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.

Join Us at the Next SMWW Chapter Meeting
Focus: Meet the chapter leaders, NC Wildlife Federation representative and other like minded people to hear about our ongoing and upcoming events. Meeting is free and open to the public.
Location: Dog Bar Waynesville NC
Timeline: August 29, 2026 from 6pm till 8pm
Event Registration: Click here to register


Visit us at the Pigeon RiverFest
Focus: Visit Pigeon RiverFest for more information
Location: Canton Recreation Park
Timeline: August 22, 2026 from 10am till 6pm
Event Registration: N/A


Elk Management - Stevens Creek Habitat Workday
Focus: We will focus the workday on managing open areas by removing tulip poplar saplings to encourage a wider variety of plant species and improve foraging habitat for elk and other wildlife.
Location: Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Stevens Creek property is situated on the Eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Cataloochee Valley. The Steven’s Creek property serves as an important wildlife corridor for the movement of numerous species headed north and south between Cataloochee and I-40, as well as important habitat for the growing elk population.
September 24 Workday registration
October 9 Workday registration
October 21 Workday registration


Invasive Species Priorities
Focus: In-person educational lecture regarding chemical-free invasive plant removal.
Timeline: TBD
Location: Waynesville
Time: Early Evening
Event Registration: More Information Available Soon


Ela Dam Removal & River Restoration
Focus: 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: TBD
Event Registration:


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


James Estate Rewilding Project
Focus: 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:


Climate Vulnerability & Changing Ecosystems


Indigenous Ecological Knowledge


Brook Trout Conservation


Waterway Cleanup & Metrics


Fungi, Mosses, Liverworts & Lichens


Hellbender Surveys