A program about climate change in Western North Carolina will explore how oldtimers and scientists alike view changing weather patterns in the mountains.

The Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River will hold two meetings on the topics on Monday, Sept. 9.

The first discussion, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Senior Center off Hughes Branch Road in Swain County, will explore climate change as experienced by local residents. Connie Southard will present her personal weather records and lead a discussion with other long-time WNC residents and scientists on weather.

From 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., there will be a similar program at the Jackson County Library in Sylva. This program will include personal and scientific presentations.  

Both programs will include staff from the University of Georgia’s Coweeta Listening Project, a group that promotes communication between scientists and non-scientists. Partners in the events are the Canary Coalition and the Tuckaseigee Chapter of the Western North Carolina Alliance.

Those with questions or looking to make their own presentations can contact the organization by phone.

828.488.9337 or 828.488.8418.