UNCA Presents 31st Annual Spring Wildflower and
Bird Pilgrimage May 2-4

UNC Asheville's Biology Department will hold the 31st annual Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage May 2-4. Fourteen special events will focus on local flora and fauna. All events are open to the public. 

** The popular annual event begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, with a talk on "Biodiversity and Global Climate Change." The presentation by Zack Murrell, associate professor of biology at Appalachian State University, will be held in Rhoades/Robinson Hall room 125. Murrell's program will feature his work on native shrubs, wildflowers and threatened high-elevation habitats. His use of modern DNA technology enhances traditional botanical work and helps explain the diversity of flora and how to preserve biodiversity under current and future climate change.

** Saturday, May 3, features eight guided half-day tours and activities. The outings include a birding field trip, a nature walk to the Ray Mine, a wildflower motorcade and other adventures. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the Asheville Botanical Gardens will host "A Day in the Gardens," featuring plant and craft vendors, lectures, music, photography exhibits, 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 Rhoades/Robinson Hall room 125. Asheville-based nature photographer and naturalist Jay Kranyik will present a program highlighting the unique plants of the Southern Appalachians and surrounding states. Topics will include the roots of botanical nomenclature, the influences of specialized soils and habitats, and plant adaptations.

** Events on Sunday, May 4, will include a birding trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway starting at 7:30 a.m., a trip to the Pisgah National Forest to visit old growth sites at 9 a.m. and a wildflower walk in the Shinn gardens starting at 2 p.m. 

Registration for all field trips will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, in the lobby of UNCA's Rhoades/Robinson Hall. The registration fee is $4 for adults and $1 for students and covers all events.

For more information, call UNCA Assistant Professor of Biology 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