Sep 10 Wednesday
All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.
NAME OF EVENT: 2025 Civics 101 Program (LWVCM)
WHEN: Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 pm from February 19, 2025 through April 2, 2025
WHERE: Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center 600 E. 4th Street, Charlotte NC 28202
WHATCivics 101, sponsored by the League of Women Voters Charlotte Mecklenburg (LWVCM), offers a comprehensive look into the structures of city, county and state governance for Charlotte. Seven-evening sessions, one-evening-per week, can be attended either in-person or online. Panelist include elected officials, administrators and media representatives. Price: $50 Adults, Free for StudentsFor information and registration, visit: https://goleaguego.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=355841&module_id=525173
Sep 11 Thursday
The southern Appalachians are world-renowned for different types of fungi, from mushrooms to lichens, and are home to more than 2,000 species. Here’s a chance to learn about the lifestyle and habitats of fungi, as well as observe many kinds of fungal fruiting bodies, including mushrooms growing at higher elevations. Participants will learn how to identify them by size, shape and color. You will also inoculate a log with shiitake mushroom mycelium to take home with you. After an interactive introduction to the fungi kingdom, which includes inoculating the logs, we’ll take a short slow stroll in search of mushrooms growing on the mountain to collect representatives of different fungal families to study back in the classroom. Through this workshop and field exploration, you’ll learn about fungal habitats, toxicology and the important roles fungi play in the forest ecosystem. The workshop is designed for beginners, but veteran foragers will also glean new insights.This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Limited to 12 participants.
Sep 12 Friday
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Naturalist Program version of Grandfather by Night includes an outdoor interpretive program about flora, fauna, folklore and other topics after sunset. This edition of the event series is accessible for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
Sep 13 Saturday
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 salamanders in North Carolina. Hosted by Tanya Poole of N.C. Wildlife Commission and Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s own Interpretation and Education staff, this workshop will focus on the various types of salamanders in North Carolina, specifically those found in Western North Carolina. We will cover life cycles, habitats, identification, anatomy and much more, and hopefully spend time outdoors looking for salamanders. Participants will also test out activities they can take back to their classrooms. The program is open to all interested educators. All participants qualify for CEU and EE Criteria II or III credits. This workshop is free to attend, although advance registration is required. Limited to 25 participants.
Sep 14 Sunday
The Debutante Cotillion, sponsored by the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation, offers high school seniors workshops, community exposure, and fundraising for college. Ball held April 4, 11, or 18, 2026. Email: deltadebutante@gmail.com.