MAY 28, 2009 ISSUE
Summer With Grandfather
Grandfather Mountain Hosts Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble June 1 to 14 & National Trails Day Volunteer Project June 6
The first blooms of the Catawba rhododendron have been spotted on Grandfather Mountain. The showy plant will soon blanket areas of Grandfather as its flowers make their way up the mountain, blooming at successive elevations. Photo by Helen Hopper
A sense of renewal and awakening are returning to the air, as spring silently yields to summer in the High Country. This time of rebirth is ideal for planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain, and two events are planned for June that allow visitors to enjoy the natural, sun-drenched splendor of the mountain’s flora and fauna while also giving back to its trail system.
From Monday, June 1, to Sunday, June 14, Grandfather’s naturalists invite the public to witness the emergence of the deep-pink blossoms of the Catawba rhododendron during the Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble. On Saturday, June 6, Grandfather Mountain will celebrate the 31st anniversary of its organized trail program by hosting a National Trails Day volunteer workday.
For more information on these events and more, call 828-733-2013 or click to www.grandfather.com.
Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble June 1 to 14
Flashes of day-glow purple petals are beginning to appear on the lower slopes of Grandfather Mountain and the park’s naturalists are busy preparing for the Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, scheduled from Monday, June 1, to Sunday, June 14.
The deep-pink blossoms of the Catawba rhododendron are the heralds of the mountain summer, and Grandfather’s knowledgeable guides are looking forward to sharing the excitement of this year’s blooms with park visitors. The naturalists have planned guided walks and other activities to honor the native Rhododendron catawbiense and educate guests on how the plant fits into the important ecological communities at Grandfather Mountain.
Staff naturalists have a variety of activities planned for the Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, scheduled for June 1 to 14. A slideshow presentation has been developed for rainy days and nature walks to view the plant up close will occur on sunny days. Photo by Catherine Morton
“Grandfather’s native rhododendron has quite an interesting history,” said Chief Naturalist Jesse Pope. “The plant was discovered in this area in 1789 by the great French explorer Andre Michaux, and five years later the explorer hiked to the top of Grandfather Mountain while the plant was in bloom.”
Catawba rhododendrons also hold special significance in the botanical world. “Thousands of hybrid rhododendron were all propagated from some combination of three original rhododendron varieties,” Pope explained. “The Catawba rhododendron that is native to Grandfather Mountain and Western North Carolina is one of those three original species.”
Catawba rhododendron blooms at successive elevations on Grandfather Mountain throughout the month of June, first appearing at overlooks near the entrance of the park early in the month and arriving at the high peaks near the Mile High Swinging Bridge before the Fourth of July. The wide range of elevations means guests have a longer window of opportunity to see the rhododendron blooming on Grandfather.
All Rhododendron Ramble activities are included with park admission.
National Trails Day Volunteer Project June 6
A National Trails Day volunteer takes a break from digging water bars along one of Grandfather’s trails. This project, also on the task list for June 6, helps prevent erosion by intercepting water traveling down footpaths and diverting it into stable vegetated areas. Photo by Helen Hopper
On Saturday, June 6, Grandfather Mountain will celebrate the 31st anniversary of its organized trail program. Volunteers are invited to help with trail maintenance in the mountain’s backcountry. Grandfather’s trail crew, who will be interpreting the nature around the group as they work, will lead all work.
“As Grandfather’s backcountry changes from private ownership to state ownership, volunteers are needed to help us fill in the gaps during our transitional summer. The volunteer work done in a day is a months worth of work for us,” said Grandfather Mountain Trails Manager Luke Appling.
Volunteer efforts over the past three decades have been a tremendous aid to the health and safety of Grandfather’s trails. This year more than ever, volunteers are needed to help equip Grandfather for a safe hiking season as it transitions to a state park.
“The trails will soon belong to Grandfather Mountain State Park which will belong to the people of North Carolina. So come out and help us, and learn something about North Carolina’s newest state park,” said Appling.
Grandfather will have projects ranging from clearing brush to rerouting a short section of the Profile Trail, which accidentally strayed onto a neighbor’s property. Grandfather’s staff invites residents to bring their family, friends or service organization on June 6 and help Grandfather and the State of North Carolina with much-needed trail maintenance.
Park admission for the day will be free to those volunteering on Grandfather’s trails. Anyone interested in volunteering or needing more information about the National Trails Day Volunteer Project at Grandfather Mountain can call 828-737-0833.
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