UNCA to Hold 32nd Annual Spring Wildflower and
Bird Pilgrimage April 30-May 2

Local Bloodroot Wildflower

UNC Asheville's Biology Department will hold the 32nd annual Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage April 30-May 2. Fifteen 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, April 30, with a talk on "Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachian Mountains." The talk by regional naturalist Scott Dean will be held in Rhodes-Robinson Hall room 125. The program's focus will be divided between unique evolutionary developments of different species and the common names and folklore associated with the different plants. Dean, a graduate of UNCA, is a popular walk leader and speaker.

** Saturday, May 1, features nine guided tours and activities. The outings include an all-day "Rocks, Birds and Wildflowers" field trip and half-day outings such as 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, entertainment, food and a wildflower identification tour.

The day comes to an end with a presentation at 7:30 p.m. in UNCA's Rhodes-Robinson Hall room 125. Botanist David Clarke, UNCA assistant professor of biology, will introduce some of the lesser-known wildflowers of the area. Within Asheville's bordering mountains lie old growth forests and unique plants and habitats. Clarke will discuss the ecology and evolutionary history of the mountains that have sheltered plants through ice ages, climate changes and contemporary habitat threats.

** Events on Sunday, May 2, will include a birding trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway starting at 7:30 a.m., a trip to the Craggy Mountains 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, April 30, in the lobby of UNCA's Rhodes-Robinson Hall. The registration fee is $4 for adults and $1 for students and covers all events.

For more information, call David Clarke, UNCA assistant professor of biology, at 828/232-5151 or click online.

Media Contacts:

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