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Conservation

Second in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn in Blowing Rock 1888 – 1906

January 16, 2025. This is the second in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. As these articles show, this property has historic significance to Blowing Rock. The Springhaven Inn is located on S. Main Street and 116 Globe Road, Blowing Rock, NC and it is for sale. A group of town residents and the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI) are working to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer or buyers for the property who are willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

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Winkler Hosts Blowing Rock Community Listening Session at the Green Park Inn

January 15, 2025. John Winkler, joined by two business partners, an engineer and an architect, held a listening session at the Green Park Inn on January 9. Winkler’s attorney Chelsea Garrett facilitated the conversation. Winkler intended the event as an opportunity to review construction and renovation plans along with the rezoning process that is required to update and add to the current Green Park Inn. He reminded attendees several times that no decisions would be made that evening since the event was not an official town event. Winkler initially expected to meet with 20-30 community members in the front lobby of the Green Park. As five o’clock drew near, more people arrived and the gathering was eventually moved to the Chestnut Grill dining area to accommodate over 100 attendees. By Sam Garrett `

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Mountainfilm on Tour Returns to Lees-McRae College on Feb. 8 as Part of the High Country Film and Speaker Series

January 14, 2025. Mountainfilm on Tour, a collection of top-of-the-line outdoor adventure films from the annual Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado, is returning to Lees-McRae this winter as part of the college’s High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series. Mountainfilm’s mission is to use the power of the film medium to inspire audiences to create a better world. To achieve this, they collect the most inspiring, culturally rich, and adventurous documentary short films each year to share with a national audience. Mountainfilm on Tour will come to Lees-McRae on Saturday, Feb. 8, and the films will be screened in Hayes Auditorium. The screening will begin at 6 p.m.

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Winkler Requests Rezoning of the Green Park Inn to General Business (CZ-GB), Hosts Information Meeting Thursday at the Inn

January 7, 2025. Steve Irace, the current owner of the Green Park Inn, has been working for months with John Winkler to complete the sale of the historic property to Winkler Properties. After a few more details are solidified, due diligence will be completed and closing will tentatively occur during the first quarter of 2025. A public meeting is being held at the Green Park Inn on January 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The primary topic is Winkler’s request to the Town of Blowing Rock to change the zoning from multi-family to conditional zoning – general business. By Sam Garrett `

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Town of Boone Awarded Grant for Northern Peaks State Trail and Rivers House Park

January 7, 2025. The Town of Boone was recently awarded $54,932 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), through the North Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation to fund the southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in downtown Boone. In addition to the RTP award, the Town of Boone and the Downtown Boone Development Association are providing matching funds of $7,689 each, with Blue Ridge Conservancy providing professional trail design. The trail will be constructed at the Rivers House Park at 130 Clay House Drive in downtown Boone, on 13 acres donated to the town by Rachel Rivers-Coffey. Laney Wise, Grants Coordinator/Communications for the Town of Boone: “The Rivers House property just got a whole lot cooler! With this grant and the Accessible Parks Grant the Town of Boone received earlier this year to install ADA-accessible restrooms in the detached garage of the Rivers House, this property is coming to life.

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First in a Series – The History of Springhaven Inn, Blowing Rock, NC: A Summary

January 6, 2025 This is the first in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, which was built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC, located on S. Main Street. You will find, as you read these articles, that this property has historic significance to the town of Blowing Rock. The Springhaven Inn is for sale. A group of town residents, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI) are engaged to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer/s for the property willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. But, first, let’s take a precursory look into its history.

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Hellbender Heroes: App State Team Continues Nearly 20 Years of Research to Help Protect NC’s Giant Salamanders

December 20, 2024 Slithering in the rocky streams and rivers of the eastern United States is a rare species of giant salamanders known as hellbenders. Dr. Michael Gangloff, professor in Appalachian State University’s Department of Biology, has been researching the amphibians for nearly two decades. Recently, his lab assisted a team tasked with transferring the giant salamanders from the now removed Shull’s Mill Dam on the Watauga River to a newly restored habitat downstream. “Our goal was to move the hellbenders out of harm’s way before the dam was removed,” said Gangloff, “but it’s also an attempt to see that if we move them into a new habitat where there aren’t as many of these animals, if they will establish populations there.”

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Grandfather Mountain’s Conservation Campus to Continue Expansion with New Interactive Education Center for Young Explorers

December 18, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has begun work on a new facility for young explorers, making use of and renovating the former Fudge Shop space. The hands-on science and environmental education center, called Yonni’s Clubhouse, will be geared toward children ages 5 to 12 and is set to open next to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery in the second half of 2025. Interactive exhibits will focus on pollinators, climate, weather and ecosystems. Educational concepts highlighted in indoor exhibits will come to life outdoors through sensory and pollinator gardens, a nature trail, activities and interpretive signage.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy Celebrates New Park and River Access in Todd Now Called Percies Park

December 16, 2024 In 2014, Martha Enzmann purchased land in Todd, NC for the eventual purpose of creating a public space and river access for recreation. With the help of Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC), the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), and the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), that dream has been realized with the dedication of Percies Park and river access. BRC recently acquired the 18-acre tract from Enzmann, which includes parking, a trail that is currently being developed, and the popular river access by Railroad Grade Road and Big Hill Road.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy Awarded “Complete the Trails” Funding for Northern Peaks State Trail

December 9, 2024 Raleigh, NC –  Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) was recently awarded $453,800 from the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation’s Complete the Trails (CTP) program for the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in Ashe County. The grant awards help to fund the purchase of over 68 acres on Mount Jefferson that will be added to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. “Trails bring incredible benefits to rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “This generous funding made possible by the General Assembly and Governor Roy Cooper will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

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North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program Requests Public Comment on New Preliminary Flood Maps

December 6, 2024 The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program, responsible for updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), requests public comments on the new preliminary flood maps. The Town of Boone uses the FIRMs to regulate its flood ordinance and determine the boundaries of regulated floodplain areas. The preliminary FIRMs are available online for review at https://fris.nc.gov/. These preliminary maps were issued on October 31, 2024, and the review period lasts 90 days, closing on January 29, 2025.

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Long-Awaited Boone Heritage Monument Dedicated Sunday, Dec. 1; Pioneer Descendants Gather for Celebration

December 5, 2024  After months of anticipation — and a two-month delay due to Hurricane Helene’s wrath on the High Country area —the recently completed Boone Heritage Monument was finally dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 1. Even the rescheduled date was concerning, with snow and frigid temperatures forcing much of the ceremony indoors at Dan’l Boone Inn in Boone.  But, the majority of attendees ventured outside afterward for the official dedication, much to the delight of those who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality. Thanks to the dedication, talent and tireless efforts of the monument’s creator, Brenda Mauney Councill, this symbol of our heritage will be recognized for many generations to come. By Sherrie Norris

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Definitive History of Watauga County Published in 1915 Was Written by John Preston Arthur

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December 4, 2024 This article is about the man who is credited with writing the definitive history of Watauga County — John Preston Arthur. He was a teacher, lawyer, orator, poet, and writer/historian. J.P. Arthur was born October 21, 1851, in Columbia S.C. to Edward John Arthur and Martha Ann Henry Arthur. He practiced law in Columbia and New York before moving to Asheville in 1887 where he practiced law and worked for the Asheville Street Railway Company. In 1904, he began his groundbreaking work on a book that was published in 1914, “Western North Carolina: A History, 1730-1913.” In 1912, he relocated to Boone where he resided at the Blair Hotel until his death on December 6, 1916.  While he was in Boone, he was commissioned by 22 citizens to write a book on the history of Watauga County that was published in 1915, “A History of Watauga County, North Carolina,” which he sold for 1.50 a copy. His writing style was unique in that he covered the big picture history but also customs and personal history.

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PMI Enters into Option Agreement to Preserve Springhaven Inn in Blowing Rock

December 4, 2024 Preserve Mecklenburg Inc. (“PMI”), a North Carolina 501 c (3) and real estate active preservation organization, has entered into an exclusive, assignable option with the owner of the Springhaven Inn (located on the corner of Main Street and Globe Rd. in Blowing Rock) to pursue a purchase and preservation strategy for the property.  Under the terms of the Option Agreement, PMI will not only seek a new owner of the property but will also work to put in place deed covenants that will ensure the preservation of the Springhaven Inn and its rich historical and cultural significance, in perpetuity.

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Lees-McRae College High Country Film and Speaker Series Returns with Teton Gravity Research Film for 2024 on Saturday, Dec. 7

November 26, 2024 The Lees-McRae High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series has returned for another year of exciting film screenings and speaker events, and this year’s series is kicking off with the Teton Gravity Research (TGR) film for 2024 on Saturday, Dec. 7. This year’s Teton Gravity Research film will be screened at the Beech Mountain Brewery Taproom and Grill at 7 p.m. Doors for the event will open at 5 p.m., and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Lees-McRae Ski and Snowboard team as they begin their first varsity season.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy and Holy Cross Church & the Episcopal Diocese of Western NC Increase Conservation Land in Valle Crucis Historic District

November 26, 2024 Protecting the natural and cultural heritage of Valle Crucis and the Watauga River valley is a top priority for Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC), which recently partnered with the Holy Cross Church (Holy Cross) and Episcopal Diocese of Western NC (Diocese) to add 6.6 acres to the state-designated “Valle Crucis Historic District.” Historically linked to Holy Cross, this prime farmland fits into the community’s broader conservation network and completes a project started over 20 years ago. Several Valle Crucis residents made generous donations that were critical to the success of this project.

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W.A.M.Y. Community Action Offering Free Weatherization Services to Low-Income Households

November 22, 2024 WAMY Community Action, a non-profit organization, is actively reaching out to help low-income families improve the energy efficiency of their homes in Watauga, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. WAMY also serves Avery County but currently has the maximum number of applications for weatherization at this time. With the aid of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), WAMY aims to protect homes from weather elements and improve energy conservation through free services to those households that meet the income eligibility criteria.

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Additional Western N.C. State Parks to Reopen Nov. 15, Three Parks Face Long-Term Closures

November 15, 2024. RALEIGH, N.C. — Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15, the Division of Parks and Recreation announced. These parks have been closed entirely since Sept. 27 due to Hurricane Helene. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is anticipated to reopen before the end of November. On Nov. 1, Crowders Mountain, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain and Lake Norman state parks, as well as Rendezvous Mountain, reopened at least partially. Three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock in Rutherford County, Mount Mitchell in Yancey County, and South Mountains in Burke County.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy Protects 133 Acres of Scenic Mountain Vista in Ashe County

September 26, 2024 Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) recently protected 133 acres of mountain top land in Ashe County, located between existing BRC conservation lands at Pond Mountain and Three Top Mountain. The property, known as “Ottaray,” includes the summit of Dove’s Knob at an elevation of 4,220 feet, and the headwaters of Mill Creek. Ottaray boasts significant scenic benefit to the citizens of Ashe County, features diverse and varied habitat for multiple wildlife species, and high conservation values for water quality and agricultural use.

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Annual Fall Color Ramble Returns to Grandfather Mountain on Oct. 5 with Guided Nature Walks

September 25, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is set to begin its annual Fall Color Ramble, marking one of the most beautiful times of the year. This series of guided nature walks allows guests to experience the season’s signature colors like never before. The Fall Color Rambles will be offered daily, weather permitting, from Saturday, Oct. 5 through Monday, Oct. 14. The short excursions begin at 1 p.m. outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, and they typically last for 30 minutes.

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Environmental Groups Request Stronger Federal Action to Save North Carolina’s Oldest Forests

September 18, 2024 As the comment period on the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) National Old-Growth Amendment comes to a close on Friday, environmental groups from across North Carolina held a virtual press conference on Tuesday to bring attention to the issue and encourage the public to press the Forest Service for stronger protections for North Carolina’s old-growth forests. Due to decades of logging, very few of the state’s old-growth forests remain. These rare forests provide crucial habitat for endangered species and absorb more planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than younger trees. Yet, they continue to be at risk from logging. Based on a new analysis from the Southern Environmental Law Center and several conservation groups, including MountainTrue, environmental groups say that the Biden Administration’s proposed amendment fails to adequately protect old growth. 

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Celebrating and Preserving Local Heritage: Watauga County Heritage Museum One Step Closer to Reality

September 17, 2024 After nearly a year of talking, planning and gathering support for a much-needed chapter in Watauga County’s history and heritage, a group of visionaries came together to celebrate a major milestone on Saturday, Sept. 14. Honoring their past, with a mission to preserve and protect it all for future generations, this group of about 30 people, along with families and friends, publicly proclaimed on Saturday that they are moving ahead with plans to establish a heritage museum for Watauga County. Chaired by Diane Cornett-Deal, the Watauga County Heritage Museum committee, officially recognized on Saturday as charter members, is comprised of citizens representing longtime families from every corner of the county, and all with a passion for preserving local history. By Sherrie Norris

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Lee Rankin of Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk Inducted Into the WNC Ag Hall of Fame

September 10, 2024 WNC Communities held the 32nd annual Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the WNC Agricultural Center – Davis Event Center in Fletcher.  Watauga County alpaca farmer Lee Rankin, a tireless advocate for agritourism in the Western North Carolina, was inducted at this year’s luncheon. Each year, this event serves as a testament to the hard work, innovation, and commitment of those who have shaped our agricultural heritage and future. It recognizes those responsible for agricultural advancement and aims to encourage, improve, and promote agriculture and agribusiness in the region. Lee Rankin, the visionary behind Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk, North Carolina, has been a transformative force in agritourism and agriculture for over two decades.

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Town of Boone Awarded the Accessible Parks Grant; Will Go to Rivers House Project

September 3, 2024 The Town of Boone was recently awarded $250,000 from the Accessible Parks Grant Program through the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.. With this award, the Town will renovate the detached garage of the Rivers House into publicly accessible ADA-compliant restrooms. The Town has also committed $50,000 of local funds toward this project. The Rivers House and the Rivers House Park, located at 150 Clay House Drive, were willed to the Town of Boone by Ms. Rachel Rivers-Coffey, a prominent member of the Boone Community.

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You’re Invited to a Month-Long Celebration of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail During September

August 29, 2024 It’s our favorite month of the year – September – when the MST community comes together to celebrate the 47th birthday of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Our yearly events celebrate how far the trail has come since September 1977, when Howard Lee, then secretary of the NC Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, proposed “establishing a state trail between the mountains and the seashore in North Carolina.” 

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