The Native Azaleas of

Hooper Bald

Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society Species Study Group Project Nantahala National Forest

Hooper Bald is located in a remote region of the Nantahala National Forest in Western Map-01

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Hooper Bald is located in a remote region of the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina Once difficult to access, this region is easily reached now from North Carolina or via the new . Cherohala Skyway Once difficult to access, this region is easily reached now from North Carolina or Tennessee via the new Cherohala Skyway. Map-01

O Once difficult to access, this region is easily reached now from North Carolina and Tennessee via the new Cherohala Skyway. Cherohala Skyway

A short walk on a gravel path leads to Hooper Bald Hooper Bald is homeRed to some rare forms of our native azaleas:Apricot Flowers come Rhododendron calendulaceumHooper Bald in many The Flame Azalea COLORS

Gold Orange Some of very large Blossoms can exceed flowered forms of 3 inches across! the Flame Azalea grow on Hooper. Large Flowers We call this unusual azalea Blooms open Yellow “Hooper’s Copper” But then change to Hooper Copper Coppery-Orange

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Its flowers can measure over 3 ! inches across! MuchBut it ofis rapidlyHooper gettingBald was overgrown. once open. Open Bald Azaleas and wildflowers are being crowded out by trees and other vegetationOvergrown

Rare treasures in nature often need our stewardship in order to survive. Encroaching We have triedvegetation to Hooper’s Copper keep that plant from was even threatening is still safe… getting overgrown. Hooper’sOvergrown Copper Hooper Copperat least for now. Other Azaleas and Wildflowers on Red Overgrown Hooper Bald are not so fortunate.

They are facing Without our help serious competition they could be lost. Scenic Balds in the Southern Appalachians do require some assistance to keep them from Concerned environmentalOther Balds groupsreturning to forest land: help keep many balds•! open.Forest Fires •! Heavy Grazing •! Manual Clearing The Roan Highlands The Roan Highlands

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy helps keep thisFlame region Azaleas clear. Rare Gray’s Lilies Rare plants are flourishing.abound are multiplying RhododendronRhododendron calendulaceum catawbiense Calendulaceumaton Engine Grassy Gap Ridge is spectacular! is world and famous. catawbiense The GregoryGregory Bald Azaleas Bald are incredible! Gregoryin the Bald Great Smokey Mountain National Park

The National Park Another Service maintains National this scenic bald. Treasure Each year, many people from around the world convene on Peopleto enjoy the incredible display.

Even though the hike takes 3 to 4 hours each way, Hikers of all ages make the trek to admire the azaleas. Trees had been reclaiming the top Gregory Bald Overgrownof Gregory Bald, too. TheRare Park plants Service and hasscenic been vistas cutting downcould trees, easily trying have to beenrestore lost. Gregory Bald toEnlarging its original size. the Bald The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society wanted to helpMaintenance the Park maintain of the Bald the native azaleas on Gregory Bald. Workers previously cut down grass and Hand cutting brush around the azaleas by hand. An ARS grant bought Brambles, brush, and grass can a Kawasaki 17.0 HP now be cleared with relative ease. Mower to help ParkKawasaki Azaleas Mower and other rare plants are workers make better flourishing without competition. use of their time. The Dramatic Results! The Azaleas are spectacularPark Setting

Gregory’s rare dwarf Salix (willow) is Rare sedges have Gregory Bald looksless threatened likeroom a parkto grow Restore Hooper too

We need to turn our attention to Hooper Bald. We should preserveWe could such restore treasures the for future generationsnatural beauty to enjoy. of What Hooper couldHooper be Bald and save its rare plants, too. It could be similar to Gregory Bald. The Middle Atlantic Chapter ARS was able to get approval from the Park Authority to begin restoring HooperWork Bald. This Crew group of concerned environmentalists converged on the peak this April to begin removing vegetation that has been threatening the azaleas. We invite you to join us! Let’s Restore Hooper Bald!

ThanksSave Hooperfor Listening… Bald

Middle Atlantic Chapter ARS Species Study Group Representatives: Jim Brant, Don Hyatt, and George McLellan PowerPoint Presentation by Don Hyatt