UNCA Presents 30th Annual Spring Wildflower and Bird
Pilgrimage May 3-5

UNC Asheville’s Biology Department will hold its 30th annual Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage May 3-5. Fifteen special events will focus on local flora and fauna. All events are free and open to the public.

** The annual event begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, with a talk on wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians by Scott Dean. Dean, a freelance naturalist with a bachelor’s degree in biology from UNCA, has specialized in the history, folklore and traditional uses of the wildflowers in the region. He is a long-standing walk leader for the pilgrimage and is currently developing natural history programs for the Biltmore Estate.

** Saturday, May 4, features ten guided half-day tours and activities. These field trips include a birding trip, a nature walk to the Ray mine and other adventures. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the Botanical Gardens will host "Day in the Gardens," featuring plant and craft vendors, lectures, music, a photography exhibit, workshops and birding and wildflower identification tours.

The day comes to an end with a slide show at 7:30 p.m. in UNCA’s Robinson Hall Auditorium. Nature photographer George Raming presents his work depicting local mountains, waterfalls and wildflowers.

** Events on Sunday, May 5, will include a birding trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway starting at 7 a.m. and a wildflower walk in Shinn Gardens starting at 2 p.m.

Registration for all events begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the lobby of UNCA’s Robinson Hall. The fee is $3 for adults, $1 for students, and includes all tours and talks.

For more information, call UNCA Assistant Biology Professor David Clarke at 828/232-5151.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. David Clarke, UNCA Assistant Professor of Biology, 828/232-5151
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526