12 The Little River VOLUME 02 Watermark ISSUE

J u l y 2 0 1 4 Membership Newsletter for Friends of DuPont Forest

July Events: DuPontDuPont Listed AnimalListed SpeciesAnimal Slide Species Show Slide By AleenShow Steinberg  18th Mountain Medicine

 22nd FODF Board There are 13 known species of animals in DuPont Meeting State Recreational Forest that the state has cate- gorized as “species of special concern,” August Events: “threatened,” or “endangered.” This group of 13 is comprised of one snake, one lizard, one turtle,  16th Litter Pick-Up one rodent, four bats, and five salamanders. Alan  23rd Mushroom Hike Cameron, an FODF member and long-time volun- teer with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission September Events: will present a slide show to describe these ani- mals and their habitats later this summer on a  13th Fall Botanical Walk date yet to be determined. His lecture will include  20th FODF Canoe Day information about a special program to photo- graph over-wintering Golden Eagles here in west-  23rd FODF Board Meeting ern North Carolina. This program will be held in the downstairs classroom of the Aleen Steinberg  27th FODF Trails & National Visitor Center. FODF members will be notified of Public Lands Day the date and time by email. Alan Cameron (photo courtesy of Aleen Steinberg)

This issue

Forest Supervisors Report 2-3

Environmental Education 3

Calling All Volunteers 4 Frank’s Farewell

Tour de Falls 5

Trail Safety Clinic 6 Green Salamander (photo courtesy of Alan Cameron) Trail Crew Update FODF Newsletter Gets a Facelift New Board Members 7

Poplar Hill Rambler 8-9 As you will see, the Newsletter Committee has been hard at work upgrading the format and content of your quarterly newsletter. We The Blue Ghosts! would like your feedback as to what you would like to see in upcom- 10 Welcome New Members ing editions.

President’s Report 11 If you would like to write an article about the Forest or would like to submit pictures of the Forest, please submit your suggestions, ideas, and articles to the Newsletter Editor, Nancy Kay at vet- Membership Form 12 [email protected] or telephone- 707-477-6683. Page 2

DuPont State Recreational Forest Supervisor’s Report By Jason I. Guidry

Personnel: On June 2nd, Frank Cubero, the Forest Maintenance Supervisor, left the NC Forest Service for a career change. We not only lost 10 years of ex- perience on the Forest but a person with remarkable problem-solving skills and creativity for any project he put his hands on. The FODF and the NC Forest Service gathered at the High Falls Shelter on Frank’s last day to send him off and wish him luck.

In the last quarter, we added two temporary appointments to the Forest Staff. In February, Mr. Denver Beddingfield assumed duties as the Public Information Assistant assigned to the Visitor Center. In March, Mr. Chad Battle took the General Utility Worker position assigned to Forest mainte- nance. We hope that these positions will assist in duties that were taking a substantial amount of staff time: public phone calls, permit questions, some routine office work, and maintenance and landscaping needs.

We also lost Mr. Stephen Pace, our Maintenance Mechanic, to the NC Department of Transportation in Henderson County. Stephen was a val- ued and skilled member of our work force for three and a half years and he will be missed. Approximately 60% of his duties were assigned to the Visitor Center, with the remainder being tied to the maintenance support of DuPont State Recreational Forest and Holmes Educational State Forest. This position was recently filled by Brandon “Buck” Jones, a skilled me- chanic and long time member of the Brevard Rescue Squad. Recreation/Visitation Services: Record breaking number of visitors seen the first five months of 2014. In the Special Use category of permits, the Forest was recently the site Overall, visitation to the Forest is higher at this point in the year than in of a movie production during the first week of June. The movie, enti- either 2012 or 2013. Through the month of May, 2014, the NC Forest tled “Max”, was an MGM production and an adaptation of a true story Service estimates that 117,000 visitors have been inside the Forest. In the about “A military working dog who returns from active service in Af- record-year of 2012, 113,000 visitors were estimated through May. ghanistan traumatized by his handler's death. Its release is set for January 30, 2015”. The ten-year average of visitation to the Forest, prior to 2013, was ~160,000 visitors per year. The number of full-time employees responsible The NC Forest Staff worked closely with the film production crew to for the Forest has remained at the same level since 2009. Therefore, the minimize visitor conflicts and maximize public safety and resource DSRF Staff is as occupied with public safety, Forest rule enforcement, and protection. public relations as ever. We have recently re-structured the permit system to improve efficiency Vegetation and Wildlife Objectives: and consistency with the administration of the various permit programs. The DSRF Staff conducted four prescribed burns during the period We hope this benefits our users and our staff. Current areas of responsi- from late February through April. All of the burn units were located bility, per general permit category, are found below: along the Joanna Road corridor. The Vista Trail burn (26 acres), Oak Tree Trail burn (20 acres), Pitch Pine Trail burn (45 acres), and Briery Routine Use (Denver Beddingfield, Public Information Assistant): Fork Trail burn (~50 acres) met the objectives of wildlife habitat en- Disabled Access, Shelter Reservations, and After-Hours hancement, reduction of fuel buildup, and breaking up of occlusive

patches of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Special Use (Eric Folk, Educational Ranger): Hunting Permits, Dis- (continued on page 3) abled Hunters, Weddings, Volunteer Projects, Barn Use, Guion Farm, and Training Events.

Commercial Use (Jeremy Waldrop, Educational Ranger): typical commercial use FODF Newsletter Committee: Nancy Kay - Newsletter Firewood Permits (Michael Sweat, Management Forester): fire- Editor, Nancy Black - Copy Layout, Kent Wilcox, wood, stick removal for artistic materials, mushroom logs, etc. Aleen Steinberg, Jerry Brown & Helen Lee.

Special Use-Supervisor Level (Jason Guidry and Bruce Mac- Newsletter Contributors: Jason Guidry, Eric Folk, Rella Donald): movie projects, photo shoots, significant events or vari- ance of Forest rules. Allred, Kent Wilcox, Helen Lee, Lyle Burgmann, Devin Gentry, Bev Parlier, Aleen Steinberg, Gloria Clouse, Chris McDonnell, Bob Twomey & Alan Cameron Page 3

Forest Supervisor’s Report (continued from page 2)

Approximately 10 acres of recently harvested hardwood forest were Cultural Resources planted with shortleaf pine. The shortleaf pine was planted on a wide Throughout most of the month of June the NC Forest Service designed spacing and in irregular patterns to mimic a natural community. The over- and constructed the re-route of Big Rock Trail away from a petroglyph all objective of the harvest was to improve wildlife habitat and forest site. Forester Michael Sweat was the project manager and used NCFS’s health by developing an early-stage successional forest community type. B.R.I.D.G.E. program for the labor. The NCFS received design assis- This site in the Guion Farm area is expected to regenerate into a mixed tance from Mr. David Brown and Mr. Chuck Ramsey and the re-route pine and hardwood stand. corridor was endorsed by the Natural Heritage Program to avoid rare and significant plant communities associated with the granite slabs along Big Approximately 250 hybrid American Chestnut were planted in the Guion Rock Trail. Farm harvest area. These potentially blight-resistant trees were provided Loop trails have Other Recent FODF Contributions: through an agreement between the NC Forest Service and The American Chestnut Foundation. In early May, the semi-annual Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) project in DuPont took place. A storage shed was constructed to support the operations of the Aleen Steinberg Visitor Center. The shed, Invasive/Exotic Species Control: The DSRF staff recently submitted a designed by Frank Cubero and Eric Hurley, added a significant amount grant proposal to chemically treat ~25 acres of Miscanthus sinensis of storage capacity for the NC Forest Service and for the FODF’s Tour de (Chinese silvergrass), Microstegium vimineum (Nepalese browntop), and Falls events. The shed will also house a new utility terrain vehicle that will Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) on the DSRF and HESF. This work be assigned to the Visitor Center. We thank the FODF for supporting this will be completed by Forest staff members throughout the growing sea- project and the WPCC students and instructors for their hard work. son of 2014. The FODF and Chris McDonnell have once again graciously made avail- Forest Resource Protection: able $1000 for use on the Forest, through a charitable contribution by Mr. Trails McDonnell’s former employer JP Morgan. This year’s contribution funded The Shoal Creek, Cedar Rock, and Hickory Mountain Loop trails have much needed security lighting around the Visitor Center. The contribution been successfully re-routed to protect the quality of water in nearby is a match for Chris’s volunteer work in the Forest. Over the past ten stream systems. The overall cost of the project was ~$17,000 and was years, Chris’s hard work has resulted in over $10,000 of direct benefit to funded solely by the Friends of DuPont Forest. We appreciate FODF for DuPont Forest. It is greatly appreciated. promoting trail improvement projects that protect the Forest’s natural resources. North Carolina Forest Service Contributions: The FODF Trails Committee approved the remaining balance of the The Young Offenders Forest Conservation Program (also known as money (~$4100 ) be set aside for trail improvements. This allowed the BRIDGE) has been an important part of Forest operations since the for- purchase of extra gravel for future trail projects and two large culverts mation of the State Forest. The BRIDGE program is a cooperative agree- that will be used for a stream crossing on Corn Mill Shoals Trail. ment between the NCFS and the NC Department of Corrections, forming work crews (with inmates and NCFS Project Leaders) as a resource for

fire control activities throughout western North Carolina. Throughout the Wildlife Habitat The annual Blue Ghost Firefly viewing by the public underwent some year, BRIDGE is a constant source of skilled labor for the Forest. Thou- significant changes this year. Most notably, the FODF funded the hiring sands of person-hours (ranging from carpentry, hazardous tree mitiga- of officers with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Department to patrol tion, road maintenance, maintenance of vegetation on the Forest’s dams, Buck Forest Road and the High Falls Access Area for any disruptive collection of tree seeds, tree planting, preparing prescribed burn units, behavior by visitors. The previous Blue Ghost viewing location was moving furniture) are donated to the Forest from the BRIDGE Program closed, and foot traffic was routed along the white limestone trail leading year after year. This year has been no exception and it is important that away from the Visitor Center. The FODF was responsible for volunteer- our community understands that the NCFS supports the Forest beyond ing their time to provide the public with education and awareness of the its on-site staff. Beyond the Forest, BRIDGE Program participants have fragility of the Blue Ghost Fireflies. The NC Forest Service will review this demonstrated a significantly lower level of recidivism (12%) among its year’s event and make a decision on how next year’s event will be man- inmates than the national average of 35%. If you have the chance, aged for the general public. please promote this program for what it offers to the Forest.

Environmental Education By Eric Folk, DSRF Educational Ranger

I am pleased to report that it has been a busy spring season of interpretation and education at both Holmes Educational State Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Forest Rangers led 65 pro- grams for 928 people including school children, adults, and professionals. Program materials from the generous FODF educational grant were used to improve two existing programs, and we initiated two new programs called “Eastern Bats” and “Fur, Skulls, Tracks.” They were presented to the gen- eral public at DSRF, accompanied by the appearance of Smokey Bear. “Project Learning Tree” was presented twice for environmental educators in the Visitor Center classroom. FODF funded a com- plete set of field guides for use in the visitor center for our visitors and volunteers to use. I thank FODF along with the 928 students and interested adults for your commitment to environmental edu- cation. Page 4 Calling All Volunteers Photos & article By Helen Lee

Volunteers are needed to The most frequently asked staff the shelter at the Hooker questions are "How do we get to Falls parking lot on weekends the waterfalls?" and "Where is from May 3 to October the Visitors Center?" A couple of 26. Volunteers can work rather interesting questions a morning shift (10:00 am to have been, "Where is the Du- 1:00 pm) or afternoon shift (1:00 to 4:00 pm) on Saturday or Sun- Pont family mansion?" and day. Volunteers may work as "Where is the silver mine?" No few or as many shifts as de- one who volunteers at the sired. First time visitors greatly Hooker Falls shelter knows the appreciate the help and advice answers to these questions! provided by folks staffing the Hooker Falls shelter.

The old Hooker Falls shelter pictured above and the new shelter located near the footbridge on the left

The shelter at the Hooker Falls upper parking lot is near the new bridge over the Little River. You can enjoy the view of the river while giving directions, selling trail maps for DuPont Forest, and collecting donations for bot- tled water.

We are in desperate need of volunteers. If you can work a shift as a Hooker Falls parking lot host please contact Helen Lee at [email protected] or 828-884-8524.

Frank’s Farewell By Helen Lee

On June 2nd, co-workers and friends gathered at the High Falls Shelter to say, “good-bye” and “thanks” to Frank Cubero, who retired from the Maintenance Supervisor position at DuPont Forest to take on a new professional challenge. Frank, whose outstanding woodworking talents are in evidence throughout the Forest, left after being on the DuPont staff for ten years. Friends of DuPont For- est presented Frank with a copy of an original oil painting by Sarah Sneeden, of five rangers (and the legendary old green bus) on staff back in 2004. A true artist, Frank found distinctive ways to use the wormy chestnut boards rescued from the Girls Dining Hall at Camp Summit. The picture frames and award plaques fashioned Frank for various individuals are treasured by their lucky recipients. But, perhaps the most handsome and most admired pieces are the wormy chestnut desk and cabinetry found at The Aleen Steinberg Center.

Jerry Clouse presenting an oil painting to Frank Cubero (photo courtesy of Gloria Clouse)

Over the past six years, Frank worked closely with Instructor Eric Hurley and students from Western Community College, building piers, porches, stairs, bridges, a housing for the dumpster, and a shed at the Visitor Center. Frank’s parting project, and a gift close to the heart of FODF volunteers, are the shelves within the Shed. Easily accessible, they were built to hold sup- plies for Tour de Falls. It goes without saying- Frank’s presence will be deeply missed.

Helen Lee and new shelving in storage shed (photo courtesy of Bob Twomey)

Page 5 Tour de Falls Wrap Up By Lyle Burgmann

On May 10th and 11th, 436 guests were able to enjoy the DuPont Forest in a very special way. Thank you to the more than 60 volun- teers who staffed this event. The turn out was lower than the 500 to 600 we normally see during Mother's Day weekend, probably due to a rainy Saturday. Even so, after expenses, we made $1560 that will be invested in the Forest. And, most importantly, we were able to provide a unique guided tour of our Forest to hundreds of people.

Ticket Sales and Membership Table in parking lot: From left: Bev Parlier, Linda Randall, Lyle Burgmann - Tour de Falls Chairman, Nancy Kay & Rella Allred (photo courtesy of Chris McDonnell)

Guests taking our survey on the porch of the Rangers Station at Lake Julia

New for this tour was a Guest Survey that was developed by Valerie Naylor. Here are some of the results from the 156 people who took the survey:

1. Distance traveled: 16% more than 200 miles 22% 50 to 200 miles

2. What did they enjoy most? (The responses add up to more than 100% because some people gave multiple an- swers.) 51% The falls 21% Bus access (most said they were not able to walk to the falls) 99 year old Nancy Black accompanied by her grandson on the 19% Information/History of DuPont 12% Tour guides Tour de Falls (photo courtesy of Bev Parlier) 12% Beauty 10% Volunteers Thanks again to the volunteers who made the Tour so enjoyable for our 3. How could Tour de Falls be improved? guests. I especially want to say a big "thank you" to Chris and Mary Jane There were a few suggestions for improvement, the most McDonnell. Chris has volunteered at every Tour for 11 years and Mary common being "add more tours during the summer". Jane for 9 years. Chris and Mary Jane have decided to miss the Tour this coming October in order to take a well-deserved vacation. Their years of Most of the comments in this category were not suggestions service to the Tour and to the Forest are very much appreciated. for improvements, but rather compliments on how good the The fall version of Tour de Falls will be on October 18th and 19th. Please Tour was. One example: "It was just fabulous! No sugges- mark the dates on your calendar. Tell your friends and family. Please con- tions - keep doing it!" tact me if you want to volunteer. Also, if you have ideas for improving the Tour experience or increasing attendance, please contact me at [email protected].

Page 6 Equestrian Multi-Use Trail Safety Clinic By Rella Allred

On May 17th and 18th, FODF, NC Forest Service, Pisgah Trailblazers and Not only did the horses become desensitized to the bicycles, the DuPont Equestrians sponsored an Equestrian Multi-Use Trail Safety Clinic bikers all appreciated the opportunity to learn more about what to with professional horse trainer, Calvin Halford. The purpose of this clinic expect from horses on the trail. Due to heavy rain on May 18th, the was to help equestrians train their horses to accept whatever they might Forest Service allowed a repeat of the clinic on June 21st and encounter on multi-use trails. Several mountain bikers volunteered their 22nd. Everyone seemed to have a good time and to go away with time and contributed significantly to the equestrians’ experience.

Desensitizing a horse to dogs Desensitizing a horse to bikes

Trail Crew Update By Rella Allred, Photos by Bev Parlier

The FODF Volunteer Trail Crew (FODF Department of trail Corrections) is back in full swing after a winter that gave us uncooperative weather on many of our scheduled workdays. In April we worked on corridor clearing for a reroute around a sensitive area on Big Rock Trail. In May we worked clearing water drains on Longside Trail to prevent water accumu- lation and erosion on the trail. We also trimmed overhanging branches to improve “line of sight” and enhance trail safety.

Crew leader Chuck Ramsey demonstrates the proper way to create drainage areas. (Photos courtesy of Bev Parlier)

The FODF Trail Crew works closely with the Forest Service and has been trained in correct ways to control water and over-growth on the trails. Anyone who would like to help is encouraged to join in the fun. We work on the second Saturday of each month. Trying to do trail work, trimming, clearing, etc. on your own is not a good idea as it can cause damage to the forest and problems for Forest visitors. All trail work T-shirt design for trail crew volunteers. should be carried out under the direction of the Forest Service. Please contact Rella Allred ([email protected]) if you would like to help. Page 7 Welcome New Board Members

The Friends of DuPont Forest welcomed six new board members at its recent membership meeting on April 15th. Fred Weed, Jerry Brown, Brian Spotts, Donna Hakala, Carmen Durham and not pictured - Nancy Kay. Here’s a brief bio for each on each.

Fred Weed spent time as a naval officer from 1959-1963, serving Brian Spotts relocated to Brevard Donna Hakala came to North Caro- as his ship’s Executive Officer. From 1963-1993 Fred filled admin- in 2012 with Oskar Blues Brewery lina last December after working 40 istrative positions at several liberal arts colleges. He was an admis- from Longmont, Colorado. Brian, a years as a field technician for Nstar sions counselor, vice president for development, assistant provost, manager at the brewery, helped to Electric on Cape Cod, Massachu- and dean of admissions and financial aid. His volunteer activities in open the new Brevard facility and setts. She has always been an out- Transylvania County include litter pick-up and Tour de Falls for continues to assist in their growth door person, which is what drew her Friends of DuPont Forest, crossing guard with the Brevard Police and development. Prior to joining to the mountains of Western North Department, Transylvania County RSVP Committee, Chair of Mis- the Oskar Blues team in 2008, he Carolina after a life on the ocean. sion Endowment Fund, and a trustee of Carolina Mountain Land was a fly fishing guide in Telluride, Donna enjoys hiking the DuPont Conservancy. Colorado. Brian is an avid mountain State Recreational Forest trails biker and outdoor enthusiast. He every day with her three Australian Jerry Brown came to Brevard from the University of Montana holds a degree in Political Science Shepherd dogs. She is active on the where he was the Dean of the School of Journalism from 1999 to from The University of Florida. He is DuPont trail and litter control com- 2007. Prior to that he spent 20 years on faculty at Auburn Univer- a member of Pisgah Forest Rotary. mittees and volunteers at the Visitor sity. He has a B.A. degree in journalism, a M.A. degree in creative Brian and his wife Katie are the Center. Donna’s goal is “to be able writing and a Ph.D. in English. He edited a weekly newspaper in proud parents of Emmaline Lindsey to give back to this beautiful forest Virginia, published a book, Alabama’s Mitcham Wars and has co- who was born one month after they and help others enjoy its peace and authored an award-winning book entitled, The Federal Road moved to the area. beauty.” Through Georgia, the Creek Nation and Alabama. He grew up doing lots of walking (before it was called hiking), and he continues to combine this sport with fishing and hunting. Jerry and his wife Carmen Durham’s love for the WNC mountains began while she was at- Libby, a retired high school librarian, live in Cedar Mountain. tending Appalachian State University. After working for a few years in the field of actuarial science in Greensboro, N.C., she returned to Appalachian Nancy Kay and her husband fell in love with DuPont State Recrea- State to pursue a degree in geography focusing on geographic information systems (GIS). She worked in Charlotte as a GIS instructor for Environ- tional Forest three years ago when they were searching for a place mental Systems Research Institute before moving to Greenville, S.C. She is to relocate from Northern California. The rest is history! Nancy is a currently the GIS technical manager for the City of Greenville. Carmen has retired small animal veterinarian who specialized in internal medi- provided GIS services on a volunteer basis for Paris Mountain State Park in cine. She is a book author and blogger. Her favorite hobby is Greenville. This included GPS’ing their trail system and creating and main- horseback riding in DuPont Forest. Other leisure activities include taining their trail map. She has been hiking and mountain biking in DuPont hiking, gardening, and volunteering within the community. Nancy State Recreational Forest since 1999, and is always on the hunt for wildflow- serves on the DuPont Trails Committee, works in the Visitor Cen- ers- especially orchids. Carmen has been a member of Friends of DuPont ter, and is chair of the Newsletter Committee. She and her hus- Forest for many years. band have three grown children.

Page 8 Poplar Hill Rambler By Kent Wilcox

Among the mysteries in DuPont Forest is the saga of an abandoned The fact that only shrubs and young trees are growing in the meadow station wagon that is slowly rusting away on Poplar Hill Loop, a 1.4 mile suggests that the field was occupied or used by humans within the last 40 trail that encircles Poplar Hill in the southeastern portion of DuPont years. This speculation is supported by the presence of the rusty remains State Recreational Forest. Near the gently sloping top of Poplar Hill is of a 1957 Rambler Custom Cross County Station Wagon (photos 2 and 3) an open meadow (photo 1) populated with tall grasses, shrubs, and that came to rest on the eastern side of Poplar Loop Trail approximately young yellow poplar trees. The rectangular shape of the meadow, its 400 ft from the meadow. It is reasonable to assume that the 3000-pound location less than 400 feet from Turkey Knob Road, and the complete vehicle got close to its final resting site under its own power, but it is com- absence of fallen trees or stumps suggest that this one acre field was pletely immobile now. The hulk lies at an angle and is buried in dirt up to intentionally cleared by humans. There are no visible signs of any struc- its bumpers. Scavengers have removed hubcaps, three tires, the battery, tures, but perhaps a thorough search in the winter would reveal rem- radiator, and other engine parts. Vandals have smashed windows, lights nants of a stone chimney or foundation for a cabin. and mirrors, removed chrome trim, destroyed the upholstery, and dented the body. The interior is filled with debris that provides habitats for numer- ous nest-building creatures. Without a license plate or serial number, it is impossible to trace the ownership of this vehicle, but the general history of the 1957 Rambler Cross County Station Wagon is informative.

Photo 1 - Meadow on Poplar Hill

Early mountain settlers preferred home sites next to a spring or stream. Not far downhill from the Poplar Hill meadow is a spring for an unnamed tributary of Briery Fork Creek. The flow from this spring is minimal and may be dependent on seasonal precipitation. Perhaps a small dam was Photo 3 - 1957 Rambler on Poplar Hill constructed to contain the water during drier periods. More dependable water would have been available from Little Briery Creek, but fetching The 1957 Rambler was built by AMC (American Motors Corporation). water from this site required a 0.3 mile hike to the stream and a strong AMC was created in 1954 by the merger of the Nash Motors Corporation effort to carry gallons of water uphill (an elevation change of 200 feet) (based in Kenosha, WI) and the Hudson Motor Car Company (based in everyday. If the trickle from the nearby spring was insufficient, the family Detroit, MI). When George Mason, president of Nash Motors, passed may have taken a wagon (or perhaps a station wagon) approximately away in 1954, his assistant George Romney (father of Mitt Romney) be- 1.2 miles down Turkey Knob Road to a 0.5 stub road that ended at came president of the newly formed AMC. Mr. Romney committed the Briery Creek (this stub was Little Briery Trail but is no longer maintained company’s resources to the design and marketing of a smaller car called as a trail). the Rambler that would be an attractive alternative to the larger cars pro- duced by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. The 1956 Rambler debuted on December 15, 1955. It was marketed as a compact, safe, economical, roomy car that could average 24 mpg (13 mpg in town, 20 mpg on the highway at 50 mph based on test results published in Popular Mechanics). (continued on page 9)

Photo 2 - 1957 Rambler on Poplar Hill Photo 4 - Restored 1957 Rambler

Page 9

Poplar Hill Rambler (continued from page 8)

The 1957 Rambler Cross Country Station Wagon (photos 4 and 5) was offered in solid colors or a dozen different two‑ or three‑tone paint schemes. It came standard with 4 doors, automatic transmission, a roll- down tailgate window, a roof rack and a straight 6-cylinder engine with 125 hp for $2,500 or an optional V-8 engine with 190 hp for $2,630. For comparison, the list price for the 1957 Ford Thunderbird was $3,408 and the 1957 Corvette sold for $3,200. The federal minimum wage in 1957 was $1 per hour, equivalent to an annual salary of $2,000.

Photo 6 - Six cylinder engine block on Poplar Hill Rambler

Photo 5 - Restored 1957 Rambler

A “Weather Eye” air conditioning unit, power steering, and seat belts were available as options. Approximately 32,000 units were produced with the 6-cylinder engine and 7,000 units were produced with the V8 engine.

The two-tone Rambler Station Wagon on Poplar Hill Loop has a straight 6-cylinder engine (photo 6) and the optional Weather Eye air condition- ing unit (photo 7), presumably because it was originally purchased by someone living in the hot south. The 74,445 miles on the odometer Photo 7 - Climate control on Poplar Hill Rambler (photo 8) suggest that the vehicle was driven for 7 to 10 years, assum- ing the owner was not a long distance traveling salesman or a runner hauling moonshine every week to Charleston or Atlanta (not too likely in an air-conditioned 3000 lb station wagon with 125 hp). How and why this vehicle came to its final resting place on Poplar Hill Loop perhaps more than 40 years ago may forever remain a mystery but it will no doubt serve as a conversation piece for at least another 40 years.

Information for this article was obtained from an article about the Ram- bler Six and V8 engines on Wikipedia.com and links therein to informa- tion on howstuffworks.com and articles published in 1956 in Popular Mechanics and Life Magazine. Photos 4 and 5 of the restored 1957 Rambler were taken by Christopher Ziemnowicz at the 2011 Potomac Ramblers Club meeting in Maryland and placed in the public domain on Wikipedia Commons. All other photos were taken by the author in 2014. Photo 8 - Odometer on Poplar Hill Rambler

How do you want your Friends of DuPont newsletter delivered?

The Little River Watermark is published three - four times a year. We send out an electronic copy of the newsletter to all members with a valid e-mail address. You can also read the current issues and archived issues on the www.dupontforest.com website. Click on Newsletters on the left of the screen. For members who do not have an e-mail address or who have not requested e-mail delivery, we send a printed copy by first class mail. We are happy to supply The Little River Watermark in the form you like best. If you wish to receive an e-mail copy instead of the printed version or if you are currently not receiving a printed version and wish to request that form of delivery, let us know at [email protected] and we will update your profile so you get the news that is the best way for you! Page 10

The Blue Ghosts! By Aleen Steinberg & photos by Gloria Clouse

As if on cue, the Blue Ghost Fireflies Visitor Center, over the small bridge of DuPont once again delighted visi- and then back to the parking lot on tors along a new trail that seemed to Buck Forest Road. have been made for the occasion. From mid-May until the first week in June, hundreds of young, old and in- Members of FODF manned an infor- between found their way down the mation table at the entrance to the white limestone path that led to the new route, helping assist the visitors deep leaf litter habitat of Phausis with answers to questions, sugges- reticulata. And those hundreds were tions for the walk and red cello- not disappointed for the Blue Ghosts phane covers for bright flashlights. were out in large numbers, weaving That the Blue Ghosts might con- their dim blue glow dance through the tinue their lives and seasonal flights forest in the early evening hours. in DuPont Forest, and to help the Forest Service reinforce these new rules, Deputies from the Transylva- New rules, posted by the Forest Ser- nia County Sheriff’s Dept. were on vice, helped to direct and control the duty at High Falls entrance three crowds on the new route that led weekends during the Blue Ghost’s down the white stone path from the appearance. The deep leaf litter that lined the path used to view the Blue Ghosts in years past was se- verely trampled last season by a few over eager forest visitors. In order to protect the “grain of rice-sized” female Blue Ghosts that nest on the ground, the Rangers parked a Goliath of a dump truck and a Do Not Enter sign at the old trail head.

Welcome New FODF Members! We have so many new members to welcome and celebrate! They are: Bruce Amig Felix Cox Randy Johnson Carroll W. Rivers Cara and Andy Applegate Frank and Pamela Crachiolo Cliff Jollie Eric and Nancy Robbins Betty Ashley Chris and Jane Dauster Faith Jorgenson Jennifer Roberts Allen Baldree Alice Dehart Jenna Kelly Brooks Rogow and Laura Lester Jeana Ballentine Denise and Sara DeWitt David King Bill and Karen Rouse Cynthia and Dane Barrager Wes Dickson Dawn Kucera Sue Russell Nancy W. Beale James Evans Albert Kunze Peter Russ Phyllis and Philip Bentley Lynn Fennema Paul and Judy Lerwick Brian and Kathryn Spotts Crystal Bradley Glenn Fleming Page and Mark Lemel Margaret and Clarence Stricker Sandra and Don Brown Wayne and Cynthia Foresman Delia MacMillan Marsha Stopa Don and Kathie Briola Terrell Garrard Fred and Pat McGarrahan Marshal W. Welch Sandy and Don Brown Woody and Elaine Gales Dixon Moseley Judy and Paul Welch Erol Caglarean K. Sue Gray Graydon and Kathleen Nance Michelle Wells Alan Cameron Peter Harris Peter Newsome Jackie Wells Janice Carney Bill Hayward Art and Lydia Odell Jean White Penny Christian Gerald Hayward William Owens Sandra Willan Gary and Lynne Cipro Toni Hawkins Judy Packard Sam and Sherry Williams Myron Corley Steve and Pam Jacobs Jane Park Melissa D. Wynn Michael Cowal Jeff and Elizabeth Jennings Laura Patch David Zugelder

Page 11

President’s Report By Devin Gentry, FODF President

I would like to begin by thanking our immediate past-president Bev Par- lier for her great leadership and amazing dedication to DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF). Her love for the forest and the recreational opportunities that abound within its borders along with her enthusiasm for protecting its resources are truly contagious. With that in mind, I'd like to remind everyone that our newly revised mission statement is, "Friends of DuPont Forest (FODF) is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the public’s enjoyment of the forest while protecting its natural and historic resources." And so you see, that's what FODF is all about. We are a group of like-minded folks who care deeply about Du- Pont State Recreational Forest, doing what we can to make sure present and future generations are able to enjoy great trails surrounded by healthy and diverse ecosystems.

That is exactly why I chose to get involved with FODF several years ago. I had been hiking, biking, kayaking, hunting, and fishing in DSRF for ten years, always grateful for the public land that provided me with these magical outdoor experiences. It wasn't until a few years ago, when I heard some rumors that there were some possible changes in store for DSRF (a potential result of the move of the NC Forest Service from the By becoming a member of FODF, you are doing your part to help miti- NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the NC De- gate this danger by providing much needed funding and volunteer ser- partment of Agriculture), that I chose to stand up for what I believed to be vices for a variety of forest projects. Plain and simple, we need more FODF members. Please join me during our current membership drive a great multi-use management model. It wasn't until I realized that our forest was threatened with potential changes that I began to get con- and ask your friends, family members, neighbors, local businesses, and cerned. However, being concerned is not enough to make a change. I colleagues to join FODF. There are a variety of monetary levels at which one can become a member, and there are many volunteer opportunities. knew I had to get involved. Friends of DuPont Forest seemed like a great place to start and I am so glad I became involved. I chose to attend a If you haven't been out to DuPont State Recreational Forest lately, I urge FODF Board of Directors meeting and immediately realized the impor- you to do so. I suggest going to the High Falls or Hooker Falls parking areas on a busy summer day. Then go explore a trail in a far corner of tance of the organization, the voice it gives to the forest users, and the the forest that is new to you. The trip to the falls will shed light on why we vital support that FODF provides to the NC Forest Service staff. need more forest users to become members of Friends of DuPont For- est. The latter will remind you how special DuPont State Recreational Forest truly is. Always, feel free to contact me at presi- Well, a lot has happened in those three years since I first attended that [email protected] with any questions or comments. Board Meeting and became a member of FODF! I now write to you as your new president, honored to have accepted this leadership position in April of 2014. I am a graduate of Brevard College with a degree in Envi- May the Forest be with you! ronmental Studies. I currently work for the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association as the Director of Programming and Partner- ships. I feel that my education and experience with public land partner- ships will help FODF and the NC Forest Service collaboratively tackle the Devin Gentry many challenges that the forest faces. Most of the challenges result from Friends of DuPont Forest President the huge increase in visitation that our forest is experiencing. Forest users are flocking to the waterfalls and enjoying our world-class trails in unprecedented numbers. Although visitation numbers and the subse- quent impact on the resources are increasing, at this point state funding is not following suit. DSRF is literally in danger from being “loved to death.”

Membership Get Involved  Friend (1 Year) $25 I would like to volunteer

 Family (1 Year) $35  Trail Building & Work Crew

Donate at a level of $50 or more, receive a free Friends of DuPont Forest T-shirt  Adopt-a-Hwy Litter Pick-Up ( S, M, L, XL, XXL ) Circle one  Partner (1 Year) $50  Special Events (Tour de Falls, Canoe Day, etc)

 Supporter (1 Year) $100  Special Forest Interest/Educational Programs

 Hooker Falls Contributor (1 Year) $ 250  Membership Services

 Triple Falls Contributor (1 Year) $ 500  Parking Lot Greeters

 High Falls Contributor (1 Year) $1000  Grant Writing

 Forest Angel (1 Year) $1001+  DuPont State Forest History Program

 Additional Donation $______ Fundraising Efforts

 I’ve already joined online through dupontforest.com  Other ______

Save the stamps. Please E-mail my newsletter to the E-mail address listed below Name ______Address______(Please print clearly) City ______State______ZIP______

Phone (______)______E-mail ______

Mail this form to: Friends of DuPont Forest ~ P.O. Box 2107 ~ Brevard, NC 28712 EC

Weed Fred

Steinberg Aleen

Spotts Brian

Reiff Kathy

Ramsey Chuck

Platt Susi

Naylor Valerie

Kay Nancy

Hakala Donna

Durham Carmen

Childs Dick

Burgmann Lyle

Brown E. Jerry

Breshnahan Dan

President Past Parlier, Bev

Secretary Allred, Rella

Treasurer Clouse, Jerry

President Vice Lee, Helen

President Gentry, Devin

Directors of Board FODF

28712 NC Brevard,

2107 Box PO

Forest DuPont of Friends