In the middle of Pisgah National Forest lies 100 private acres that have been protected for nearly 80 years.  Join NCWF for a leisurely walk into the forest, along a stream, over a bog, and through a field with guide Chris Holler, who has carefully managed a mile of pristine waters so that people may have the opportunity to see wild salmonids in a streambed.  Mountain bogs were also commonplace for early pioneers but are now considered to be one of the most endangered ecosystems in the country.  An elevated walkway allows visitors access to explore one of these sensitive areas, and there is an ongoing effort to restore the native flora and fauna within.  Along our path, we will also view century-old conifers in the surrounding forest, relax in a peaceful meadow, tour a historic log cabin (circa 1850’s), and enjoy many other special features that are unique to this property.

Visiting multiple habitats will optimize our chances of seeing a variety of wild plants including spring beauty, Jack-in-the-pulpit, trilliums, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, trout lilies, rattlesnake plaintain, showy orchids, and rarer plants such as the purple pitcher plant (state-listed endangered), green pitcher plant (federally-listed endangered), sweet mountain pitcher plant (federally-listed endangered) and Oconee bells (state-listed threatened species endemic to McDowell County, NC).

Guide Chris Holler has a degree in Fish & Wildlife Management and is a member of Trout Unlimited (lifetime), NC Wildlife Habitat Foundation (lifetime), a NC. Lifetime Sportsman, and a member of the National Speleological Society.  He is a fly fisher of nearly 50 years and has been instructing much of that time.

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Photo Credit: Tara Rose Littefield CC BY-NC 4.0