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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Grandfather Mountain
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260911T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260911T210000
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260318T155926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T185823Z
UID:10001809-1789153200-1789160400@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program
DESCRIPTION:Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders\, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! \nThe evening starts atop Grandfather Mountain at the Mile High Swinging Bridge\, where participants can explore and observe sunset from this lofty vantage point. During this time\, park educators will be on hand to discuss the unique flora and crepuscular (active during twilight) fauna that call Grandfather home. \nIn-park transportation is provided. Each Grandfather by Night event is limited to 24 participants. Advance registration is required. Please note: This event is for individuals eight years of age and older. \nWe are offering two versions of our Grandfather by Night series this year\, Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike and Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program. \nThis event is a Grandfather by Night: Naturalist Program. \nThe Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora\, fauna\, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is held outdoors and is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. \nGrandfather Mountain’s vehicle fleet includes a 12-seat shuttle that has a 1\,000-pound Braun Lift and accommodates an additional two people in wheelchairs. During the ticket purchase process\, please note if anyone you purchased a ticket for has any accessibility needs so that the proper transportation can be arranged. You may also reach out to the Grandfather Mountain office (828-733-2013) to share this information. \nThe event starts for registered participants at 7:00 p.m. In-park transportation will be provided. \nLearn more about this event series\, the two versions of programming and all Grandfather by Night dates. \nThis event costs $50 for general admission and $42 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on July 13\, 2026\, at 10 a.m. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nWhat to Bring?\nYou should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. A jacket is needed on most summer evenings at Grandfather! \nRefunds/Cancellations\nThe majority of Grandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list. If you cannot attend the event that you registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-733-2013 Monday through Friday\, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. \nLearn more about the Grandfather by Night series.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/by-night10/
CATEGORIES:After Hours Programs,Featured Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/grandfather-by-night1-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T140000
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260408T144142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T184552Z
UID:10001810-1787392800-1787407200@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Mindfulness and Well-being Series: Nature and Forest Therapy at Grandfather Mountain
DESCRIPTION:Join Mattie Decker\, a certified forest therapy guide\, for a relaxing 2 to 2.5-hour stroll through the forest at Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of invitations\, you will have the opportunity to focus on being present in the moment\, deepening your connection with nature and community and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. \n \n“Forest Bathing” is a walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes as well as the world around you. Inspired by shinrin-yoku (forest-bath) the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment\, forest bathing walks invite guests to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for us\, as well as our fraught ecosystems\, and our community. \nProgram Itinerary\n10 a.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. We begin with an introduction to Forest Bathing\, the watershed and history of the ancestral lands of the walk.\n10:30 – 12 p.m. – We will experience the forest and trails on the mountain\, with a variety of “invitations” to explore our relationship with the forest and “more than human world” of nature.\n12 p.m. – Lunch\n12:30 p.m. – Return to Wilson Center\n1 p.m. – We will end with a tea ceremony with tea made from plants of Grandfather Mountain. \nTickets\nThis event costs $40 for general admission and $34 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on June 22\, at 10 a.m. Limited to 12 participants. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nWhat’s included?\nYour program cost includes admission into the park\, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses\, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. \nTips are not accepted for field courses. However\, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment: \n\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nSunglasses\nSunscreen\nSturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required\nBinoculars\n\nRefunds/Cancellations\nGrandfather Mountain events generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/mindfulness-forest-therapy/
CATEGORIES:Featured Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/082225_Mindfulness_ET-12.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T164500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T194500
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260415T200511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T141051Z
UID:10001811-1784825100-1784835900@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Grandfather Presents: The Grizzly Forager Family
DESCRIPTION:The Grizzly Forager is an aspirational social media account with the primary aim of inspiring parents to get outside with their kids via the art of foraging. Arthur\, Sybbie\, and their mum and dad\, John and Christina\, create wholesome and visually appealing posts and reels that aim to educate\, inspire and encourage kids of all ages to safely experience the outdoors and develop a deep love and connection with nature. Their content covers a broad range of topics\, from wild food identification and safety\, cooking and recipes\, wildlife\, nature-inspired lifestyle activities\, and ecological and environmental issues. Christina is a Clinical Psychologist and John is an educator\, professional photographer\, foraging enthusiast and author of “The Grizzly Forager’s Guide to Family Foraging.” \nMeet Arthur \n \nArthur is a quiet\, thoughtful\, and caring young boy with a curious nature. He has always been outside from a very early age\, taking naps outside in his pram in all weathers as a baby – even snow! Arthur has a very deep love of nature and wildlife\, particularly ocean creatures and reptiles\, which stems from his keen interest in dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. He cares deeply about our impact on the environment and how we responsibly source our food. Arthur has a clear thirst for knowledge and uses the forest and our foraging exploits not only to have fun\, but to absorb information and learn new things\, which brings him joy and happiness. \nMeet Sybbie \n \nSybil (or Sybbie for short\, even though that’s longer!) was born at home during the first Covid-19 lockdown of 2020. She was a little earlier than expected\, and surprised us all by arriving\, of all places\, in the shower! Sybbie is outgoing\, confident\, cheeky and creative and enjoys singing\, dancing and theatrics. Like her brother\, she has a deep love of animals and wildlife\, particularly insects\, but also has a very strong maternal instinct\, finding beauty\, love and compassion for small things\, from spiders and birds to flowers and mushrooms. She describes herself as a ‘Foraging Princess’; but can just as easily transform\, when the mood takes her\, into a fierce ‘Warrior Princess’\, swapping out dresses\, hair clips and sparkly shoes for swords\, feathers and moccasin boots. In the forest\, rather than being driven by a thirst for knowledge like her brother\, she instead enjoys the thrill of the chase\, the sense of adventure\, and the pure joy of seeing and experiencing new things. \nJoin the whole Grizzly Clan for a fireside chat all about foraging\, parenting\, wellbeing and living the slow life in wild and rugged Northumberland back home. Discover how Arthur and Sybbie came to be expert foragers and how collectively they became one of the largest and most influential foraging accounts on social media\, with a thriving community of over 600K followers. \nTickets go on sale online for this event here at 10 a.m. on Friday\, May 22. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets. \nGrandfather Presents Schedule \n\n8 a.m. | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day\, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center\, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)\n5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)\n5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds\n6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker\n7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.\n\nGrandfather Presents Tickets\nTwo tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events. \n“VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres\, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included. \n\n$60 “VIP Reception” Adult\n$51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member (limited quantity available)\n\n“Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. \n\n$25 “Presentation” Adult\n$20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member\nChildren 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase).\n\nRefunds/Cancellations\nFull refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event (midnight\, July 18). This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email judi@grandfather.com.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-the-grizzly-forager-family/
CATEGORIES:After Hours Programs,Featured Events,Grandfather Presents
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LGRRibbon-267.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T230000
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260415T203401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T191719Z
UID:10001812-1792256400-1792278000@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Adult Field Course: Grandfather's Starry Skies
DESCRIPTION:October is one of the best times of year to be stargazing at Grandfather Mountain. The air is cool and clear\, and the summer constellations are still very prominent\, with some early winter sights making their appearance later in the evening. This course also takes place during the time of the Orionid meteor shower\, so hopefully some of these celestial fireworks will grace our skies during our nighttime observing. \n \nStephan Martin has been a stargazer since he was very young growing up under dark skies of South Florida. Steve is also an astronomer\, educator and author who has taught astronomy and physics at colleges\, universities and learning centers across the US and internationally for over thirty-five years.  He has worked as an instrument specialist for the Hubble Space Telescope and as Observatory Supervisor at Williams College\, where he participated in scientific research expeditions around the world to study the dynamics of the solar corona during solar eclipses. \nJoin Martin to create a familiarity with the night sky and learn the basics of stargazing that can be applied on your own on any clear night throughout the year. The course begins in the classroom and transitions to various viewing locations on the mountain\, practicing stargazing skills while looking for meteors and learning about some of the most prominent stars\, constellations and other objects visible this time of year. The moon will be near first-quarter which makes for a wonderful time to study its many craters\, rays\, seas and other features. \nProgram Itinerary\n5 p.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions\n5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Classroom learning about the night sky and the use of astronomy resources\n7 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Evening observing with the program concluding at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery \nTickets\nThis event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax.\nRegistration opens on this page on August 17 at 10 a.m. Limited to 15 participants. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nWhat’s included?\nYour program cost includes admission into the park\, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for this field course\, as Mildred’s Grill will be closed to attendees. \nTips are not accepted for field courses. However\, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment: \n\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nLayers of warm clothing including hats\, gloves and shoes\nBinoculars\nNotebook and pencil\n\nEquipment specific to this course:  \n\nA planisphere\, while not required\, can be helpful in learning the night sky and how it moves throughout the year. There are many good options available on Amazon\, but please be sure to purchase one appropriate for our latitude of 35 degrees north (planispheres for 30 or 40 degrees latitude will be fine).\nA Peterson Field Guide to the Stars and Planets (4th edition\, updated) is not required\, but an excellent guide to the night sky and its many features.\nA red flashlight for navigating paths at night and viewing star charts. These can be purchased through a local or online retailer or you can make your own by covering the lens of a standard flashlight with red cellophane or fingernail polish.\nAstronomy/Stargazing Apps\n\nRefunds/Cancellations\nAdult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/adult-field-course-starry-skies/
CATEGORIES:Adult Field Courses,Featured Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AFC-Starry-Skies-e1747079007982.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260725T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260725T150000
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260415T205456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T141154Z
UID:10001813-1784973600-1784991600@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Family Field Course: Grizzly Family Foraging
DESCRIPTION:Embark on a wild adventure with The Grizzly Forager on the mountain in search of mysterious treasure made by wasps\, which explorers of old gathered and made into ink – the same ink that was used to sign the Declaration of Independence! Arthur\, Sybbie and their dad\, John\, will guide you through the process of how to forage for oak galls and turn them into usable ink. \nOak Gall ink was the standard European writing and drawing ink from the 5th to the 19th century\, used for vital documents like the Magna Carta\, Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings\, Bach’s manuscripts and you guessed it\, The Declaration of Independence! It is made by mixing tannin-rich oak galls (wasp larvae nurseries) with other ingredients\, creating a permanent\, waterproof\, deep black pigment. You will head out on a forage to find them (and possibly some other fab wild foods along the way)\, before bringing them back to camp\, starting a fire and making the ink as a group! \nThe Grizzly Forager is an aspirational social media account with the primary aim of inspiring parents to get outside with their kids via the art of foraging. Arthur\, Sybbie\, and their mum and dad\, John and Christina\, create wholesome and visually appealing posts and reels that aim to educate\, inspire and encourage kids of all ages to safely experience the outdoors and develop a deep love and connection with nature. Their content covers a broad range of topics\, from wild food identification and safety\, cooking and recipes\, wildlife\, nature-inspired lifestyle activities\, and ecological and environmental issues. Christina is a Clinical Psychologist and John is an educator\, professional photographer\, foraging enthusiast and author of The Grizzly Forager’s Guide to Family Foraging. \nProgram Itinerary\n10 a.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions\n10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Foraging with Arthur and Sybbie\n12 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery\n12:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Make oak gall dyes at the Outdoor Learning Space\n2:30 – 3 p.m. – Wrap up and evaluations \nTickets\nThis event costs $35 for adults and $29 for adults who are members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. The event cost is $20 per child and $18 for kids eligible to receive a discount via a Bridge Club Group Pass – plus tax. \nRegistration opens on this page on May 22 at 10 a.m. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nThis is a family field course. Children ages 5 and up are welcome\, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. \nWhat’s included?\nYour program cost includes admission into the park\, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses. \nTips are not accepted for field courses. However\, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment: \n\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nSunglasses\nSunscreen\nNotebook and pencil\n\nEquipment specific to this course:  \n\nFlight feather from the wing of a large bird (if you want to try to make a quill)! Grandfather Mountain will have feathers available too.\nA small foraging basket to collect your findings.\n\nRefunds/Cancellations \nAdult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/family-field-course-grizzly-family-foraging/
CATEGORIES:Adult Field Courses,Featured Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LGRRibbon-246.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T140000
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260422T161734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T190635Z
UID:10001814-1789804800-1789826400@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Adult Field Course: The Birds of Grandfather Mountain: The Wonders of Migration
DESCRIPTION:Grandfather Mountain is an amazing diversity hotspot for breeding birds in the southern Appalachians with more than 120 species detected during the nesting season. But those numbers go up even more during spring and fall migration. Its position along the escarpment and the quality\, diversity\, and extent of forests and other habitats nearby make it a magnet for migrant species of all types. From warblers to hawks to hummingbirds\, migration is a wondrous period of the year for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. \nThis course provides the opportunity to visit several locations on the mountain to learn about the diversity of migrants\, the timing and mechanics of migration\, and hopefully see dozens of species using Grandfather as a staging area on their long flights to Central and South America. Our classroom program will take a deeper dive into the science of migration and some of the technology unlocking the secrets of bird movement. \n \nSteve Dowlan is a retired natural resource specialist\, formerly with the U.S. Forest Service in northwest Pennsylvania and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Oregon. He was the editor of Oregon Birds and the Journal of Oregon Field Ornithology in the 2000s. As a natural resource specialist for the BLM\, he conducted surveys and monitored known sites for northern spotted owls\, assisted with graduate research projects on harlequin ducks\, operated a MAPS banding station in the Old Cascades near Estacada\, conducted a study on fox sparrow subspecies in Oregon and assisted with training sessions for federal and state biologists who conducted standardized bird point counts in the Pacific Northwest. He has been a N.C. High Country resident since 2016 and is currently working on an independent study on common mergansers on the Watauga River. \nProgram Itinerary\n8:15 a.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions\n8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Birding at a variety of locations on the mountain\n12 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break\n12:30 – 2 p.m. – Classroom presentation \nTickets\nThis event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. \nRegistration opens on this page on July 20 at 10 a.m. Limited to 15 participants. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase tickets. \nWhat’s included?\nYour program cost includes admission into the park\, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for this field course\, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. \nTips are not accepted for field courses. However\, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program. \nGeneral Clothing List\nMuch of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing\, equipment and footwear are very important. \nEquipment: \n\nDaypack with enough room to carry extra clothing\, water\, lunch\, camera\, etc.\nWater Bottle\nSunglasses\nSunscreen\nHiking Books\nBinoculars\nNotebook and pencil\n\nEquipment specific to this course:  \n\nCellphone for taking pictures or uploading to an identification app\n\nRefunds/Cancellations\nAdult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for\, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com. \nWe ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants\, our staff\, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/adult-field-course-birds-of-grandfather-migration/
CATEGORIES:Adult Field Courses,Featured Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandfather.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AFC-Birds.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T164500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T194500
DTSTAMP:20260624T080930
CREATED:20260520T181215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T184950Z
UID:10001842-1788453900-1788464700@grandfather.com
SUMMARY:Grandfather Presents: Eleanor Spicer Rice
DESCRIPTION:Eleanor Spicer Rice\, Ph.D.\, is an entomologist\, award-winning author\, and nationally recognized science communicator whose work explores the surprising connections between people and the natural world. She earned her doctorate in entomology from North Carolina State University and has since authored more than ten books\, including the acclaimed DEADLIEST series and Ants: Workers of the World. \nEleanor is the host of Our State Magazine’s North Carolina\, Naturally\, a print\, podcast\, and video series highlighting the remarkable biodiversity and hidden stories of North Carolina. Her work has appeared in national media\, museums\, classrooms\, and public speaking venues across the country\, where she is known for blending rigorous science with humor\, storytelling\, and wonder. \nWhether discussing spiders\, salamanders\, or the ecosystems living in our own homes\, Eleanor invites audiences to see the living world with fresh curiosity and deeper awe. She lives in Raleigh\, North Carolina\, with her two sons\, dogs\, a lizard\, and a determined flock of homing pigeons. \nSpicer Rice’s Sept. 3 presentation is titled “North Carolina’s Hidden Superpowers And How Salamanders Are Secretly Running Your Life.” From mountain salamanders to coastal seagrass\, North Carolina is filled with hidden ecological marvels that quietly shape our lives. Join entomologist and author Eleanor Spicer Rice for a journey through the state’s four ecoregions and discover the surprising creatures\, relationships\, and natural systems that make North Carolina one of the most biologically remarkable places in America. \nThis event is hosted in part with Our State. Each month\, Our State magazine celebrates the very best of N.C. through lively storytelling and stunning photography. Founded in 1933\, Our State reflects the beauty\, nature\, nostalgia\, travel\, and food of the state. It’s the perfect source of information for those who have lived in N.C. all their lives\, those who are just becoming acquainted with the state\, or those looking to visit or relocate. This award-winning magazine reaches more than a million readers each month\, with subscribers in every state and 20 foreign countries. Learn more about Our State magazine by visiting ourstate.com. \nSome of Spicer Rice’s children’s books will be on sale at the event. \nTickets go on sale online for this event here at 10 a.m. on Wednesday\, July 1. \nGrandfather Presents Schedule \n\n8 a.m. for July and August events\, 9 a.m. for September and October events | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day\, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center\, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)\n5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)\n5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds\n6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker\n7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.\n\nGrandfather Presents Tickets\nTwo tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events. \n“VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres\, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included. \n\n$60 “VIP Reception” Adult\n$51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member (limited quantity available)\n\n“Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. \n\n$25 “Presentation” Adult\n$20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member\nChildren under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase).\n\nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets. \nRefunds/Cancellations\nFull refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event (midnight\, Aug. 29). This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email judi@grandfather.com.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-eleanor-spicer-rice/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:After Hours Programs,Featured Events,Grandfather Presents
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SUMMARY:Grandfather Presents: Buddy Huffaker and Stan Temple
DESCRIPTION:Buddy Huffaker joined the Aldo Leopold Foundation in 1996 as a seasonal intern and has served as Executive Director since 1999.  During his tenure\, the foundation has grown into a national conservation organization with international reach\, realizing the potential of a Land Ethic. \nThrough educational and on-the-ground initiatives\, Buddy’s leadership of the foundation furthers the Leopold family’s enduring legacy—a commitment to care for nature and inspire others to do the same. Buddy led the construction of the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center\, a testament to energy efficiency and sense of place. The building is certified LEED Platinum and constructed from trees planted by Aldo Leopold and his family. \nHe leads the preservation of the Leopold Shack & Farm\, a National Historic Landmark and setting of Leopold’s masterpiece\, “A Sand County Almanac\,” as well as land care of the surrounding 4\,000-acre Leopold-Pines Conservation Area. He produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary “Green Fire” and supported ten different foreign translations of Leopold’s famous book. Buddy’s leadership in the conservation movement includes service on state and federal advisory committees and participation in three White House Conferences on conservation and environmental education. \nDr. Stanley A. Temple is the Beers-Bascom Professor Emeritus in Conservation in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For 32 years he held the academic position once occupied by Aldo Leopold\, and during that time he won every teaching award for which he was eligible. He and his students have helped save many of the world’s endangered species and the habitats on which they depend. \nHe is currently a Senior Fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation\, where he leads crane tours and introduces Future Leaders Fellows to Leopold’s history\, phenology\, and wildlife ecology. He has also been a core contributor to the yearly Wisconsin Phenology Calendar. He has received conservation awards from the Society for Conservation Biology\, The Wildlife Society\, and Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union\, American Association for the Advancement of Science\, and Wisconsin Academy of Sciences\, Arts and Letters. He has been President of the Society for Conservation Biology and Chairman of the Board of The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame in 2020. \nThe Aug. 20 presentation is titled “Aldo Leopold’s Legacy: A conversation on land ethic and conservation.” Join a fireside chat with Huffaker\, Temple (joining virtually) and Jesse Pope\, president and CEO of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation on endangered species and the land ethic. Temple will share stories from his lifetime of work on conservation efforts to save endangered species across the world\, including one right here at Grandfather Mountain. Huffaker and Pope will chat about Leopold’s Land Ethic today\, why it continues to be important and what challenges are being faced at Grandfather. \nConsidered by many to be the father of wildlife ecology and modern conservation\, Aldo Leopold was a forester\, philosopher\, conservationist\, educator\, writer and outdoor enthusiast. Among Aldo Leopold’s best-known ideas is the “land ethic\,” which calls for an ethical\, caring relationship between people and nature. This land ethic continues to inform the work\, values and goals at the Aldo Leopold Foundation today\, just as it informs the work of countless individuals and organizations worldwide. \nAldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac” will be on sale at the event. \nFirst published by Oxford University Press in 1949\, Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac” has become a conservation classic\, selling over 2 million copies worldwide and being translated into 15 languages. The Aldo Leopold Foundation’s mission is to foster a land ethic through the legacy of Aldo Leopold. Inspired by his profound vision\, the organization seeks to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of our relationship with the environment on all levels\, be it individuals or entire communities. Learn more about the Aldo Leopold Foundation by visiting aldoleopold.org. \nTickets go on sale online for this event here at 10 a.m. on Friday\, June 19. \nGrandfather Presents Schedule \n\n8 a.m. | Grandfather Mountain opens for the day\, and “VIP Reception” ticket holders are allowed access to the park. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 p.m. | “Presentation” ticket holders are allowed to enter the park and are welcome to explore the Conservation Campus (Wilson Center\, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats and more) prior to the speaker presentation. Your event ticket will be scanned at one of our ticket booths at the entrance gate.\n4:45 – 5:45 p.m. | Check-in for all event attendees near the front entrance of the Wilson Center (to receive your wristband for the event)\n5 – 5:30 p.m. | “VIP” Reception in the Wilson Center (“VIP Reception” ticket holders only)\n5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Speaker presentation in the Classroom in the Clouds\n6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Meet-and-greet/book signing with speaker\n7:45 p.m. | Park should be clear of all Grandfather Presents guests.\n\nGrandfather Presents Tickets\nTwo tiers of ticket access are offered for Grandfather Presents events. \n“VIP Reception” tickets include a VIP reception with the guest speaker that features heavy hors d’oeuvres\, in addition to the program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. Admission to the park for the day is also included. \n\n$60 “VIP Reception” Adult\n$51 “VIP Reception” Bridge Club Member (limited quantity available)\n\n“Presentation” tickets are a more cost-effective option and include only the speaker’s program and the “meet-and-greet/book signing” session after the event. \n\n$25 “Presentation” Adult\n$20 “Presentation” Bridge Club Member\nChildren under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult (maximum of four free children per purchase).\n\nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase VIP Reception tickets. \nBridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets.\nYou will need to use your Bridge Club member number (located on your card below the barcode) to purchase. \nNon-Bridge Club Members\, click here to purchase Presentation tickets. \nRefunds/Cancellations\nFull refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event (midnight\, Aug. 15). This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration\, please call 828-833-6332 Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email judi@grandfather.com.
URL:https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-buddy-huffaker-stan-temple/
LOCATION:Grandfather Mountain\, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway\, Linville\, NC\, 28646\, United States
CATEGORIES:After Hours Programs,Featured Events,Grandfather Presents
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