Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine recently featured Panthertown Valley in their April 2012 issue, now on newsstands throughout the southeast and beyond.

The cover article by outdoor writer Graham Averill features a suggested three-day itinerary that starts out at the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead on the east side of Panthertown and then over three days sends backpackers to such popular destinations as the Sandbar Pool, Panthertown Creek, Carlton’s Way, Blackrock Mountain, Riding Ford and Red Butt Falls, Mac’s Gap, Little Green and Big Green Mountains, the pine forest, Granny Burrell Falls, Greenland Creek, School House Falls, Pothole Falls and Mac’s Falls.

Could this in fact be “the perfect backpacking trip” you’ve been looking for? Find out by reading the article and following the recommendations. We agree – Panthertown is a great place to go backpacking.

Backpacking in Panthertown Valley - Photo credit: Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine » April 2012 » Yosemite of the East
Yosemite of the East
Guide to a three day backpacking trip to the Panthertown Valley.

by Graham Averill

It’s not as easy to get lost in Panthertown Valley as it used to be. At one time, the 6,300-acre tract of land inside the Nantahala National Forest was renowned for stupefying hikers and mountain bikers hell bent on exploring the 50-plus miles of user-created backcountry trails that criss-cross the high-elevation valley and its surrounding 4,000-foot high mountains. But as more hikers and bikers have discovered Panthertown, an exhaustively researched map has been published, and trail signs have been implemented. Panthertown’s evolution from local’s secret to backcountry hot spot was inevitable, particularly when you consider the sheer drama of the landscape. High elevation bogs and skyscraper-tall pine forests dominate the valley floor while 400-foot granite cliffs act as boundary markers. And waterfalls are everywhere. It’s a suite of characteristics that has led the valley to be dubbed “the Yosemite of the East.”

“Some people consider it a national park all on its own,” says Jason kimenker, executive director of the Friends of Panthertown, the volunteer organization that maintains the popular destination. “The sheer rock faces dropping into a bowl with waterfalls falling down the sides of mountains… it’s a unique place, but it’s not a national park. Even with the increased popularity, it’s still very much a backcountry destination.”

Below is a suggested three-day itinerary that takes in a handful of the valley’s highlights. This is an all-inclusive backpacking getaway with sandy beaches, natural water slides, and big views from bare knobs.

[...]

Click here to continue reading the entire article at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.

Join Friends of Panthertown and help support our efforts to protect and maintain this very special place!

For information about joining or volunteering visit www.panthertown.org or call (828) 269-HIKE (4453).

Friends of Panthertown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

A SWEET BLEND OF MUSIC FOR YOUR TRAIL ADVENTURES

And… while you’re at it, check out the April 2012 edition of Trail Mix from our friends at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, an inspiring mix of great music for your trail adventures.

This month’s selections are outstanding!

For fans of Americana music, the end of April brings but one thing – the annual pilgrimage to the mountains of North Carolina for Merle Fest, the granddaddy of all roots music festivals. [...] Playing Merle Fest this year – and featured on this month’s Trail Mix – are Johnson’s Crossroad, Red June, The Honeycutters, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, and Dehlia Low, all of whom call Asheville home. We have brand new tunes from Red June and The Honeycutters, as well as new cuts from Steep Canyon Rangers, The Steel Wheels, Enter The Haggis, Marty Stuart, Casey Driessen, and The Wild Rumpus, and favorites from Donna The Buffalo, Sierra Hull and Roy Bookbinder on the mix this month.

Download the Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Trail Mix April 2012 here.

Click here to open the Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine media player in a new window.

SOUL INFUSION SUPPORTS FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN

Join us this Friday, April 27 for
Friends of Panthertown Day at Soul Infusion

This Friday, Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro in Sylva, NC has generously offered to make a donation of 10% of their restaurant sales, all day and night, dine-in or carry-out! Live music outside on the big stage Friday evening with the band LOCAL. Please bring your family and friends to dine at Soul Infusion on Friday, April 27, 2012. All donations will be used to support conservation projects in Panthertown Valley.

Friends of Panthertown volunteers stop to rest at Schoolhouse Falls

Your next volunteer opportunity with Friends of Panthertown will be on Saturday, April 21 during Earth Day weekend. Volunteers will come in from the east side of Panthertown at the Cold Mountain Gap entrance off NC 281 just outside of Lake Toxaway, NC. REI Asheville is providing some cool give-aways for those who show up, plus each volunteer gets entered into a drawing to win some awesome camping gear! Bring a friend or two and let’s celebrate Earth Day together!

On Saturday, April 21, in honor of National Volunteer Week and Earth Day, Friends of Panthertown volunteers will meet at the Cold Mountain Gap trail-head at 9:30 a.m. and the group will then hike in to help maintain and prune nearby trails on the eastern side of Panthertown Valley. We plan to visit at least one major waterfall (Schoolhouse Falls) while on our hike and there will be an opportunity to go swimming. Trail tools and instructions will be provided and new volunteers are always welcome.

Sign-up to volunteer on April 21
You may RSVP for this trail work day at our Facebook event page.

Schoolhouse Falls - August 2011 (Photo credit: Waterfalls of North Carolina)

Earth Day weekend is a perfect time to join us in “the Yosemite of the East” for a fun day of giving back to this very special place we all enjoy. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves and pruners if you have them (we’ll also have some to loan out). We expect to hike less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and be finished by 3 p.m. It’s a lot of fun and you’ll get to meet other Panthertown friends. We hope you will join us!

Our volunteers come from throughout the region to enjoy a day in the backcountry working with other hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, scouts, equestrians, and nature lovers. We always welcome new volunteers. Tools are provided and our trail days are a great way to give back to Panthertown.

The Panthertown Stewardship Project is funded in part by our friends at REI. In 2011, Friends of Panthertown received a grant from the REI Asheville store to help support our efforts to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Their grant has helped us to increase volunteerism in Panthertown Valley. We hope that you will consider matching a portion of this grant with your generous membership donation. Every dollar we receive is used for the benefit of Panthertown Valley. We would appreciate your Friendship, join as a Friend of Panthertown today!

Mark your calendars for these other upcoming events:

• Friday, April 20, 2012 (9 p.m. – 4 a.m.) -
Electric Petting Zoo
Friends of Panthertown will receive a portion of the ticket sales from this Earth Day Weekend musical celebration. Produced by Under One Beat Entertainment, this dance music event is 18+ and located at Club Metropolis in Asheville.

• Friday, April 27, 2012 (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) -
Friends of Panthertown Day at Soul Infusion
Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro in Sylva will make a donation of 10% of their restaurant sales! Live music at night. Bring your family & friends.

• Saturday, April 28, 2012 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) -
Greening Up The Mountains Festival
Friends of Panthertown will have a booth at this family oriented street fesitval, stop by and visit with us! Downtown Sylva, North Carolina

• Saturday, May 26, 2012 (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) -
May 26 Trail Work Day
Volunteers will come in from the Salt Rock Gap (western) trail-head for Panthertown.

• Saturday, June 2, 2012 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) -
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day
Combination fun hike, swim and work project. Volunteers will receive a gift from REI.

• Saturday, June 30, 2012 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) -
2012 Bald Rock Horse Exhibition
Our 2012 Friends of Panthertown fundraiser will include a fabulous horse exhibition, live entertainment, music, food, kid’s activities and a silent auction. More info coming soon.

Visit our Calendar of Events for up to date information about special events and volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a member or by volunteering at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.

Sign-up to volunteer on April 21
You may RSVP for this trail work day at our Facebook event page.

Fishing in Panthertown Valley (photo credit: Southeast Discovery)

The headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckaseigee River and twenty miles of native brook trout streams, including Panthertown, Greenland, and Flat Creeks, wind through Panthertown Valley, making it ideal for catch-and-release fishing. The streams are stained brown with tannic acid from leaves that fall into the water. Primitive overnight camping is permitted and anglers come from around the world to visit these prized waters.

All waters in Panthertown are designated as Catch and Release, Artificial Flies Only Waters by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.

A fishing license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is required to fish in Panthertown Valley.

You may catch the fish but you must release them back and you can only use artificial flies in doing so. Here is a breakdown of the Catch and Release, Artificial Flies Regulations:

• Season is open year-round
• No fish may be harvested or possessed
• Only artificial flies having one single hook may be used
• It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
• It is unlawful to use more than one line per person
• It is unlawful to fish from one-half hour after sunset, to one-half hour before sunrise on any Catch and Release stream located on Game Lands
• It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from “Catch and Release Waters”
• It is unlawful to move wild fish from one stream to another on game lands without prior written authorization from the NCWRC

Panthertown Creek is on the Western North Carolina Fly-Fishing Trail, the first and only fly fishing trail in the United States, featuring some of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Download a free WNC Fly-Fishing Trail map (PDF format) or you may contact the Jackson County Travel & Tourism Authority at (800) 962-1911 or request one to be mailed to you.

Everyone using the WNC Fly Fishing Trail is asked to make the following pledge:

“As a true sportsman, I pledge to never litter and to avoid trespassing on private lands. I will respect the rights of property owners, and always leave the streams in better condition than I found them.”

Suggested fishing related links:

The Tuckaseigee Chapter of Trout Unlimited serves the western North Carolina counties of Jackson, Macon and Swain.

Their mission is the preservation and conservation of coldwater fisheries throughout western North Carolina. One of the best ways to preserve our fisheries for future generations is through education and communication.

Article: Panthertown Creek
Published by Stay And Play In The Smokies

Article: Panthertown Valley: Fishing at its Finest
Published by The Wandering Fisher

Article: Walking the Line: Panthertown Valley by Tom Massie
Published by Tuckasegee Reader

Article: Fishing Panthertown Valley
Published by Lee Jones

Article: Happy Fly Fishing Trails
Published by The Shelby Star

Article: Fly fishing in Western North Carolina – A Cherokee Legacy
Published by Southeast Discovery

If you enjoy fishing in Panthertown Valley and would like to protect this spectacular natural resource, we ask that you become a supporting member of our organization by volunteering at one of our upcoming trail work days, or by becoming a member. Donations are tax-deductible and new volunteers and members are always welcome to join us.

For more information call us at (828) 269-HIKE (4453)

A volunteer enjoys the view from the Salt Rock Gap overlook

Ah, spring! This season brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna. March 20th marks the Vernal Equinox and March 21, our next trail work day, is officially springtime in Panthertown Valley. The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” The spring and fall equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark as the Sun crosses the celestial equator.

Volunteers hiking along a wooded trail in Panthertown

The weather in Panthertown has been unusually warm this past winter so the trails have seen a bit more use. With all those extra boots on the ground, some of the most well-worn trails are in need of attention. If a mid-week work day is good for you (as many of you have requested), this is your perfect opportunity to help us maintain some of the most widely used trails in Panthertown Valley!

Weather permitting, Friends of Panthertown volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21 and the group will hike in to help maintain and clear nearby trails on the western portion of Panthertown Valley. Trail tools and instructions will be provide and new volunteers are always welcome.

Join us for a fun day of giving back to this very special place we all enjoy. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. We expect to hike less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and be finished by 3 p.m. We hope you will join us!

Our volunteers come from throughout the region to enjoy a day in the backcountry working with other hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, scouts, equestrians, and nature lovers. We always welcome new volunteers. Tools are provided and our trail days are a great way to give back to Panthertown.

The Panthertown Stewardship Project is funded in part by our friends at REI. In 2011, REI granted Friends of Panthertown with $5,000 to help support our efforts to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Their grant has helped us to increase volunteerism in Panthertown Valley. We hope that you will consider matching a portion of this grant with your generous membership donation. Every dollar we receive is used for the benefit of Panthertown Valley. We would appreciate your Friendship, join as a Friend of Panthertown today!

Visit our Calendar of Events for up to date information about special events and volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a member or by volunteering at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.

Sign-up to volunteer on March 21
You may RSVP for this trail work day at our Facebook event page.

Margaret Fry Carton

“I feel honored to be in a leadership role with Friends of Panthertown. This organization represents a unique partnership between conservation minded individuals and the U.S. Forest Service. We will continue our work to ensure that Panthertown Valley remains a vibrant and protected natural resource for our community, and for the unique flora and fauna the flourishes here.”

In 2005, Margaret retired from Coca-Cola Enterprises, one of The Coca-Cola Company’s largest bottlers. During her 18 years with Coca-Cola Enterprises, Margaret managed a variety of financial and information technology functions, including serving as Vice President, Chief Information Officer from 2000 to 2005. From 1991 until 2000, Margaret was Vice President of Investor Relations and Planning and managed several financial functions, including investor and share-owner relations, employee communications, financial media relations, and strategic financial planning and analysis. Margaret joined Coca-Cola Enterprises as the Director of Cash and Banking in 1987. From 1981 until 1987, Margaret served in various marketing, training, and communications positions in the Cash Management Department of Wachovia and First Atlanta (prior to its merger with Wachovia in 1985).

Margaret received a Bachelor of Arts in economics and history from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1979, and a Master in Business Administration with a focus on finance and accounting from Emory University in 1981. Margaret is married to Robert (Bob) Carton, associate professor and department head for Entrepreneurship, Sales and Marketing, and Hospitality and Tourism at Western Carolina University. Bob and Margaret live in their home Fernwald, located in the western North Carolina community of Longview Ridge, near the towns of Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina.

“We are excited to have Margaret join our organization and look forward to her leadership in the years ahead,” says Jason Kimenker, Executive Director of Friends of Panthertown. “Her strong public relations, financial management and strategic planning background will be an asset to continuing the mission of our growing organization.”

Margaret is the second President of Friends of Panthertown. She is succeeding David M. Bates, the organization’s first President and co-founder.

For more information about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley and on becoming a member of Friends of Panthertown, visit our website at www.panthertown.org or call (828) 269-HIKE (4453). Donations are tax-deductible and new volunteers are always welcome.

Our next trail maintenance work day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21 at Salt Rock. To find out more about upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events.

The mission of the Friends of Panthertown is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.

www.panthertown.org
(828) 269-HIKE (4453)

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities in Panthertown Valley:
Volunteers are needed to help with trail maintenance and conservation projects in Panthertown Valley. Tools and instruction are provided, all are welcome to participate and volunteering is a great way to give back to this precious place. Please join us! Your next opportunity to volunteer: Memorial Day Weekend – Saturday, May 26.

Autumn in Panthertown Valley

The leaves in Panthertown are particularly spectacular this autumn season, and the daytime temperatures in the valley are pleasantly warm. Join us this Saturday for a fun day in the woods while we maintain the Mac’s Gap trail in Panthertown Valley. Now is your best time to join us on the trails! This will be our last regularly scheduled trail work day of the season. Your next opportunity to volunteer on the trails won’t be until early next year. We hope to see you this weekend. R.S.V.P. on our Facebook event page.

Friends of Panthertown volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at 9:30 a.m. and the group will hike in to help maintain and prune nearby trails on the western portion of Panthertown Valley. Trail tools and instructions will be provide and new volunteers are always welcome.

Fall is the perfect time to join us in “the Yosemite of the East” for a fun day of giving back to this very special place we all enjoy. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. We expect to hike less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and be finished by 3 p.m. We hope you will join us!

A fun day in the woods.

Our friends at REI Asheville have provided some nice incentives for volunteers who participate in our Panthertown Valley Stewardship Project work days. Earlier this year we received a $5,000 grant from REI in support of our efforts to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley. We hope that you will consider matching a portion of this grant with your generous membership donation. Every dollar we receive is used for the benefit of Panthertown Valley. We would appreciate your Friendship, join as a Friend of Panthertown today!

Visit our Calendar of Events for up to date information about special events and volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a member or by volunteering at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.

Join us in supporting our nation’s public lands on Saturday, September 24! Get outside and volunteer for National Public Lands Day!

You can get involved! We’ll be maintaining trails on the eastern side of Panthertown Valley, coming in from the Cold Mountain Gap trail-head on the NC 281/Lake Toxaway side of Panthertown Valley.

Join us for National Public Trails Day on 9/24

Volunteers maintain and prune trails in Panthertown.

Leaves have just starting to change colors and the temperatures have cooled off in the valley. Now is the perfect time to join us in “the Yosemite of the East” for a day of giving back to our public lands. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves and pruners if you have them. Tools and instruction will be provided. We expect to hike less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and be finished by 3 p.m. We hope you will join us! This is a great way to give back to Panthertown.

Volunteer with us on Saturday, September 24. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page on our website for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help. You may also call us at (828) 269-HIKE (4453)

DIRECTIONS TO COLD MOUNTAIN GAP TRAIL-HEAD:

From US 64, take NC 281 0.7 miles north. Go past the Lake Toxaway fire station. Turn left (north) on Cold Mountain Road and continue 6.0 miles. When the road ends (Canaan Land will be straight ahead) bear left on a gravel road. Then turn right on the first gravel road to reach the trailhead parking area. (If you miss the turn you’ll end up in a residential development.)

For more information: e-mail friends@panthertown.org or call (828) 269-HIKE (4453)

Join us on Thursday, September 22, 2011, the last day of summer, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an evening of fun and festivities on the lawn of The Village Green in Cashiers. This picnic and free jazz concert featuring Maggie and the Romantics will be located at this magnificent outdoor space at the crossroads of NC 107 and US 64.

The Village Green in Cashiers, NC

All are welcome!

Bring your family, friends and your own picnic supplies (chairs, blanket, food, beverages, plates, etc.) and join the Friends of Panthertown for a free jazz concert with Maggie and the Romantics on the lawn in front of The Village Green gazebo. Music begins at 6 p.m.

This annual event is an opportunity for us to share and celebrate our recent accomplishments and successes with our volunteers, members and partners.

We hope that you will be a part of the celebration! All are welcome, it’s a great way to meet others who love Panthertown Valley, and new and renewing members, volunteers and their friends are especially encouraged to attend as we’ll be recognizing their contributions, too!

Maggie and the Romantics. Photo by Nick Breedlove

Maggie and the Romantics performing jazz in Sylva

“We are the Romantics. We still kiss hands and tip hats. We’re old-fashioned and we love the moonlight. We’re a jazzy, soulful movement in a Bluegrass town. Our beats are addictive; you can’t stop at one. We cry at sad movies and perfect sunsets. We’ll woo you, win you over and intoxicate you with our music. We love you truly, truly Jackson County. We are the Romantics.”

You can visit their Facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggie-and-the-Romantics/116937648402798

or R.S.V.P. to this event via our Facebook page

Contact Friends of Panthertown with any questions:

call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) or e-mail friends@panthertown.org
www.panthertown.org

and…

OUR NEXT TRAIL WORK DAY IS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

You can get involved!

This month we’ll be coming in from the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead on the eastern side of Panthertown Valley. We meet at 9:30 a.m. and hike down to the trails we’ll be maintaining. Our volunteers come from throughout the region to enjoy a day in the backcountry working with other hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, scouts, equestrians, and nature lovers. We always welcome new volunteers. Tools are provided and our trail days are a great way to give back to Panthertown. We hope you’ll join us!

Sign up to be on our mailing list or visit our Calendar of Events at www.panthertown.org for up to date information about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a volunteer at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page on our website for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.

PANTHERTOWN VALLEY VISITOR SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Schoolhouse Falls - August 2011 (Photo credit: Waterfalls of Western North Carolina)

The U.S. Forest Service reminds us that waterfalls are popular places for viewing, picnicking and wading and should be respected for the dangers they pose . While beautiful to see, they often pose risks to unprepared visitors. Slippery rocks, steep slopes and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the vicinity of a waterfall. Stay back from the edge. People have been injured, sometimes fatally, trying to get a closer look. Avoid slippery rocks. Wear stable shoes and watch your footing. Don’t jump off of waterfalls or dive in waterfall pools because of unseen objects such as logs and boulders. You may wish to download a waterfall safety checklist provided by the U.S. Forest Service.

Here’s how the U.S. Forest Service describes Panthertown Valley on their website:

Panthertown Valley, referred to as the Yosemite of the East, lies on the eastern continental divide in North Carolina’s Blue RIdge Mountains. With more than 25 miles of designated trails in this 6,300 acre backcountry area visitors can enjoy deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs and granitic rock domes, tranquil creeks and plunging waterfalls while hiking, biking or horseback riding. Camping is permitted in Panthertown, but groups are limited to no more than 12 people per site. No commercial equestrian or mountain bike outfitter/guides are permitted.

For your safety, we always recommend you view waterfalls from below. The risks of viewing from above are too great. We also ask that visitors please do not disturb the sensitive areas behind the waterfalls. These unique micro-climates supplied by the waterfalls in Panthertown Valley provide life to many species of plants and lichens. Any disturbance, including walking behind the falls, may cause severe ecological damage. We recommend you also checkout the U.S. Forest Service outdoor safety checklists for hikers in Panthertown Valley.

Looking for a recommendation on where to hike in Panthertown Valley this weekend? Our friends at Stay And Play In The Smokies have an excellent resource for you to review. If you’re camping overnight just remember the U.S. Forest Service specifies that you should keep your camp at least 50 feet away from any bodies of water and don’t set up your tent in the middle of a trail, that would be silly. Have fun!

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PICNIC & CONCERT ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT THE VILLAGE GREEN

The Village Green in Cashiers, NC

OUR NEXT TRAIL WORK DAY IS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Sign up to be on our mailing list or visit our Calendar of Events for up to date information about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a volunteer at one of our trail work days. Visit the Friends of Panthertown volunteer information page on our website for more information about what to expect, what to bring and how you can help.

SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER AND LEAF-LOOKING SEASON IS COMING SOON

Western Carolina University‘s fall foliage forecaster predicts excellent color according to a recent article in The Sylva Herald. Herald’s Lynn Hotaling writes,

“The annual prediction from Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fearless fall foliage forecaster, is for an excellent fall color show, thanks in large part to weather conditions over the spring and summer.

“2011 should prove to be an excellent year for fall color,” said Mathews, WCU associate professor of biology specializing in plant systematics. “While heavy spring rain is generally not a good sign for fall color, records indicate that rainfall was slightly below normal for March, average for April and May, and slightly below normal for June and July, as gardeners struggled to keep their crops watered,” she said. “These conditions actually are promising for good development of leaf color in September and October.”

In addition, mid-August brought a respite from the hot temperatures of June and July, another good sign of vibrant leaf color during autumn, she said.
Mathews believes that the formation of higher levels of yellow, orange and red pigments in the leaves seems to correlate with dry weather throughout the year. The drier the climate, the more brilliant the fall leaves tend to be, she said.

Of course, when it comes to forecasting the vibrancy of the fall color season, just as with forecasting the weather, there are no guarantees. Cloud cover and ample rainfall in the weeks ahead could mute the color show, Mathews said.”

Read the whole article in The Sylva Herald.

PROUD TO BE PART OF THE BLUE RIDGE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Did you know that Panthertown Valley is designated as a Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Site? We are proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Established by Congress in November 2003, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area recognizes and celebrates the natural abundance and richly varied cultural history of the North Carolina mountains & foothills. Friends of Panthertown recently participated in the 5th annual meeting of Blue Ridge Heritage Area partners.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Just a friendly reminder to always practice the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics when visiting public lands such as Panthertown Valley. To review the principles, visit the Leave No Trace website. Especially with the dry weather we’ve experienced lately PLEASE minimize campfire impacts by using established fire rings, keeping fires small and limited to smaller sticks found on the ground, and making sure to properly extinguish all coals and ashes before packing out. Never leave a fire unattended.

The Principles of Leave No Trace
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

WILDLIFE: ARE YOU BEAR AWARE?

Panthertown Valley is a bear sanctuary. Bears live here. Be Bear Aware! The U.S. Forest Service has issued this safety checklist which you may download here and review. Although human encounters with bears in Panthertown Valley are not very common, we have heard recent reports of black bears startling hikers as the bears came out of the woods to cross a trail. Follow the advice of the U.S. Forest Service and be Bear Aware. Your safety, and the health and safety of the bears, is something we should all be concerned with.

Despite the name, the coat of a black bear isn’t always black. There are brown black bears, white black bears and even a blue glacier bear. Experts estimate the average weight of a black bear is 300 pounds. Despite their size, black bears are very agile tree climbers. During times of danger or threat, bear cubs will take shelter in trees. Bears by nature are opportunists. In the wild, they will feed on whatever is readily available. Food odors and improperly stored garbage will attract bears to campgrounds and picnic sites. Bears become habituated to human food if they find it readily available. Although they are naturally afraid of humans, the animals lose this fear as they begin to associate human scents with the reward of food. Black bears can become a threat to humans, property and themselves—a pattern that normally ends with death. Protect yourself and protect the black bears by storing trash and food in safe locations when you visit a national forest.

Safety Checklist

Avoid camping and hiking alone in the backcountry.
Make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
Never approach a bear or other wild animal.
Do not hike in the dark.
Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray.
Keep a clean camp site by properly disposing of food scraps and garbage. See: Leave No Trace
Do not leave food or garbage inside fire rings, grills or around your site.
Never leave food or coolers unattended, even in developed picnic areas.
If bear-proof containers are not available, store food and garbage inside a hard-top vehicle or trailer.
Never store food inside of a tent.
Wipe tabletops clean before vacating a camp or picnic site.
If a bear is observed nearby, pack up your food and trash immediately and vacate the area as soon as possible.
If necessary, attempt to scare the animal away with loud shouts, by banging pans together, or throwing rocks and sticks at it.
If a bear approaches, move away slowly; do not run. Get into a vehicle or a secure building.
Never run away from a bear—back away slowly and make lots of noise.
If you are attacked by a black bear, try to fight back using any object available. Act aggressively and intimidate the bear by yelling and waving your arms. Playing dead is not appropriate.

Other resources with information about dealing with bears may be found here:

http://www.bearsmart.com/becoming-bear-smart/play
http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/outdoor-adventures/bear-safety-tips/index.aspx
http://blog.exploreasheville.com/2011/04/become-bear-aware-suvival-tips-for.html
http://www.northcarolinaguide.net/bear-stories-ncs-black-bears/
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/bears.htm

WILDLIFE: SNAKE SAFETY IN PANTHERTOWN VALLEY

We also recommend you view the U.S. Forest Service safety checklist (found on the same wildlife page as above) for encounters with snakes in Panthertown Valley. Snakes are common in Panthertown Valley. Although infrequently spotted in plain view, rattle snakes and copperheads do live in Panthertown. This summer We have heard reports of sightings of non-poisonous and poisonous snakes on the trails and sunning on rocks in the Valley. Other hazards such as yellow jackets and biting insects also exist. Be safe and be alert in snake and bear territory. An unpleasant encounter with any of these residents can be avoided if you follow common sense and remember that we are the visitors here. This is their home.

JOIN FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN TODAY!

Friends of Panthertown, Inc.
P.O. Box 51
Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: 828-269-HIKE (4453)
Email: friends@panthertown.org
Website: www.panthertown.org

“Protecting and maintaining Panthertown Valley”

If you’re not already a member of Friends, now is the time to join! Your membership contribution goes a long way towards helping us protect and maintain this outstanding natural resource. We appreciate our Friends and rely on your generous financial support to continue funding much-needed conservation projects in Panthertown Valley. Every time you visit Panthertown, you’re benefiting from the work we’re doing, so we’re asking you to do your part in conserving this outstanding natural resource. Funding for public lands steadily declines. Each dollar you give is an investment in Panthertown’s future – and all donations made to Friends of Panthertown are tax-deductible. Click here to make a secure online donation with PayPal.

Friends of Panthertown, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Donations and membership contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal tax ID # is 27-3758868.