Please join us on Thursday, July 9th at 5:00 pm for a North Carolina Creek Week edition of our educational hemlock hike.
Did you know that hemlocks are critical for our southern Appalachian stream habitats? Eastern hemlocks shade cold headwaters, stabilize stream banks, and protect the insects that trout depend on. When hemlocks decline, streams warm, habitat shrinks, and fisheries suffer.
This evening hike will weave you along Bent Creek under healthy hemlocks in an HRI Hemlock Conservation Area. While we hike, your hike leaders will cover the ecological importance of hemlocks with a focus on their role in stream habitat. We will also cover what is threatening the hemlocks, what is being done about it, and more.
The hike is a relatively flat 2 mile out-and-back. We will plan to arrive back at our vehicles at 7pm.
In case of poor weather, this hike will be rescheduled to July 15th.
This event is full, but we are still taking name for a waitlist. If you’d like to be added, please fill out this form. While the hike is free to attend, your RSVP is required. Please sign up by Monday, July 6th. If you have any questions, please contact Olivia Hall at education@savehemlocksnc.org or 828-252-4783.
The hike is eligible for elective credit in the Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist and Blue Ridge Eco Gardener Certificate of Merit credit. Also eligible for NCEE (NC Environmental Educator) Criteria II credits.
This event is in partnership with RiverLink’s inaugural Creek Week July 6-11, 2026!
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Free for Arboretum members. Non-members need to pay the $20 parking fee per vehicle.