On Tuesday September 17th, a small but enthusiastic group of eight hikers joined USDA Forest Service Botanist Gary Kauffman for a walk at the Buck Creek Serpentine Barrens near Franklin.  Gary had shared some of the unique characteristics of the site during our May program at the West Asheville Library, and now some lucky members got to see this very special place first-hand.  Because of unique rock and soil properties, this location supports a number of unique and rare plant species, including three found here an nowhere else in the world.  These were conveniently situated within a few feet of one another in a special corner of the barrens.  Nearby we encountered two rare and beautiful native species in close proximity; the Fringed Gentian and the Big Leaf Grass of Parnassus (a cousin to the Kidney Leaf version we will see at Wolf Mountain Overlook during Saturday’s Waterfalls Hike).  Everywhere we turned we encountered plant and grass species seldom encountered elsewhere.  A great time was had by all, enhanced by Gary’s expertise and fun sense of humor.
Photos by Randy Richardson