Hambidge has miles of hiking trails among an incredible biodiversity of meadows, streams, waterfalls, native plants and wildflowers, and a cove forest. Nature Hikes take place most Third Saturdays, meeting at 10am at the Weave Shed Gallery. Led by experts in fields like botany, biology, ecology, geology, history, and more, each hike is a fascinating lesson about our natural world.
The Southern Appalachians is the salamander biodiversity hotspot of the world. On September 21, take a hike with herpetologist and CEO of the Orianne Society, Dr. Chris Jenkins, to explore the diversity of salamanders in our region.
Dr. Chris Jenkins is Chief Executive Officer of The Orianne Society. He received a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Massachusetts in wildlife biology and wildlife conservation, respectively. Chris received his Ph.D. in biological sciences from Idaho State University. Chris has also worked with Wildlife Conservation Society, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Massachusetts, University of British Columbia and National Geographic. Chris’ current projects include land protection in Longleaf Pine ecosystems, ecology and conservation of Timber Rattlesnakes and the conservation of wildlife in the Great Northern Forests. Chris founded and chairs the IUCN Viper Specialist Group and has served on many board and committees including the National Committee for Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Chris has contributed to multiple scientific papers and has written multiple book chapters, including Modeling Snake Distribution and Habitat in the recently published book titled Snakes: Ecology and Conservation. Chris is currently writing a book titled, The Indigo Snake: A Complete Guide to their Biology, Behavior and Conservation.
To reserve a space for this hike, email center@hambidge.org. $5 minimum donation; free for members.
Remember to wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes for all hikes! Dress in layers, bring allergy meds/epi pen, water, a snack and a walking stick if desired. Most of our hikes are rain or shine.