Nature Enthusiasts Venture to Grandfather Mountain for Naturalist Weekend

Nature lovers with interests in many different fields of study converged the weekend of May 18-20 for Naturalist Weekend on Grandfather Mountain. Experts on topics ranging from salamanders to geology and hiking to weather led events and workshops on the Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Jesse Pope led owl prowls on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests were treated to hearing the calls of the endangered Saw-whet owl, a Barred owl and a Great horned owl.

“It was neat to see the combination of today’s technology with nature,” said Regina Hartzell of Valle Crucis describing a computer-based program of owl calls that were played through loud speakers to attract other owls. “On Saturday night we were able to hear two owls respond."

"It was so neat to be up on the Mountain then and feel like we had it all to ourselves,” added Hartzell.

Tanya Cline, the animal habitats manager at Grandfather Mountain, then entertained more than 70 visitors with facts about the black bear, leading the group behind the scenes for an up-close view of the Mountain’s most popular animal.

"I was delighted with the number of people who participated," said Cline. "Everyone seemed very excited to be able to see a bear that close up."

The salamander workshop with Lori Williams from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission had many participants on the walk flipping over logs and rocks looking for the creature. Many salamanders were found along the trail and passed around the group for closer inspection before being returned to their homes.

Cindy Hammontree, a “birder” from Knoxville, Tennessee, enjoyed the guided bird hike led by Audubon biologist Curtis Smalling on the Profile Trail.

“I had a really wonderful time,” said Hammontree. “The Naturalist staff at Grandfather Mountain is fantastic and Naturalist Jesse Pope had such a great personality that it was obvious he very enthusiastic about sharing what he knew about nature with others.”

Dwayne Martin, one of only four hummingbird banders in North Carolina, treated visitors when he caught a hummingbird at a feeder and brought it inside to band. While the group waited for a hummingbird to come to the feeder, Martin was fantastic at answering questions many people had about attracting hummingbirds to their own houses to watch and enjoy.

Nina Fisschessor of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute at Lees-McRae College held the group spellbound with her presentation on birds of prey, which included live interaction with a Saw-whet owl and a Red-tailed hawk.

The Grandfather Mountain Naturalists will continue to offer programs for visitors throughout the summer. Activities are scheduled daily beginning at 1 p.m. and will typically last one hour. They will be free with park admission and will showcase a variety of topics.

Return to E-Scape Newsletter

Print this PageShare this PageAdd to Favourites