, please contact us at 828-963-9522 or grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Date: Sat, 05/06/2017 – 11:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (GPS: 36.120076,-81.781358) http://goo.gl/dEizYH

SPRUCE FIR MOSS SPIDER
Appropriate for ages 10 and older; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please leave pets at home. Celebrate State Parks “Year of The Spider” by Joining Ranger Sicard for a PowerPoint presentation focused on the Spruce Fir Moss Spider, A globally endangered species that can be found in less than 5 places in the World. One of those places is Grandfather Mountain State Park. For more information please call Andy Sicard at the park office 828-963-9522 or email: grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Date: Sun, 05/07/2017 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)

2017 ANNUAL WILDFLOWER WALKS
Free and Open to the Public – Join a park ranger for a guided wildflower walk in Grandfather Mountain State Park. There is a walk for everyone – some are more challenging but some do not venture far from the parking lot. Grandfather Mountain produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes! This hike is Moderate – Two miles, round-trip. The trail is easy but rocky and can be muddy. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, bring water and be prepared to be outside. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.

Date: Sun, 05/07/2017 – 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (GPS: 36.120076,-81.781358) http://goo.gl/dEizYH

GEMS OF THE FOREST BIRDING HIKE
Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please no dogs. Join a Park Ranger for a woodland walk among Southern Appalachia’s forest gems: song birds. Field guides and binoculars are encouraged and will enhance the experience. Participants should be prepared to hike a two-mile round-trip along a moderately strenuous trail. Trail conditions will vary depending on weather but all participants should wear hiking boots and bring a light jacket. Please contact the park office if you have further questions. 828-963-9522 or grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Date: Fri, 05/12/2017 – 8:00am to 10:00am
Location: Profile Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.121990, -81.829993) https://goo.gl/dBX99s

SUMMER TREE ID HIKE
Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets. Participants will learn how to identify local trees by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Participants are encouraged to bring field guides to local trees. Program will last approximately two hours and hike 1 mile (2 miles round-trip). Hiking boots are recommended. This is an outdoor event and those in attendance should come dressed for the current weather conditions. Please contact the park office with any questions at 828.963.9522 or email grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Date: Sat, 05/13/2017 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (GPS: 36.120076,-81.781358) http://goo.gl/dEizYH

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN AS A BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Appropriate for ages 10 and up (Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Please leave pets at home. What makes Grandfather Mountain State Park so special, it is a Biosphere Reserve. Join Ranger Sicard for a PowerPoint presentation explaining what a Biosphere Reserve is and why Grandfather Mountain State Park is so fortunate to be a Biosphere Reserve. Please contact the park office with any questions: 828-963-9522 or grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Date: Fri, 05/19/2017 – 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)