Land sakes: The nonprofit Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy has done its part to preserve open space and rein in sprawl since 1994, work that’s added up to a very considerable 16,200 of protected acres in these parts. This year, the organization is teaming up with Diamond Brand Outdoors to offer a $20 gift card to new members and to old members who actively recruit for CMLC. Heck, that’s nearly one-third the price of a set of Patagonia undies. For membership info, visit www.carolinamountain.org or dial 697-5777.
Cool, clear water: The 18th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Trout Festival is set to blow up (so to speak) on Saturday, June 23, in Maggie Valley. The family-oriented fish-a-rama includes plenty of fly-fishing demonstrations, kids activities, educational exhibits, and perhaps best of all, platefuls fried trout. The whole works takes place at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Adult admission is $2, and children ages 12 and under get in free. Kids hoping to participate in the fishing clinic should register with Dave Dudek at 627-4564. Visit www.gsmtroutfestival.org for more information.
Park it: The Western N.C. Bicycle Dealer’s Association and the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club need a hand putting the finishing touches on the Alexander Mountain Bike Park. Work days are scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, beginning at 8 a.m., and Sunday, June 24, beginning at 10:30 a.m. To get there, take Riverside Drive (Highway 251) north from the UNCA exit off 19/23. The trailhead is located roughly 10 miles north.
