Wildlife to sweep Sapphire
Mountain Wildlife Days will return to Sapphire Valley Resort outside Cashiers July 17-18 this year, bringing plenty of opportunity to learn about — and meet — the creatures that call Western North Carolina home.
Friday, July 17
• 9 a.m. A bird walk led by Brock Hutchins and Ann Campbell of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Sightings could include the eastern phoebe, blue-headed vireo and swamp sparrow. RSVP to 828.743.7663.
• 10 a.m. A trip to Gorges State Park will take in Rainbow and Turtleback Falls in a 3-mile hike. RSVP to 828.743.7663.
• 3 p.m. An array of unusual animals will make an appearance at children’s presentation by the North Georgia Zoo called “All God’s Creatures.”
• 7 p.m. Renowned nature photographer and naturalist Bill Lea will talk about his close-up experiences with bears at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and during a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park. A musical performance by Sapphire’s mysterious “Kilted Creature” will be part of the show. $5 adults; free for children.
• 6:30 p.m. Items will go on display at Sapphire Community Center for an auction will benefit Western North Carolina Wildlife Outreach, a program to provide wildlife and outdoor education throughout Western North Carolina. The auction will continue throughout the day Saturday.
Saturday, July 18
• 10-11 a.m. Naturalist Steven O’Neil and his creatures will present “Our Misunderstood Animals.”
• 11-noon Naturalist Michael Skinner will show off Balsam Mountain Trust’s birds of prey in a program called “On the Wings of Eagles.”
• 1-2 p.m. Nancy Brown and her animals will present “The Wolf Dogs of Full Moon Farm.”
• 2-3 p.m. The North Georgia Zoo will display its wildlife in a program called “Animals from Around the World,” presented by Wildlife Wonders.
Saturday programs are free for children and $8 for adults. Co-sponsored by Sapphire Valley Resort.
