Earth Day is Every Day: April 2016 E-Zine
“Make Earth Day Every Day.” ~ Slogan of the Earth Day movement
Wild South Green Gala Keynote Speaker: Red Wolf Author DeLene Beeland
This year’s Wild South Green Gala will feature keynote speaker, DeLene Beeland, Asheville-based author of The Secret World of Red Wolves: The Fight to Save North America’s Other Wolf, published in 2013. Beeland will address the history and current status of the endangered red wolf, of which there are fewer than 50 left in the wild. Get your tickets to the Wild South Green Gala before they sell out!
Ways to Give: Spring Drive is Here!
When you support Wild South, you are protecting the wild places and wildlife across the South. From preserving cultural heritage in North Carolina to maintaining trails in the Alabama wilderness…your support of Wild South goes a long way!
If you contribute to Wild South by May 15th, your donation will help us meet our Spring Drive goal of raising $15,000! In addition, every dollar you give will be part of the dollar for dollar match for the National Forest Foundation grant. Click here to support Wild South and make your donation count for double!
The Cherokee Territorial Claim Circa 1700
Around 1700, the Cherokee people were a powerful tribe of Native Americans who were uncontrolled by world powers and politics because of their remote and isolated homeland that lay west of the Appalachian Mountains. The Cherokee enjoyed vast expanses of wilderness where they hunted, farmed, fished and contended with their enemies in martial challenge. Read more about the evolution of the Cherokee way of life and their landscape.
Volunteers Work 1,300 Hours in Linville Gorge
Wild South volunteers in the Linville Gorge Wilderness of North Carolina have broken their own record. In the first three months of the year, volunteers have worked 1,300 hours maintaining trails, picking up trash, and removing invasive species. Thank you to our hard working volunteers!
National Forest Foundation Supports Wild South Volunteer Stewardship
A Lesson Learned in Wilderness
Walk in the footsteps of Kim Waites, Wild South Alabama Wilderness Volunteer Coordinator, as she turns an encounter with hikers along the trail into a wilderness education opportunity. Read her story here.
Preserving the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee
Did you know that the Tennessee Wilderness Act will permanently protect over 4.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail? On a beautiful Sunday in April, Tennessee Wild staff and volunteers repainted the iconic blazes and brushed out blackberry, dog hobble and rhododendron already trying to snag the 15 or so northbound thru-hikers we encountered. Join us on our next adventure!
Upcoming Events
April 16: Volunteer Workday in Sipsey Wilderness, Alabama
The Christmas Day flood that brought the Sipsey Fork up to 41 feet at Cranal Road left us plenty of work to do. Pitch in with us to clear the Sipsey River Trail (#209). Sign up here.
April 16: Wildflowers and Garbage Hike in the Linville Gorge, North Carolina
Come see the wilderness as it ought to be, Saturday April 16 at 9:30a ~ 4:00p at Daffodil Flats. Once we’re sufficiently inspired by the spring beauty, we’ll get busy working on what ought NOT to be in the gorge: decades of trash littered across the flood plain. Sign up here.
April 23: Yoga Hikes in the Wilds of Alabama
Breathe in pure forest air… As part of Wild South’s Earth Month celebration, Birmingham yoga instructor Kimberly Drye will lead a morning and an afternoon session of yoga in the Bankhead National Forest in northwest. Learn more and sign up here.
April 24: All Abilities Nature Exploration in the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
Our National Forests and Earth Month are for everyone. People of all abilities, including wheelchair users, will enjoy this Sunday afternoon outing at Brushy Lake in the Bankhead National Forest. Sign up here.
May 7: 8th Annual Wild South Green Gala in Asheville, North Carolina
Join us for the conservation event of the year! At the event, Wild South’s legacy of 25 years will be honored as well as the top nominees and winners of the Roosevelt-Ashe Conservation Awards. Tickets are $35 and include dinner, music, the award ceremony and evening program, and one drink ticket. There will also be a silent auction and raffle to benefit Wild South, with generous donations from our sponsors. Buy your tickets before they sell out!