When: February 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Come be “out in the outdoors”!
Calling WNC’s LGBTQIA+ community! Let’s gather to share the company of nature and our fellow community members. Every other month, we will come together to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space as we wander in the woods, connecting to each other and the natural world around us. We’ll take time to notice, appreciate, and learn about the creatures that call this place home, from the tiny beetles to the mighty trees. Along the way, we will find a spot to stop and enjoy a seasonal treat. This safe space is open to anyone who can use it- friends, family, and allies are welcome too!
This month, we will be Out at Queen Branch Preserve in Franklin to learn about winter foraging! We’ll amble slowly through a meadow, among the trees, and to the river, meeting and learning about any edible plants we encounter along the way. We will discuss plant identification, cooking methods, foraging ethics, and medicinal preparations, leaving time to admire the non-edible plants as well! Please note we will not be collecting anything during this event, and foraging on Mainspring properties is by permission only.
We will meet at the Queen Branch Preserve parking lot at the intersection of Bryson City Rd and Queen Branch Rd in Franklin at 10:00am on Saturday, February 8th. Please bring water, plenty of warm layers, and anything else you’ll need to stay comfortable outside during this event. This trail is an accessible gravel path that is 2/3 mile round trip, with an even grade and minimal inclines. The trail is traversable by strollers and wheelchairs.
Register below to RSVP for this event. This event is weather dependent. Please leave pets at home. Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions.
2025 Schedule
Winter Foraging Walk: Saturday, February 8th, 10:00am-1:00pm, Queen Branch Preserve in Franklin
Birding Walk: Saturday, April 12th, 9:00am-12:00pm, Tessentee Bottomland Preserve in Franklin
Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshop: Saturday, June 14th, 2:00pm-5:00pm, Winding Stair Nursery in Franklin
Summer Picnic and Swimming: Saturday, August 23rd, time TBD, Private Property on Lake Santeelah
Autumn Leaf Garland Workshop: Saturday, October 18th, 10:00am-1:00pm, Wayah Bald near Franklin
Waterfall Hike and Native Seed Starting: Saturday, December 6th, 12:00pm-3:00pm, Deep Creek in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Meet your leaders
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Director, Skye (she/her) inspires people to connect with their local landscape and value the conservation efforts that protect it. Integrating her experience in wildlife research with her excitement about the natural world, she strives to make science fun and accessible.
Gillian (she/her) is a queer conservation practitioner who strives to build community by connecting with others in nature and working to ensure that public lands are a welcome and safe space for all.
Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions. Please leave pets at home. This event is weather-dependent.
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