Spring Events for Donors
I hope you’ll join us for a variety of opportunities to get closer to nature and see your contributions in action! These events are exclusively for our Trailblazer Society and Catawba Society donors and guests.
Conservation Chat
Re-Igniting the Past: Bringing Fire Back to the Piedmont
Thursday, April 11, 6-7:30 pm
CLC CTT Office
2400 Park Road, Suite 1
Charlotte, NC
Join us as we explore the cultural significance of fire to the people of the Catawba Nation, and its importance today in maintaining ecological balance. Prescribed fire can help restore relic habitats, improve ecosystem health, and prevent catastrophic wildfires. Our panel of fire management experts will share their firsthand experiences with prescribed fire and collaborative initiatives aimed at reintroducing fire back into our landscapes.
Will Ruark, Natural Resources Manager, Catawba Lands Conservancy
Aaron Baumgardner, Natural Resource Director, Catawba Nation
Christa Rogers, Natural Resource Manager, Mecklenburg County
Dan Brandon, District 12 Forester (Retired), North Carolina Forest Service
Bigleaf Magnolia Hike at Redlair Preserve
Saturday, April 27, 9:30-11:30 am
Gastonia, NC
Moderate hike on a dirt trail
This isn’t just another magnolia. Towering hundreds of feet above with gigantic leaves and blooms as large as a dinner plate, the bigleaf magnolia is a sight to behold. This rare tree is only found in a few places in the Piedmont, including Redlair Preserve. Don’t miss this special opportunity to hike with landowner Haywood Rankin, Andy Kane, former CLC stewardship manager, and Kyle Stout, Redlair Technician.
Friday Field Trips to Spencer Mountain
Friday, April 12 and 26, 2-3:30 pm
Friday, May 10, 10-11:30 am
Gastonia, NC
Come behind the scenes with Thread Trail staff to see our region’s next iconic recreation destination: Spencer Mountain. Thanks to a recently signed agreement with WBTV, the Thread Trail is working toward constructing 3 miles of trails, including one to the 1,250-foot high summit with expansive views of Charlotte and nearby ridges.
This 90-minute outing combines a drive to see the planned trailheads and the skyline overlook area. Light walking on uneven terrain will take place over short distances.
To register, email Alesia DiCosola at alesia@catawbalands.org. Space is very limited!