WCBC Annual Meeting, Holmes Educational State Forest – July 10, 2026

Posted on July 12, 2026 by WCBC

We had a great turnout for the Annual Meeting. As always, the picnic pavilion at Holmes  was a perfect location – thanks to Susan and EJ (and the NC Forest Service) for providing such great facilities.

We celebrated Bonnie’s birthday with cake and Lucy created another beautiful birthday card. After eating delicious lunches including Rebecca’s world-famous Rhubarb & Strawberry pie, we were able to complete the hike on the lower trails before it rained – another record!

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Carrie Blair, Cindy Carpenter, Penny Longhurst, & Lucy Prim. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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What’s Coming Next? – July – October 2026

Posted on July 5, 2026 by WCBC

Just to wet your whistles, here’s our tentative field trip schedule for the next few months and a preview of some of the plants we expect to see.

Friday, July 17 – Shut-in Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
Friday, July 24 – Bear Pen Gap, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
Friday, July 31 – Frying Pan Gap, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
Friday, August 7 – Fawn Lake Loop, DuPont State Recreational Forest, NC
Friday, August 14 – Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC
Friday, August 21 – Parkway South, Stop and Go, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
Friday, August 28 – Sky Valley Road, Stop and Go, DuPont State Recreational Forest, NC
Friday September 4 – Flat Laurel Creek, Black Balsam Road, NC
Friday, September 11 – Glassy Mountain, Pickens, SC
Friday, September 18 – French Broad River Meadow, Brevard, NC
Friday, September 25 – Ashmore Heritage Preserve, Cleveland, SC
Friday, October 2 – Rock Quarry Road, DuPont State Recreational Forest, NC
Friday, October 9 – Sam Knob Meadow, Black Balsam Road, NC
Friday, October 16 – Blue Wall Preserve, Landrum, SC
Friday, October 23 – Holmes Educational State Forest – Upper Loop, Hendersonville, NC
Friday, October 30 – Wintergreen Falls, DuPont State Recreational Forest, NC

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Ken Borgfeldt, Charlie Brice, Billy Dinwiddie, David Heavner, Richard Holzman, Janice Irwin, Betty Jones, Sarah King, Penny Longhurst, Jim Poling, Lucy Prim, & Joe Standaert. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Sam Knob Meadow – June 26, 2026

Posted on June 28, 2026 by WCBC

What a great day for a hike – not too hot & no rain. We were a little late for the spring flowers and too early for the late summer flowers, but our timing for the Fireweeds was just perfect, and it looks like it’s going to be a great season for Blueberries & Blackberries!

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Hugh & Janice Irwin, Penny Longhurst, & Lynn Mosura-Bliss. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Sky Valley Road – June 19, 2026

Posted on June 23, 2026 by WCBC

Looks like it was a great day for catching orchids and Eric even managed to make Buckwheat look beautiful!

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Jennie Burke & Eric King.  Click on any picture to zoom.

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Wintergreen Falls – June 12, 2026

Posted on June 17, 2026 by WCBC

Last year we didn’t make it to the waterfall. We didn’t even get halfway before it started pouring with rain! This year we made it all the way. Scorching hot day, but loads to see. Perfect timing to see Milkweed (3 different species), Scutellaria (2 different species),  and Smooth Azalea (Rhododendron arborescens) blooming.
Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Sarah King, Penny Longhurst, & Joe Standaert. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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