Blue Ridge Institute: Itinerary
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2024 Tentative Itinerary
Sunday, July 14
Meet at Julian Price campground, Blue Ridge Parkway
Set up camp
Getting on board, making observations
Sunset hike, Moth light night
Camp at Julian Price Campground
Monday, July 15
Early morning bird study with Museum ornithologist John Gerwin
Grandfather Mountain – North Carolina Geology overview
Program with Grandfather Mountain naturalist, Elizabeth Trott
Hike Boone Fork Trail, visit a mountain bog
Search for Blue Ghost fireflies, Moth light night
Camp at Julian Price Campground
Museum ornithologist John Gerwin holds a banded Hermit Thrush while the group learns how to determine the age based on the feathers and body conditions of the bird.
Tuesday, July 16
Break camp
Hike with views of Linn Cove Viaduct
Linville Falls – History with Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger Olivia Burke
Set up camp
Hike to Setrock Falls
Night amphibian exploration
Camp at Briar Bottom Group Campground
Wednesday, July 17
Morning hike and visit to Summit of Mount Mitchell – high mountain ecology
Fish exploration in S. Toe River with TR Russ and Michael Perkins, Wildlife Resources Commission
Nature Journaling
Night amphibian exploration
Camp at Briar Bottom Group Campground
2021 Blue Ridge Team at the Summit of Mount Mitchell.
Thursday, July 18
Break camp
Project EXPLORE with NC Arboretum’s Shannon Bodeau
Lunch and Learn about the Bear Patrol with Parkway Volunteer Program Manager, Jonathan Bennett
Writing workshop with Professor Jennifer McGaha, UNCA
Set up camp
Evening hike
Camp at Mount Pisgah Campground
Friday, July 19
Sunrise on Black Balsam Bald
Mountain bald community exploration
Hellbender survey and exploration with Lori Williams and Ben Dalton, Wildlife Resources Commission
Camp at Mount Pisgah Campground
Wendy catching one of the few glimpses of sunrise color from Black Balsam knob.
Saturday, July 20
Break camp
Highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Learning about Cherokee history and culture with Marvel Welch, EBCI member, storyteller, and Remember the Removal Rider
Visit Oconaluftee Indian Village
Lodging at Sky Ridge Yurts
Sunday, July 21
Explore Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Writing and reflection at Yellow Creek Falls
Workshop reflection and closure
Lodging at Sky Ridge Yurts
Monday, July 22
Goodbyes and departure