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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Bald Rock Heritage Preserve – June 5, 2026

Posted on June 12, 2026 by WCBC

We first hiked in the 165-acre  Bald Rock Heritage Preserve last fall after our visit to Ashmore had to be changed. We decided it was worth a visit in the spring and we were right! Lots of new plants to see.  More information about the preserve can be found here https://public-lands-scdnr.hub.arcgis.com/pages/bald-rock-hp.

Photography by Richard Holzman, Eric King, Penny Longhurst, Lucy Prim, & Joe Standaert. 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. Click on any picture to zoom and view the slide show.

Bald Rock – Joe Standaert
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Buck Spring Nature Trail – May 29, 2026

Posted on June 7, 2026 by WCBC

Once again, we started at the Pisgah Inn, hiked to Buck Spring Lodge, & then continued past the parking area along the old road route towards the tunnel overlook. After a week of rain we were surprised to stay dry!  WCBC created the self-guiding interpretive botanical trail between the North end of the Pisgah Inn parking lot and the historic site of George Vanderbilt’s Buck Spring Lodge. Information about the plants found near the posts on the Nature Trail can be found online here or by clicking on the QR code or downloading the brochure.

Photography by Cindy Carpenter, Hugh & Janice Irwin, Penny Longhurst, & Rae Ann Wessel. 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.

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Coontree Trail – May 18, 2026

Posted on June 2, 2026 by WCBC

We had perfect weather. Although temperatures in the 80’s were threatened, it was pleasant in the woods. Once again we found our bucket list plants (eventually!) as well as a bunch of Violets, Large Wood Sorrel (Oxalis grandis) & Purple Meadow Parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum). Another great field trip followed by lunch in the shade at the Coontree picnic area.

Photography by Cindy Carpenter, Penny Longhurst, & Jim Poling. 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. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Blue Ridge Parkway Ridgeline Trail – May 15, 2026

Posted on May 28, 2026 by WCBC

We never did manage to fit this field trip in with all the rain last year, but this year the weather was fantastic! Once again, the Blue Ridge Parkway Ridgeline Trail (aka the Painted Trillium trail) lived up to its reputation. Painted Trillium were everywhere! It looks like this will be a great summer for Blueberries and Blackberries too.

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 Irwin, Penny Longhurst, & Jim Poling. Click on any picture to zoom and enter the slide show.

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