Friends of the Blue Ridge High Country Chapter

08/26/2026

Volunteers are needed to help check in 1,900 runners coming through Boone as part of a 200-mile relay race on Firday, September 11. There is compensation offered for folks who would like to be paid for your time. If interested, please use our Registration Form so we can send you more information. [https://blueridgefriends.org/hcregistration]

08/24/2026

Hike up to the summit of Flat Top Mountain to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. To enjoy an immmersive experience with a small group this Sunday morning, meet at Moses Cone Manor at 9:30am. It's a 5-mile hike (total) involving a 560-ft elevation gain through meadows and forests on mostly carraige-wide dirt/gravel, with some single-track dirt trails. The guided group hike is free but limited to 10 people and pre-registration is required. To register and receive more info, visit [https://blueridgefriends.org/hcregistration]

08/22/2026

We're looking for volunteers to help plant some hardy fall annuals next week at a few historic sites in Boone. The date and time depend on the weather and when we can get the plants to their planters and gardens. If interested, complete our mulit-purpose registration form with all the relevant information. Thank you! [https://blueridgefriends.org/chapters/hc]

08/21/2026

Nature-based approaches for Flood Resiliency in Appalachia? Join the conversation via Zoom on Thursday, Aug 27, 1pm. [https://tinyurl.com/floodsolutions]

08/17/2026

We've updated our High Country chapter web page, including the addition of Caldwell County to our outreach efforts. We're also looking for scouts who could help us identify community enhancement projects in all four counties where our chapter helps out. Take a look and let us know your thoughts. [https://blueridgefriends.org/chapters/hc]

08/11/2026

Ride the bus to many of your favorite Boone destinations for free! The Applecart Gray Route runs every 30 minutes, stopping at the Watauga Farmers Market, Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Strawberry Hill Arboretum, ASU Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, ASU Sculpture Walk, Rivers Park Trails walking trails (and terminus of the future Northern Peaks Trail that will connect Boone with West Jefferson), The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, the Boone Greenway and more. All on one bus line! Even though your rides are free, ridership will be supporting all these venues, sustainability, and the continued inclusion of the new Farmers Market stop. You're invited to give it a try and leave your parking woes behind!

08/10/2026

Celebrate Doc Watson Day with two days of music honoring the late local legend this Friday and Saturday in Boone. Guitarist extraordinaire Tommy Emmanuel will cap the celebration with a performance on Saturday night. [https://www.joneshouse.org/docday]

08/04/2026

Enjoy camping, hiking and land stewardship with friends old and new at the annual Grassy Ridge Mow-Off at Roan Mountain next weekend, Aug 15-16th. For more info and to register for this free volunteer event, visit: [https://appalachian.org/event/2026-grassy-ridge-mow-off] https://appalachian.org/event/2026-grassy-ridge-mow-off

We need YOUR help on the mountain! Saturday, August 15 – Sunday, August 16 Camp out or come for a day. Join other volunteers as we work to maintain the […]

08/03/2026

Tuesday, Aug 4 is International Owl Awareness Day! Pilot Mountain is putting together a special hands-on program, 10-11am [https://events.dncr.nc.gov/event/owl-appreciation-day] Can't make it to Pilot Mountain on Tuesday? Here are some fun video clips of amazing owl moments [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giiElnVy4Ek] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giiElnVy4Ek

Why watch the humans throw around a ball when you could watch these...