Gary Kauffman, USDA Forest Service Biologist will give a presentation ‘with imagery’ about the Serpentine Bald, near Franklin.

Buck Creek Serpentine Barren or woodland, on the Nantahala National Forest in Clay County, is one of the rarest plant communities in North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians.  The dominant rock types, serpentinized dunite and olivine, influence the striking vegetation present on this site.  Over 20 grass species, including six listed species dominate the site. The grass dominance is reminiscent of prairie vegetation and presents a striking contrast to the regionally typical herbaceous layer consisting of mesophytic, broad-leaved forbs.   Included in the grass matrix are three endemic herbs, Rhiannon’s aster, Buck Creek ragwort, and Buck Creek heartleaf.  Twelve other state listed plants and six butterflies are present across the site.  In the spring, emerging grasses have scattered displays of Indian paintbrush  and Buck Creek ragwort.   In mid September there is a display of blooming  little blue stem and big bluestem grasses with showy pockets of  bigleaf grass-of- parnassus and fringed gentian. 

Tuesday, May 14, 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the West Asheville Public Library.
Open to the public

There will be a field trip for BRNN members in September at the Serpentine Bald with Gary Kauffman.

The annual BioBlitz is an event organized by the Cradle of Forestry.  This year’s BioBlitz is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 9:00am to noon. The objective is to identify as many species of flora and fauna as possible in a designated amount of time in a defined area of the Cradle of Forestry.  Our team of citizen scientists will use the iNaturalist tool to take photos and record observations of every species that we find.  This is a fun way to enjoy one of our unique mountain ecosystems.

Our group will form its own team(s) with a specially designated study location.  In order to help us with planning for the event, we ask that you RSVP so that we can confirm the size of our group to the organizers.   If you think you will join us for the BioBlitz, please reply with a short message to Penelope Reed closedgentian@gmail.com  indicating the names of those participating.  For those coming from the Asheville area, we will meet for carpooling 8:00 am at the Ingles in Mills River in front of the gas pumps.  We look forward to seeing you there! This is open to anyone that would like to join us!