Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level

Naturalist's Weekend

May 16-17, 2009

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The Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend is a fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover "nature on a whole different level."

Grandfather's programs pull together presentations of superior quality because our staff has relationships with the top natural resource professionals in the region. These exceptional teachers and interpreters bring nature alive for all in attendance.

birdwatchingAll programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist's Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who attend for both days should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday. For details, phone 800-468-7325.

2009 Schedule

Friday, May 15
8:30-10:30 pm Nocturnal Naturalist Stroll led by Grandfather Mountain Chief Naturalist Jesse Pope (Space limited, reservations necessary 828-733-4326)
Saturday, May 16
7:30-10:30 am Birding the Profile Trail led by Grandfather Mountain Chief Naturalist Jesse Pope. Depart Profile trailhead on NC 105, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of NC 105 & NC 184.
9 am to 3 pm Grandfather Ridgeline Hike led by Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Gabe Taylor. The group will travel along the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, then link up with the Grandfather Trail, and end at the Black Rock Parking Lot. (Space limited, reservations necessary 828-733-4326)
10:30 am Black bear workshop led by Tanya Cline, Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats Manager. Starts in Museum auditorium and ends up with behind the scenes tour of habitats.
11:30 am Attracting Birds to your Backyard led by Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Katie Gray and Marty Martin from Blue Ridge Birds and Gardens. Nature Museum auditorium.
1 pm North Carolina’s Newest State Park, presentation by Crae Morton, President Grandfather Mountain. Nature Museum Auditorium.
2 pm Salamander Workshop at the Watauga River, led by Jesse Pope, Grandfather Mountain Chief Naturalist. Meet in lobby of Nature Museum.
4 pm Guided nature walk at the Black Rock Trail, led by Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Katie Gray. Meet at the Black Rock Trail, three switchbacks below the summit.
Sunday, May 17
9:30-11 am Hummingbird Banding with Dwayne Martin, Catawba County Interpretive Ranger and one of only four people in North Carolina licensed to capture and band hummingbirds. Meet in the sun room at Mildred's Grill, GM Nature Museum.
11 am Birds of Prey with Nina Fisschessor of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute at Lees-McRae College. Nature Museum auditorium.
1 pm Developing Your Naturalist Senses, led by Mt. Mitchell State Park Ranger Matt Mutel. Meet at Let it Rain Picnic Shelter. (Space limited, reservations necessary 828-733-4326)
2 pm What it takes to Survive: Predator vs. Prey, led by Animal Habitats zookeeper Megan MacLeod. Nature Museum auditorium.
3 pm Animal Tracks and Signs, led by Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Gabe Taylor. Meet at Woods Walk.
4 pm Wildflower Hike at Profile Trail, led by Mt. Mitchell State Park Ranger Matt Mutel. Meet at the trailhead on NC 105, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of NC 105 & NC 184.

Download the Grandfather Mountain Bird List (642K)

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