Spring Naturalists’ Rally – Roan Mountain State Park – April 22-23-24
Preview with Dr. Mick Whitelaw
Roan Mountain and Tweetsie Trains, People and Iron with Dr. Mick Whitelaw
Join Your Friends on the Mountain!
The Friday, April 22, evening speaker will be our favorite Fossil Casting Master, Dr. Mick Whitelaw. He will present the geology and history of the new Tweetsie Trail. For the present the Trail follows the old railroad bed from Johnson City to Elizabethton TN.
Click the PLAY button above to listen to the preview with Mick,
April 2016 issue of the North Carolina magazine “Our State” has an article about the Baatany Goat Project. The Goat Whisperer by Leigh Ann Henion describes the June 2015 herding of the goats up to Jane Bald.
It was a joy to have writer and author, Leigh Ann Henion, join us last June for the herding up to Jane Bald. It was the annual herding of the goats up to the summer range for the Baatany Goat Project. Weather was great, so that helped in handling the “unexpected” adventure.
Leigh Ann was on assignment for the North Carolina magazine “Our State”. Her article, The Goat Whisperer, is published in the April 2016 issue.
Accompanying the article are beautiful images of the goats on the mountain from professional photographer, Scott Hoffman, They really makes you want to be there.
The goats had their own plan for the hike up to Jane Bald. Their plan included several rest stops in the woods. These unexpected stops gave us plenty of time to talk and visit with Leigh Ann and photographer, Scott Hoffman. It was a very enjoyable day on the mountain.
Leigh Ann Henion, author of the new book “Phenomenal”, has been around the world experiencing amazing natural events and wonders. She brings a personal touch to some natural, “Phenomenal” events. Her book is available at Barnes&Noble, Books-a-Million and on Amazon.
Click the Player above to hear more from Leigh Ann Henion.
Ranger Meg Guy invites you to the Roan Mountain Run Club.
The Roan Mountain State Park is starting a trail running club.
Spend time outdoors in a beautiful natural setting, improve physical fitness, spend time with your family, and make new friends!!
Roan Mountain Run Club registration is FREE and open to ALL students and adults, (special invitation to students, grades 5-8).
The club will hold weekly practices from March through May as the members train for the Diamond Dash 5K Trail Race at Roan Mountain State Park on June 4 (National Trails Day!).
The Run Club is open to EVERYONE, regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability!
Practices will be held at Roan Mountain State Park, with optional after-school practices held at Cloudland High School in Roan Mountain.
Once registered, all members will be eligible to earn free prizes/training incentives and rewards for attending practices and attaining fitness goals. Spend time outdoors in a beautiful natural setting, improve physical fitness, spend time with your family, and make new friends!!
An information/registration meeting will be held at Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center on Monday, March 7 at 6:00 PM.
Again, there is no fee to join the Run Club.
Participants must simply fill out a registration form with name, address, phone, emergency contact, liability release, and photo release in order to participate.
The day of weekly practices will be determined at the informational meeting in an effort to accommodate as many people’s schedule as possible.
Can’t make the meeting?
Please email Park Ranger Meg Guy at meg.guy@tn.gov for more information and a registration form.
Get out of the cabin and join us on February 13 for the Winter Naturalists’ Rally
Join Gary Kauffman on Saturday, February 13
Gary is the botanist for the National Forests in North Carolina. Learn about the six federally endangered species and the twenty-seven globally rare species on Roan Mountain. Join your Friends on Roan Mountain for a full day of learning more about your favorite mountain.
Deadline for meal reservation is Tuesday, February 9.
More Kid’s Adventures: Owl Pellet Dissection!
** CORRECTION ** Please note the Spring Naturalists’ Rally date was listed incorrectly in the last newsletter and on the website. The correct date is April 22 – 24.
Join your Friends on Roan Mountain for a full day of learning and exploring your favorite mountain.
Learn from expert photographers, and forestry professionals. Learn about wild edible plants.
Choose from three afternoon activities: Hike the Balds with Jamey Donaldson, Animal Tracking with Marty Silver, or Winter Tree Identification with Frosty Levy.
April 2016 issue of the North Carolina magazine “Our State” has an article about the Baatany Goat Project. 
Join your Friends on Roan Mountain for a full day of learning and exploring your favorite mountain.