The LandTrust for Central North Carolina is hosting a hike in the Uwharrie Mountains on New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1. The moderate hike of approximately 3 miles will be held on The LandTrust’s 290-acre property that adjoins the Birkhead Wildnerness Area in the Uwharrie National Forest. The hike will begin at approximately 2 p.m. and end at approximately 5 p.m.
There is no admission for this event. An RSVP is requested. In event of rain or inclement weather on New Year’s Day, the hike will be canceled.
“The Birkhead Property represents one of our most dramatic land conservation successes,” says Jason Walser, executive director of the LandTrust for Central North Carolina. “Immediately adjacent to the 6,000 acre Birkhead Wilderness Area, this tract will provide the only eastern access to this incredibly important anchor of the Uwharrie National Forest via the scenic byway route of High Pines Church Road.”
Significant natural features of the Birkhead Property include mature hardwood forests, substantial creek frontage on six tributaries of the nationally recognized Little River watershed, and the presence of the rare four-toed salamander and the globally rare hillside seepage bog community. The wild azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) was recently found on the property.
The property is on High Pine Church Road near Asheboro, just a few hundred feet south of the intersection of High Pine Church Road and Fiddler’s Creek Road. Look for The LandTrust signs. A LandTrust representative will lead a caravan to the site from the Historic Salisbury Depot, 215 Depot St., leaving at 1 p.m.
To RSVP for the hike, or for more information, please contact Crystal Cockman at The LandTrust, 336-633-0143, or e-mail her at crystal@ landtrustcnc.org.