Village Nature Series

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green sponsor a series of lectures each summer. Visitors and residents learn about wildlife in the area and various features of their natural habitats. Previous subjects include raptors, black bears, and reptiles. The Village Nature Series will begin at 5:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month from April through September at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.

2023 Schedule 

April 25th | Sonya Carpenter, Ecologist and Native Plant Enthusiat | Investing in the Biodiversity of Cashiers: Creating a sustainable future for a complex ecosystem

    • The Cashiers Valley is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem. By celebrating the beauty of our iconic landmarks such as whiteside Mountain, Panthertown Valley, the wild and scenic Chattooga River we can work together to protect, preserve, and create a sustainable future for our home. This Earth Day, let’s discuss ways that we can invest in our community to support the abundance of species that share this home with us. Join Sonya Carpenter, ecologist and native plant enthusiast, as she presents tangible ways that we can invest in Cashiers and build resilient landscapes.

May 30th | Dr. Mark Ellison, Pinnacle Forest Therapy, certified Forest Therapy Guide | Hiking to Heal: An Intro to Forest Therapy

    • This interactive learning experience will introduce participants to the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and the healing benefits of spending time in nature. A central component of forest therapy is promoting good stewardship of natural resources and conservation. Participants will experience forest therapy as Dr. Ellison guides the group in a sensory experience that ends with a traditional shinrin-yoku tea ceremony.

June 27th | Dr. Gary Wein, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Executive Director + Botanist | Sense of Place: A Final Embarkment

    • Visitors and residents know that our part of the Appalachian Mountains are special – you can feel it in your bones. This region has a strong sense of place. Join Dr. Gary Wein of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, who has been actively conserving this biologically diverse land for almost two decades, as he takes us on the final geological, ecological, historical, and unique natural heritage journey of the Souther Appalachians, before his retirement after 17 years!

July 25th | Lamar Marshall, Research Director of Southeast Heritage | Ancient Cherokee Travel Corridor **Held at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library**

    • The Cashiers Valley is a unique geological feature of the Blue Ridge. This gap was a link between the Lower Cherokee Towns along the Keowee River in modern Oconee and Pickens Counties in SC, and the Out Towns located along the Tuckasegee and Oconaluftee Rivers in Jackson and Swain Counties, NC. Join Lamar Marshall, renowned historian of early Cherokee history, on a journey of Cherokee trail systems in the Cherokee Territorial Claim, and how these trails helped form our Plateau today.

August 29th | Patrick Brennon, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Highlands Biological Station | Secret Life of Snakes

    • Join us to hear about the biology of regional snakes, learn the differences between venomous and non-venomous species, and even see a live snake up close! We will also dispel many common misconceptions about these often misunderstood creatures. Live animals will be present! This presentation is fun for all ages!

September 26th | Adam Bigalow | Native Plants for the Vegetable Garden

    • Native plants benefit us, our gardens, and the landscapes and ecosystems we depend on. Learn about the benefits of native plants and the harm caused by invasive plants. We will discuss how native plants can attrace beneficial insects, beautify vegetable and flower gardens, and provide nutrition to the dinner plate.