The “Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble” hosted by the attraction’s naturalists will celebrate this memorable sight June 2-17 at 1 p.m. daily.  Grandfather’s knowledgeable guides are looking forward to sharing the beauty of this year’s blooms with park visitors.

“I am really excited to show guests this wonderful flower and plant as it is very important to the Mountain,” said Katie Gray, chief naturalist at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “The history about Andre Michaux and the plant’s discovery is really interesting.”

The naturalists have planned guided walks to honor the native Catawba Rhododendron and educate guests on how the plant fits into the important ecological communities at Grandfather Mountain.

Found throughout the southern Appalachia, Catawba Rhododendron also hold special significance in the botanical world.  It is among only four original species of rhododendron that have been used to cultivate thousands of hybrids.  The Catawba Rhododendron covers more than 1,000 feet in elevation from MacRae Meadows to MacRae Peak where it reaches 5,845 feet. The wide range of elevation provides guests with a longer window of opportunity to see the rhododendron blooming on Grandfather. It typically first appears at overlooks near the entrance of the attraction in late May and arrives at the higher peaks near The Mile High Swinging Bridge by the end of June.

Due to this year’s unseasonably warm weather, blooms can already be found around MacRae Meadows.  Staff naturalists may plan rhododendron-focused programs earlier than June 2 if the blooms are widespread late May.

“For each Rhodo Ramble we’ll lead guests on a short walk, teach them how to identify the differences between species, take pictures and discuss the vivid colors of this stunning plant,” said Gray.  “Information boards in the Nature Museum and at the Entrance Gate will direct guests to where the ramble will begin.”  All Rhododendron Ramble activities are included in the regular attraction admission.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

With a commanding lead by the end of the race, the first place participant with a time of 21 minutes and 29.9 seconds was Jason Bryant of Elkin, NC.  Bryant, 39 years old, is an experienced runner who has completed races all over the world including Europe and the Mt. Washington Road Race.  He likes any race that goes uphill and says that Grandfather is one of the best in the area.

Sam Saulsbury of Burnsville, NC was the second to finish in 25 minutes and 7.1 seconds.  Saulsbury is only 16 years old and ran near his home to prepare for the race.  The highlight of the day for Sam was his impressive finish and his ability to keep his nervous stomach settled when he finally reached the mountain’s summit.

Third place was Lewis Hendricks, an Army officer from Chapel Hill, NC.  He finished with a time of 26 minutes and 25 seconds. When asked why he signed up for the 5K race up Grandfather, he replied, “because I’m a glutton for punishment.”  Like most runners, Lewis considered the steep switchbacks at the end of the race the most difficult part.

Finishing first of the female participants and 21st overall was Hannah Wheeler.  Her time was 32 minutes and 34.7 seconds.  Wheeler is in graduate school at Appalachian State University and signed up for the race after her friend told her about it.  When asked if she had ever done anything like this before, she responded with an exhausted smile, “No, and I won’t again after this.”

Sarah Rowe of Columbus, NC finished second in women’s with a 32 minute, 56.8 second time and 23rd overall placing.  Rowe’s main reason for signing up was to practice for The Bear, a 5-mile race that takes place during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and has a similar route.   Her favorite part of the Critter Crawl was being able to run through the wildlife habitats, something she isn’t able to do when she runs The Bear.

With a total time of 33 minutes and 6.1 seconds Emily Brown, of Durham, NC finished third in women’s and 24th overall, followed closely by eight-year-old Mary Rachel Lenaeus of Cary, NC.  Lenaeus’ time was 33 minutes and 8.9 seconds.  These two rounded out the podium finishers of the first annual Grandfather Mountain Critter Crawl.

Winners received plaques to commemorate their effort as well as passes for Behind the Scenes Habitat Tours.  All proceeds from the race benefit the upcoming renovations to the eagle habitat that will add a top to the enclosure.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

The weekend starts off Friday with the all-day Grandfather Spring Bird Count.  During the bird count, visitors will be birding at various locations around Grandfather Mountain, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain State Park. That evening, guests will be guided throughout the park looking and listening for Grandfather’s native nocturnal animals in the Owl Prowl. Space for both of Friday’s programs is limited and reservations are necessary.

“The Owl Prowl is one of the neatest events on the Mountain.  We go to the top, discuss natural history, play owl calls and wait for the owls to return them.” said Katie Gray, chief naturalist at the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

Saturday’s busy schedule begins with a 9:30 a.m. Wildflower Hike and a “Birds of Prey” program at 11 a.m.  Naturalist Weekend continues in the afternoon with a “Crayfish Research Project” at 1 p.m. offering participants an introduction to the project and an up-close look at some of Grandfather’s crayfish.

At 2 p.m., a Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Interpretive Ranger leads guests on the “Nature on the Edge Hike.”  This trek will follow the Extension Trail loop, starting and ending at the Black Rock Parking Area.  This moderately strenuous hike focuses on the transition of habitats from the Mountain’s flanks to ridgeline.  Space for this hike is limited and reservations are necessary.

Another plant-themed hike begins at 4 p.m. called “Trees and Shrubs of the Southern Appalachians.”  This moderately strenuous hike focuses on the native trees and shrubs on Grandfather Mountain.  This hike begins and ends at the Extension Trailhead next to the Black Rock Parking area.

Sunday’s schedule begins at 7:30 a.m. with a Birding Hike on the Profile Trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park.  “Geology of Grandfather,” a hike focusing on the unique geology of Grandfather Mountain begins at 10 a.m.

A “NASA Climate Workshop” begins at 11 a.m. and a “Habitat Animal Training” program at 1 p.m.  A “Tracking Animals” guided walk takes place at 2 p.m. and focuses on tracks and signs of animals.  The weekend will come to a close with a “Cultural Walk” at 3 p.m. followed by a “Diseases on Trees and Local Plants” program at 4 p.m.

For more information about Grandfather’s Naturalist Weekend or to make reservations for the Owl Prowl or “Nature on the Edge Hike” please call 828-733-4326.  To make reservations for the Spring Bird Count please call 828-733-3224.  For a complete schedule of the Naturalist Weekend events, please visit www.grandfather.com.

All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist Weekend are included in the regular price of admission. Those who attend for more than one day should keep their receipt from their first visit and present that for discount admission the following day.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

During this campout, guests can spend up to three days and two nights camping in MacRae Meadows between organized events all over the Mountain.  Grandfather’s education and interpretive staff will be present in the camp area to assist novice campers, answer questions and even offer campfire treats and activities.  The campsite will be safe, cater to all levels of camping experience and welcomes families, couples, and solo adventurers throughout this weekend of wonder.

These opportunities are included in the price of registration: “Night Adventures,” “The Wonders of Bees” children’s program, a climate and weather program,  a tree and shrub walk and an orienteering workshop.  Also included in the registration price is “A Bug’s World” children’s program, a clouds and weather program,  a butterfly program, “Nature Near the Swinging Bridge” and several campfire and evening gatherings.  There are also additional, more in-depth activities like “Grandfather’s Attic Hike” and Behind the Scenes habitat tours, available at an additional charge.

Campout participants also get the added bonus of extended hours on Grandfather.  Campers receive access to the park’s overlooks, Woods Walk picnic area and walking trail and the Mile High Swinging Bridge in the morning starting 30 minutes prior to sunrise and in the evening from closing time to 30 minutes after sunrise, allowing for incredible and rare scenic photo opportunities.

Registration for the Grandfather Mountain Campout begins May 1 on www.grandfather.com.  Registration forms must be printed and mailed in.  Those who wish to resister for a guided hike and/or a Behind the Scenes Tour must be sure their registration is received by July 25.  Registration for the Campout must be received by July 27.

Campsites are $30 per night for participants or $25 per night for annual pass holders.  Admission to the park is not included in the campsite fee.  Those who attend multiple days of the campout should keep their admission receipt to receive discount admission into the park the following days of the event.  For questions about registration please call 828-733-4326.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.  Registration Form

Newland Elementary School raised the most change with a total of $1,226.06.  Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation President Penn Dameron and members of the habitat staff visited the school last week to announce that Kelly Ward’s third grade class was the overall winner for the county with a total of $253.78.  The class received balloons, candy, a framed photograph of Grandfather Mountain’s golden eagle Morely and a trip to Grandfather Mountain that will include a behind the scenes tour of the animal habitats.  During the field trip, the students will make and give enrichments to the habitat animals.

The top class at each of the four other elementary schools were also rewarded with an upcoming trip to Grandfather.  These four classes receive a guided habitat tour and will also be able to make and give enrichments to the animals.  The winning classes are Beth Waycaster’s second and third grade combination class from Banner Elk Elementary, Nancy Christensen’s first grade class from Riverside Elementary, Julie Johnson’s fourth grade class from Crossnore Elementary and Jessica Jones’ fifth grade class from Freedom Trail Elementary.

“We would like to thank every student that participated in the Penny Challenge,” said Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Habitats Manager Christie Tipton.  “The amount raised by the entire county is incredible and we can’t wait to start these renovations.”

Though the current eagle habitats at Grandfather Mountain are attractive and well maintained, the enclosure is open-topped, creating several potential issues.  Ravens, bears and other animals can enter the eagles’ home, stealing their food and posing a threat to their well-being.

Another drawback stemming from the lack of a fully enclosed eagle habitat is Grandfather’s inability to adopt other eagles that may be partially or fully flighted.  Even though these eagles may have the ability to fly normally, other injuries, such as eye problems, could render them unable to hunt for food and survive in the wild. The renovations, set to occur later this year, will add tops to the enclosures.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

The full day option includes admission to the park, a t-shirt, lunch with the animal caretakers and six hours of experiencing the daily chores of the Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats staff:  feeding, cleaning and caring for the five species of animals that call the habitats home.  The new half-day option, which costs $75 ($60 for season pass holders), includes admission to the park, a t-shirt and three hours of hands-on animal care.

“We hope to give people a better appreciation for our habitat staff and the wonderful animals that they care for,” said Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation President Penn Dameron.

Participants must at least 12-years-old; capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain; wear closed-toe hiking or work boots and be willing to sign a waiver of liability.

The Keeper for A Day Program is available on certain Tuesdays, April-October.  Both the three-hour and six-hour options begin at 8 a.m.  Reservations for the program must be made at least 24 hours in advance.  A full schedule of dates can be found on www.grandfather.com.  For more information or to reserve your spot, call the Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats at 828-733-8715.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

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New green leaves will just be reaching the slopes of Grandfather Mountain in mid-May when the pastel pink-shell Azalea vaseyi (vay-zee-eye) bursts upon the scene.  Clouds of exquisite blossoms make their way up Grandfather’s slopes from May 10-25, blooming in mass at overlooks just inside the park early in May and opening in profusion across the high peaks later in the month.

The shrub was discovered in 1878 by George Vasey, the first director of the US National Herbarium. The Azalea vaseyi can be found in four mountainous counties of North Carolina and grows in spruce fir forests at elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 feet.  It is considered globally endangered because there are fewer than 100 communities of the shrub known to exist on the planet, and the world’s largest population grows on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain.

One of the hardy American rhododendrons, very shade tolerant, also tolerant of soil compaction, poor drainage, and floods. It demands wet to moist growing conditions and strongly to moderately acid soil reaction (4.5-6.0). However, once established, pink shell azalea can tolerate a wide variety of conditions and even survive droughts. Having been cultivated in the Arnold Arboretum since 1880, it proved to be hardy in Boston and is valued for cultivation all over the USA and in Europe. The flowers are frost resistant, so that it is successfully grown in Scandinavia.

This new feature allows site visitors to easily navigate and plan their trip by date.  The daily events menu not only includes major events, but includes smaller, daily events on the mountain as well.  This will allow visitors to discover every program that’s available the day they plan on visiting the Mountain.

“We’re very excited to launch this new section of the website,” said Landis Wofford, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation director of communications.  “Many of the programs that we offer spring through fall are included in admission and we hope that this new section of the website creates additional awareness of these opportunities.”

Events are listed in chronological order.  Guests can scroll to the date they plan to visit and look up exactly what is going on at Grandfather that day.  Each event is categorized into five event types, matched with an easily identifiable icon: Featured Events, Habitat Programs, Ranger Programs and Recurring Events.  Every event’s location and time is given as well as a brief description of the event.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

The race begins in MacRae Meadows and ends at the top of Grandfather.  All proceeds will directly benefit upcoming renovations to the Grandfather Mountain Eagle Habitats.

Online registration for the “Critter Crawl” began March 1 with 500 available spaces for runners. Many spaces for the event are still available.  The cost per participant is $30 and includes: a free day-pass to Grandfather Mountain for the following weekend as well as a “Critter Crawl” t-shirt if the runner is signed up by April 19.  Awards will be presented to the top three male and female competitors.

Parking passes, available for $10 per car, must be purchased to park on Grandfather or at MacRae Meadows.  Spectators with parking passes will be able to park in designated parking lots on Grandfather Mountain and MacRae Meadows on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Shuttles will be available to transport spectators to the top from each parking area.

To register, please visit www.grandfather.com.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

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The Grandfather Games are considered the greatest of America’s Scottish Games because of the spectacular mountain setting that is so reminiscent of Scotland. The deep blue peaks of Grandfather Mountain tower above a meadow ringed by 130 red, blue, yellow and green striped tents.

In addition to the convenience of ordering tickets ahead of time and the fact that advance tickets save $25 versus buying daily tickets during the event, this year’s advance ticket holders will receive the added benefit of a free round-trip shuttle Friday, Saturday and Sunday between the games and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Boone, a $30 per-person value.  Parking at MacRae Meadows will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night events.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games has also teamed up with several local hotels, offering discounted rates to those planning their trip in advance.

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is a not-for-profit organization based in Linville, NC.  Proceeds of the Highland Games go directly to scholarship efforts in the Avery County area.  For more information about the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games including advance ticket information and a full list of participating hotels, please visit www.gmhg.org or call the office at 828-733-1333.