Events

We have multiple events, tours and workshops currently being scheduled covering the topics listed below and many more. So please be sure to check back here frequently as announcements will be made shortly.

Smoky Mountain Wilderness Watch Earth Day Social
Join us for the inaugural Smokey Mountains Wilderness Watch Earth Day Social. Meet the chapter leaders and learn more about our plans and objectives, for only together can we Keep the Smoky Mountains Wild®

Western North Carolina is one of the fastest growing regions in the Southeast, putting extraordinary pressure on our forests, wetlands and wildlife corridors.

Over the last couple of decades we have lost over 1.2 million acres of forest statewide, and another 5 million are projected to be lost over the next 2 decades.

Without action on our part countless wildlife species will lose the places they depend on to survive.

Location: Balsam Mountain Inn

Timeline: April 23, 2026 from 6 to 8PM

Social is open to the public, free of charge. Space is limited so please register.

Event Registration: Smoky Mountain Wilderness Watch Earth Day Social


Invasive Species Priorities
In-person educational lecture regarding chemical-free invasive plant removal.
Timeline: May 2026
Event Registration:


Ela Dam Removal & River Restoration
Educational tour of Ela Dam providing historical and ecological context regarding dam removal with focus on species that may benefit from restoration efforts.
Location: Oconaluftee River, Swain County
Timeline: May/June 2026
Event Registration:


2026 WNC JeepFest
Come check out our booth at the 7th Annual WNC JeepFest
Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds in Maggie Valley, NC
Timeline: June 5 & 6, 2026 from 10AM till 5PM each day
Event Tickets: 2026 WNC JeepFest Tickets


Wildlife Corridors & Road Ecology
In-person lecture and tour concerning wildlife crossings, corridors and road ecology.
Timeline: June 2026
Event Registration:


James Estate Rewilding Project
Anticipated activities include invasive species removal and native plantings with the Golden-winged warbler identified as a focal species.
Timeline: Spring / Fall 2026
Event Registration:


SMWW Kickoff Event Cashiers, NC
Location: Cashiers
Timeline: Early Summer 2026
Event Registration:


Elk Management - Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Focus: invasive species removal and native planting beneficial to elk.
Location: Maggie Valley
Timeline: Fall 2026
Duration: 3-4 days
Event Registration:


Climate Vulnerability & Changing Ecosystems


Indigenous Ecological Knowledge


Brook Trout Conservation


Waterway Cleanup & Metrics


Fungi, Mosses, Liverworts & Lichens


Hellbender Surveys