Event features free activities and information
Families are invited to Chimney Rock State Park’s Earth Day Celebration at Blue Ghost Brewing Company in Fletcher on Saturday, April 27, from 2 – 6 p.m. Local environmental educators, including Chimney Rock State Park rangers, Chimney Rock Management, LLC naturalists, biologists and other environmental and outdoor enthusiasts, will share the work that they’re doing to protect the beautiful landscape of Western North Carolina. There will also be hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
“Earth Day is a reminder that human action affects the environment and in turn affects humans,’ said ranger Katherine Scheip. “Chimney Rock State Park’s Earth Day Celebration is a time to learn more about our natural environment through education, games, art and science. We hope to spark curiosity, action and fun with our event!”
Admission to the event is free, and youth ages 5-15 who collect six stamps through the event’s Discovery Trail program will earn a day pass, which allows them free day admission to the Chimney Rock section of Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock is the focal point of the greater Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock State Park’s annual Earth Day events have become a popular attraction, with attendance growing steadily each year.
Box 1: Presenters include:
Art Easel Rider
Blue Ridge EVE Club
Conserving Carolina
Chimney Rock Management, LLC.
Earth Shine Nature Programs
National Cave Rescue Commission
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
Gorges State Park
Holmes Educational State Forest
Lake James State Park
NC Clean Air- Western Division
Water Cookies
Frugal Backpacker
Kids Senses Museum
Town of Lake Lure Parks and Recreation
About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a still-developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock can be accessed via the 500-stair Outcroppings trail or by the Park’s 26-story elevator inside the mountain that has just been renovated with state-of-the –art equipment. Once on top, guests can enjoy 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park also features one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Falls, at 404 feet. Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species. The Rumbling Bald section of the greater State Park off of Boys Camp Road in Chimney Rock and Eagle Rock are the only other areas of the Park that are currently open
to the public. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Chimney Rock section of the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com.
