Upcoming Events
Spring Birdwatching
Join Birders of the Tuckaseegee Watershed and guide, Topher Stephens, for a joyful morning of watching and learning to identify the beautiful and varied birds that can be found along the Jackson County Greenway. The walk will begin with a brief introduction on how to use binoculars to spot birds, then we will head off on a slow paced walk as we listen and look for birds in the landscape. Along the way, we will learn a bit about the unique behaviors and life histories of birds and focus on the features that make each one unique. We will also practice birding by ear, the art of recognizing birds by their unique songs and calls.
While birders of any level are welcome to join, this walk will be geared towards beginner to intermediate birders with a slow pace and emphasis on the foundational practices of bird identification. All are welcome, but participants should be able to remain relatively quiet and focused on the activity. Bring binoculars, if you have them; a limited pair of binoculars will be available for loan. The walk will begin at the Locust Creek Trailhead.
Topher Stephens has been guiding and facilitating outdoor and experiential education programs for over 15 years. A native of Jackson County, he currently offers classes through his local educational organization, Wild Remembering, with a focus on nature connection, mindfulness, and earth-based skills and crafts.
This event is FREE & OPEN TO ALL. Donations of $5-$15 are encouraged and help events like this remain sustainable and accessible to all. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Limited to 20 participants.
Forest Bathing
Join Founding Board Member, Debby Singleton, on a guided Nature Immersion Experience along the newly-certified Forest Therapy Trail at the Jackson County Greenway. Guided Forest Bathing is an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the Jackson County Greenway in a new way. During this 2-hour experience, we will balance leisurely strolling, observation and reflection, and solo time. Debby will offer invitations for safely engaging with nature through our sense of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. This is an opportunity to slow down, unplug, de-stress, and practice presence in the moment. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “bathing in the forest,” this immersion is an opportunity to experience the restorative benefits of the forest around us. At the end of our immersion, we will share our experiences with a peaceful tea ceremony.
This experience is best suited for participants ages 13 and above. The walk will begin at Locust Creek Trailhead.
Debby Singleton is an ANFT-Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, educator, outdoor leader, and artist. Debby has been guiding forest bathing walks since 2014. She is a recently retired associate instructor of Parks & Recreation Management & Health-Physical Education from WCU.
This event is FREE & OPEN TO ALL. Donations of $35 are encouraged and help events like this remain sustainable and accessible to all. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Limited to 10 participants.
Mainspring program - TBD
Join Skye Cahoon for a gentle walk along the Jackson County Greenway in search of …..
Skye Cahoon is the Conservation Outreach Director for Mainspring Conservation Trust. She earned her BS in Zoology from the University of Maine. After graduating you spent time tracking blackbirds in New Hampshire, studying quail in the pine savannahs of Florida’s panhandle, monitoring songbird nests in the sagebrush scrub of Montana, and leading educational programs along the coast of Maine.
Newsletter
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Volume 1
Welcome, Friends. We are overjoyed to share that change is afoot. Our county partners have been working diligently towards extending the current one mile of greenway along the Tuckasegee River on Old Cullowhee Road…
In Recent News
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Friends of Jackson County Greenways group forms to boost green spaces
The Sylva Herald
December 4, 2024 -
County buys land to grow greenway
The Sylva Herald
November 13, 2024
Participant Survey
Have you completed our Greenway-User Survey yet?
If not, please take a few moments to do so. The data collected will be used for strategic planning related to greenway expansion, programming, and grant application requirements.
Participants of all ages can complete the survey. All responses are anonymous and voluntary.
Thank you for taking the time to add your voice.
