Rare Plants and Natural Communities Workshop
May 29, 2026
Class Location:
World's Edge, Mill Spring, NC
Registration Fee:
$120 for NCAEP members
$145 for non-members
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) and the North Carolina Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP) will hold a one-day Natural Community Identification workshop on May 29, 2026. The field trip/workshop will be led by NC Natural Heritage Program staff and will focus on natural communities and associated rare plants on the southern Blue Ridge Escarpment in North Carolina. This field trip is designed for environmental professionals, botanists, and students who are responsible for conducting environmental surveys.
This one-day trip will include visits to several natural communities and will focus on identification and habitat for White irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum).
The natural community portion of the workshop will be based on the Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation (2024). This document in electronic form is available as a free download at the NHP website.
Please visit https://www.ncaep.org/event-6202371 for more information and to register. Registrations must be completed by Friday May 22, 2026.
Liability waivers must be signed upon your arrival to class.
In order to make the most of this learning experience and for the safety of all participants and the habitats that we will visit, registration will be limited to 26 participants. A minimum of 10 participants will be required for this event. If the minimum registration is not met, the class may be cancelled or rescheduled.
Additional Information
Transportation: Your registration fee includes transportation to the site by van from the parking area near Hendersonville (TBD). Due to limited parking at the planned stops, riding in a van is required between sites. Additional details regarding exact departure times and meeting locations will be provided in upcoming updates prior to the workshop date. Please contact the workshop coordinator (workshops@ncaep.org) for further information.
Equipment: Attendees are asked to please bring a bag lunch, as lunch will be had during the workshop. Coolers will be provided for drinks and afternoon snacks will be provided. This field trip will be planned rain or shine, so please plan accordingly for adverse weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing, shoes, water, insect repellants, and sunscreen, as needed. The field sites are known to harbor ticks, chiggers, snakes, and other wildlife. Cameras are encouraged if there is interest in photographing the plant species and communities that we will be observing. The collection of plant or animal specimens will be prohibited.
Cancellation: Registrants cancelling their registration two (2) weeks or more prior to the event will receive a refund of the registration fee, less a (3%) administrative fee. Registrants canceling between two (2) and one (1) week(s) prior to the event will receive a refund, less a (5%) administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancelations less than seven (7) days prior to the event. Registrants may transfer their registration to another attendee with the same membership status (e.g. regular member, government employee member, non-member) at any time. Only one transfer per registration is permitted.
