For information about
The Highlands-Cashiers
Land Trust please write to:
info.hitrust@earthlink.net

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society and Audubon North Carolina announce the dedication of the Highlands Plateau Important Bird Area (IBA) at a ceremony and program to be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM at the Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Road, Highlands, NC. The public is welcome. The event will be held rain or shine.

The Highlands Plateau is recognized nationally for its unique bird habitat and the crucial role it plays in the survival of certain bird species of special conservation concern such as the Canada warbler, peregrine falcon, black-throated blue warbler, hooded warbler, rose-breasted grosbeak, golden-crowned kinglet and red-breasted nuthatch.

Curtis Smalling, Important Bird Area Coordinator for North Carolina and Chris Canfield, Executive Director of Audubon North Carolina, will discuss the importance of the Highlands Plateau to bird and habitat conservation efforts in the state.  Attendees will take a short walk to Sunset Rock where awards will be presented to six organizations and individuals who have made important contributions to preserving bird and wildlife habitat on the Highlands Plateau, including:

• Town of Highlands, Mayor Donald Mullen
• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Gary Wein, PhD, Executive Director
• U. S. Forest Service, Nantahala Ranger District, Mike Wilkins, District Ranger, Nantahala National Forest
• Patrick Brannon, Director, Highlands Nature Center
• David Bates, Executive Director, Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance          
• Cindy Trevathan, President, Land Stewards of the Highlands Plateau

Participants will enjoy mountain music, light refreshments, conservation exhibits by local conservation organizations and the opportunity to speak with state and local experts on bird and habitat conservation issues.

An optional bird walk for both beginners and experienced birders will be led by expert birders at the Nature Center beginning at 7:00 AM. Those wishing to attend the bird walk should call (828) 787-1230 prior to the event. Transportation to and from Sunset Rock will be available if needed. 

The mission of the National Audubon Society’s North Carolina State Office is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and North Carolina’s biological diversity.

The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them.