Join us for a remarkable weekend at southwest edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. The weekend includes a spring migrants birding and spring ephemerals wildflower walk combined with a Cherokee history talk with Archaeologist Quentin Bass. On Saturday, we will visit the Chief Junaluska Memorial and Medicine Trail Walk in Robbinsville, NC, followed by a special invitation to a private home on the shores of Lake Santeetlah. On Sunday, after our walk, we’ll have another, optional, hike at nearby location before heading home (some may want to stay an extra evening in the area).

We’ll meet in downtown Robbinsville at 12:30pm Sat April 29th where Quentin Bass will share knowledge about Chief Junaluska and the events of his day. We will learn of his act of bravery and kindness in saving the life of General Andrew Jackson, who then turned on his Cherokee compatriots and signed the Indian Removal Act forcing thousands of Native Americans West along the routes that became known as the Trail of Tears.

After spending time at the Junaluska Memorial and Medicine Trail, we’ll gather at a private home for refreshments on a deck overlooking Lake Santeetlah before dinner. 

Sunday we’ll meet at Stecoah Gap for an early morning, leisurely birding and wildflower walk on an easy, open trail. We’ll listen as well as look to identify migrant songbirds, especially the beautiful songsters of the thrush family and warblers such as the Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green and Cerulean. After lunch, for those who wish to stay, we’ll offer an additional hike, possibly to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest or one of the Balds along the Cherohala Skyway featuring native flame azaleas. We will seek some of our high elevation songsters such as the Veery, whose ethereal call is like no other, and is typically only heard above 3-4000 feet elevation. 

Come for one or both days — we’ll recommend local lodging for overnight stays, and share emails for those who wish to carpool.  

Trip fee $65 per person (does not include meals or lodging) 

To register (RSVP) click HERE 

Details and directions sent to registered participants (limit 15)

A donation of $25 or more helps sustain our programs.