Community Calendar

Join Anthony Love from Appalachian State University as we learn about the geologic history captured within the rocks of Grandfather Mountain. Participants will be introduced to concepts of general geology, the shape of the land surface within the Grandfather region, how we measure and use geologic structures to interpret rocks, how orientations of rock units can provide us insights on the structure of larger regions, how we use rocks to visualize the past environments where they originally formed and, finally, how we utilize these pieces to form a story of how Earth history transpired in a given area. Advance registration required.

You're invited to a FREE Dance Open House with trial classes for ages 3 to Adult! Enjoy refreshments, meet instructors, tour the studio, and experience the joy of dance from 9:30 AM–2:00 PM. Don’t miss special registration deals before our season kicks off July 7!

Join artist Rupam Varma to learn about the history of Mithila art, a traditional Indian painting style characterized by vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and illustrations of nature. You will leave each class with your own Mithila motif! This event is sponsored by Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by
Mecklenburg County.

The focus of this 10-hour workshop is to prepare participants from a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences in both the formal and non-formal sectors to use exemplary Environmental Education teaching methods. Participants will learn about a variety of teaching techniques, methods and instructional strategies; and the workshop will include multiple interactive components. This is a required workshop for all NC Environmental Education Certification candidates. This workshop may also count for Continuing Education for those educators who are already certified. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the natural community types found on Grandfather Mountain. In this class, you'll learn to recognize distinct habitats by studying their characteristic flora, fauna, and environmental conditions. Guided by ecological principles and scientific tools, we’ll examine how factors such as elevation, topography, soil composition and microclimates shape these unique ecosystems and provide habitat for some of the rare and endangered species that we'll see during our exploration. This workshop will enhance your ability to classify habitats and deepen your understanding of the complex interplay between species and their environments. This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on May 20, at 10 a.m. Limited to 20 participants.

The focus of this 10-hour workshop is to prepare participants from a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences in both the formal and non-formal sectors to use exemplary Environmental Education teaching methods. Participants will learn about a variety of teaching techniques, methods and instructional strategies; and the workshop will include multiple interactive components. This is a required workshop for all NC Environmental Education Certification candidates. This workshop may also count for Continuing Education for those educators who are already certified. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants.

Join Pretty Paid & Productive on July 26, 2025 (3PM–8PM) at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Charlotte SouthPark for an empowering women’s event filled with real talk, growth strategies, and supportive sisterhood. Connect with ambitious women building purpose-driven lives in business and beyond. Don’t miss this chance to level up and thrive — you belong in the room!

This workshop is open to individuals studying for the NC Environmental Education Certification or those needing CE Credits to maintain their certification and will focus on elk in North Carolina. Hosted by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s own Interpretation and Education staff, this workshop will teach participants about the life history and management of elk, as well as how to incorporate activities about elk into the N.C. Curriculum. Participants will also get to meet the bull elk who call Grandfather Mountain home and what it takes to keep them healthy and happy. NC EE Certification Credit: Criteria II or III and CEU credit are available upon completion of workshop. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants.

Have you ever wondered about the life cycle and ecology of the ruby-throated hummingbird (RTHU)? Now’s your chance to learn all you ever wanted to about hummingbirds. In the course, you will learn about the life cycle of hummingbirds, from migration to nesting to where they spend their winters. We will mainly focus on ruby-throated hummingbirds, but we will also discuss other species that may show up in the Carolinas. A large portion of the program will be dedicated to observing banding, which is done for research purposes. You will get to see how the banding is done and learn why it is important. All banding activity will be conducted by federal and state licensed banders. This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 15 participants.

This 2-day entry-level course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for introductory first aid training and backcountry medical skills. There are no prerequisites for this class. Holders of a current Advanced Wilderness First Aid (AWFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification from SOLO may use this course for recertification. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) covers topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Students will have an opportunity to learn practical skills through hands-on scenarios as well as in a traditional classroom setting. This workshop will take place at Grandfather Mountain and be hosted by Nantahala Outdoor Center’s SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medicine and Survival School. Instruction both days is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $285. All participants must be 14 years or older. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.