Friends of Panthertown Coordinator Job Vacancy Announcement

After almost three years as the Friends of Panthertown Coordinator, Nina Elliott will be leaving the organization to pursue a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Clemson University. Since being hired in 2007 by the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, she has made significant contributions to the organization and conservation efforts in Panthertown Valley.

“Panthertown is a special place for me, as well as the many other people that I’ve had the privilege to work with over the last few years. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated volunteers. It is a unique and beautiful place that should be protected,” says Elliott.

The Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance will be hiring a new part-time coordinator in April 2010. Duties include: recruiting and training volunteers for projects in Panthertown Valley, outdoor physical activities, fundraising and grant writing. Communication skills, commitment to environmental preservation and personal transportation are required. To apply for this position, send resumes to the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, 348 S. 5th St., Highlands, NC 28741. For more information, contact David M. Bates at 828-526-9938 (x 256) or exectdir@dnet.net

Trail Signs Now in Panthertown

If you’ve ever gotten lost in Panthertown Valley, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Over the years, the United States Forest Service (USFS) has received numerous requests to mark trails from those who’ve lost their way while exploring the area.

The Friends of Panthertown have helped out by obtaining funding and providing volunteers to mark trails. With a grant from the American Hiking Society, the Friends of Panthertown purchased $2,600 of tools and materials. The signs are the standard Forest Service design, intended to provide necessary trail identification and usage information, while blending with the natural surroundings. To keep them to a minimum, they are being placed only at intersections of the “official” Forest Service trails, and where possible one sign is being used to mark both trails.

Marking the trails in Panthertown Valley with directional signs will improve safety, make the area more ‘user-friendly’ for hikers unfamiliar with the rugged terrain. Also, should someone become injured, search and rescue squads will be able to locate the victim more quickly without becoming lost themselves. In addition, the signs are a key part of the Forest Service’s program of designating trail usage, in order both to protect sensitive ecological areas and to provide quality recreational opportunities and backcountry experiences to hikers and other users.

The project is spearheaded by Mike Purdy, a member of the Friends of Panthertown. He and other volunteers began installing signs about a week ago. Approximately 50 signs will be placed, with decals showing the USFS trail #, designated recreational uses, and trail name.

Be forewarned, even though there are now signs, you should still carry a map, and for the less-traveled areas a compass – and know how to use them. A detailed map of the area can be purchased at the Highland Hiker in Cashiers or at www.slickrockexpeditions.com. The USFS has plans to create an official trail map of the area, but it will take several years before completion. An electronic copy of the USFS’s map is available on our website at www.j-mca.org.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering at the Friends of Panthertown Work Day on September 26th

Thousands of volunteers in every state will put their hands to work on September 26th in a coast-to-coast effort to improve and enhance our treasured lands. It began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year 120,000 volunteers worked in over 1,800 locations and in every state. Now, 8 federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands. In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants, and planted over 1.6 million trees. For more information about National Public Lands Day, go to http://www.publiclandsday.org/involved/friends.htm