Dendrology, elevating student's knowledge of trees to new heights....

The Dendrology class learned tree species on an extended hike this week:

Charlies Bunion
Trail Features: Panoramic Views
Trail Location: Newfound Gap
Roundtrip Miles: 8.1 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1640 feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: 405 feet
Highest Elevation: 6122 feet
Trail Difficulty Rating: 11.38 (strenuous)
Parking Lot Latitude: 35.61084
Parking Lot Longitude: -83.42509

Trail Description:

The trail to Charlies Bunion, via the Appalachian Trail, begins from the Newfound Gap parking lot. The steady climb over the course of the first two miles of the trail quickly leaves the crowds behind.

Just before reaching the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail junction at 1.7 miles, take in the outstanding views of Mount LeConte and Myrtle Point to the north.

During several portions of this section of the trail, you'll be traveling just below or just above 6000 feet in elevation. Being at the highest point along the narrow ridge, with outstanding views on either side of the trail, you'll feel like you're walking along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains.

At roughly 4 miles from the trailhead, a short trail forks off to the left, taking you to Charlies Bunion.

Charlies Bunion is actually a rock out-cropping, and was originally called Fodderstack.

The current name was derived when Charlie Conner went hiking one day with Horace Kephart, an early proponent of a national park in the Smokies, and author of Our Southern Highlanders. When they paused for a rest on the rocks, Conner took his boots and socks off, exposing a bunion that looked like the surrounding rocks. Looking at Conner's feet, Kephart remarked, "Charlie, I'm going to get this place put on a government map for you." And so he did.

Charlies Bunion offers stunning views of the mountains to the north of you, Mt. Kephart and the Jump Off to your west, and Mount Guyot towards the east. Because of the steep drop-offs, you'll want to watch you’re footing here. (Post by Jenny Carver)

A Practical Education...

Every student that graduates from Fish and Wildlife Management at Haywood Community College will need basic knowledge about wildlife food plots. Let’s face it, wildlife food plots are not the solution to meet the needs for most wildlife species across a landscape. However, food plots are something landowners are deeply interested in for a variety of reasons. As a result, most of our graduates will be expected to be able to understand, plan, design, construct, plant, and manage wildlife food plots at some point during their careers. Thanks to our partnership with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, they provide us with the necessary land so that our students can practice what they learn in the classroom. Through what we now call the “adopt-a-food-plot” program, our students have opportunities to watch their knowledge and hard work grow in a real setting that benefits wildlife, sportsmen, and wildlife viewers alike. We hope you enjoy this picture of a winter wheat-clover mixture that was planted by the Wildlife Botany class this fall in beautiful Haywood County. Happy Hunting! (post by Chris Graves)

Wildlife Club Apparel

With the holidays just around the corner, let us help you save time and money during this busy shopping season . . . right here on campus!

We have HCC Wildlife Club apparel available for purchase through the Department of Natural Resources office. Please contact Jenny for pricing and availability of items.

Office: Room 302

Bldg#: 300

Telephone# 627-4560

Email jcarver@haywood.edu

Thank you for your support! Proceeds go toward club expenses incurred during conclave competition, travel, and club-sponsored activities.

New Online Course Offerings Spring 2010

The Department of Natural Resources has two new courses this spring. Both are offered online (will fit any schedule) and will make good use of existing resources from Western North Carolina as well as Google Earth and more....

ENV 110 Environmental Science (ONLINE)

This course covers the environmental problems facing society today. Topics include population, natural resources, air and water pollution, and waste disposal problems. (pon completion, students should be able to demonstrate insight into the role the individual plays in shaping the environment.

LAR 120 Sustainable Development (ONLINE)

This course introduces students to sustainable practices in site design and land development. Topics include conservation subdivision design, transportation issues, urban planning, water conservation, rain gardens, alternative technologies, permaculture design, low impact design, and grey water systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate techniques and procedures used for mitigating the impact of development on the environment.

Asian Garden to Get Makeover...

Students in the Landscape Design I class recently began taking measurements of the HCC Asian Garden located behind the greenhouses at the Nix Horticulture Complex. The data will be utilized in the development of a planting plan for the area that will serve as the students’ final project for the fall 2009 semester. A donation of $750 from the Haywood County Master Gardener Volunteer Association has made the project possible. The funds will be utilized to allow upgrades to the pond liner and pump system, increases in the diversity of plant materials in the area, and placement of additional plant identification signage in the area. Students in the spring semester Landscape Management I class will install the selected design and complete the garden improvement. Many thanks are extended to the Master Gardener Association for their generous support of the garden upgrade. Additional thanks goes to the Waynesville Garden Club which has expressed an interest in helping with completion of the project. Updates will be posted as improvements are completed.(post by John Sherman)

Silvics and Silviculture Tour of Bent Creek

Sophomores in the Forest Management Technology program recently visited Bent Creek Experimental Forest to study the application upland hardwood silvicultural treatments used throughout the Southern Appalachians. Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the oldest federal experimental forest east of the Mississippi river and was established in 1925 for the purpose of conducting research on silvicultural practices that would aid in the rehabilitation of cutover, abused lands and promote sustainable forestry, and also to provide a field demonstration of forest management practices.

... About Our Fish and Wildlife Program

The Fish and Wildlife Management Program in the Department of Natural Resources Management at Haywood Community College is proud to announce that its new and improved Curriculum has been approved and is up and running strong. Use the link, Fish and Wildlife Management, under the Technology Programs section at the right side of this page to view the courses currently offered at the College. Also, we have included a slide presentation for your enjoyment! (post by Chris Graves)