
IT’S OFFICIAL!
Friends of Panthertown, Inc. is now fully recognized as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since 2007 the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance has sponsored our group while we grew our organization. Last fall we submitted our application for non-profit organizational status and waited patiently while we were reviewed. We are proud to report that In February the IRS sent us our final approval for non-profit status. We are now officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. We appreciate and wish to thank the J-MCA for all of their hard-work and dedication to Panthertown Valley and Friends of Panthertown. We would not be where we are today without them. David Bates, the former Executive Director of Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, is now President of Friends of Panthertown, Inc. We look forward to growing our organization and building our membership base in 2011.

- THIS MONTH’S TRAIL WORK DAY
We ♥ our volunteers!
Join us next Saturday, April 30, 2011 to help us finish building the new Blackrock Trail connector.
This important multiple-use trail will connect hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to the Blackrock Trail from the Salt Rock trail head. We’ve been working with the U.S. Forest Service for the last three years to make this happen, so come out and be a part of this long-awaited accomplishment. We’ll meet at the Salt Rock parking area at 9:30am on Saturday, April 30.
R.S.V.P. here.

On Friday, April 15 we completed work on 75% of the Blackrock Trail connector re-route leading from the Salt Rock parking area up to the Blackrock Trail. Thanks to Kyle from the Cashiers-Highland Land Trust and Amy from AmeriCorps for gathering up such a great a group of hard-working volunteers who came out and helped us build this new trail section. We greatly appreciate our volunteers and their dedication to Panthertown Valley. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley, please visit our website.
JOIN FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN, TODAY!
Now is the time to join or renew your membership with Friends of Panthertown. We are the only organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining Panthertown Valley. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations and membership contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
Please click here for more information on becoming a Friend.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
We hope you will Join us on Saturday, April 23 at Greening Up The Mountains, downtown Sylva’s Earth Day celebration and Mountain Heritage festival. Friends of Panthertown will have a booth and table at the event. Come stop by our booth to say hi and enter our raffle for some great Panthertown prizes!
All newly joining members and renewing members will receive a complimentary Friends of Panthertown decal to show off your pride in supporting conservation efforts in Panthtertown Valley.
- PANTHERTOWN TRAIL WORK DAYS
Our next Panthertown Valley trail work days are Saturday, April 30, Saturday, May 28 and Saturday, June 25. All are welcome to join us, and new volunteers are encouraged to come try out trail work — it’s fun and rewarding. Tools and instructions are provided, just give us a call or send us an e-mail if you have any questions. (828) 269-HIKE (4453). More information about volunteering can also be found on our website.
You can also R.S.V.P. for our upcoming April 30 Trail Work Day here to let us know you plan to join us. We appreciate all the help we can get on the trails and by joining or renewing your membership for 2011.
- NEED NEW SHOES?
Highland Hiker has selected Friends of Panthertown as part of Patagonia Footwear’s advocacy weeks, supporting local conservation efforts. From 4/16 – 5/1, we will receive a $10 donation for every purchase of Patagonia shoes at either of their stores in Cashiers or Highlands. For more info, call the Highland Hiker at (828) 743-1732. We are very excited to participate in this program!

Get ready to go get some new shoes from the Highland Hiker. Please mention Friends of Panthertown when you make your purchase. Promotion ends May 1st. Please help us spread the word. Every purchase counts towards a $10 donation to support conservation projects in Panthertown.
Join today!
Contact Information:
Friends of Panthertown
P.O. Box 51
Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: 828-269-HIKE (4453)
Email: friends@panthertown.org
Website: www.panthertown.org