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Buzz on Bees Raises Awareness of Dying Honeybees April 27

Chimney Rock, the Center for Honey Bee Research and Bee City USA offer educational family activities at 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (April 22, 2013)— This past winter left beekeepers across Western North Carolina devastated since finding half or more of their honeybee populations dead or missing, and nobody knows for certain why. The phenomenon is known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

“Losses have been steady at 30 percent, but this year it looks really bad… like 50 percent or higher across North Carolina. I’ve talked to some beekeepers that have lost two-thirds of their hives. We’re creating as many new colonies as we can to replace the honeybees, but the beekeepers won’t make it more than a year or two at these levels,” says Carl Chesick, Executive Director at the Center for Honeybee Research.

Beekeepers from the Center for Honey Bee Research, Asheville’s Bee City USA and Rutherford County Beekeepers Association will gather at the 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees on April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. They will educate the public on current problems facing honeybees, like CCD, and what people can do to get involved and help our area’s dying bees.

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The Last of the Mohicans Returns to Chimney Rock June 15

2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows features outdoor film screening and guided hikes at Chimney Rock, film location for The Last of the Mohicans

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (2013)— It’s not often that movie fans get to watch their favorite flick where it was filmed. For the 2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Southern Outdoor Cinema and Ingles Markets will be presenting The Last of the Mohicans outdoors on a 35-foot screen on June 15, 2013, surrounded by the dramatic rock cliffs and 404-foot waterfall that appear in the epic 1992 blockbuster. The movie showing at 9 p.m. will be preceded by one-hour guided hikes at 3:15 and 4:45 p.m. to see the filming locations. Special event parking on the Meadows begins at 7:30 p.m. and is $12 per car or $8 per car for Annual Passholders. Advance discounted parking tickets are available only at nearby Ingles Market locations, including Lake Lure. More details are available on the events calendar at chimneyrockpark.com.

“Hundreds of people travel to Chimney Rock from around the world every year to see where The Last of the Mohicans was filmed. For many fans, watching their favorite movie at our park will be a dream come true,” said Matt Popowski, PR & Events Manager at Chimney Rock.

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58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service March 31

Easter Service features spectacular scenery, inspiring message and bagpipes

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 19, 2013)— Few sights in the Blue Ridge Mountains are as spectacular as watching the sun rise over Lake Lure from Chimney Rock. Some visitors call it a spiritual experience. This year Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is hosting its 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, which attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. The interdenominational community celebration on March 31 includes live spiritual music by local musicians, an inspirational message and—with some cooperation from above—a beautiful sunrise with 75-mile views.

The public and media are invited to attend with free admission for the 6:30 to 7 a.m. Easter service, held rain or shine. The park gate opens 5 to 6 a.m. for the service on the top parking lot below the Chimney. Stay to enjoy the park all day, or drop in for a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Café and return for free readmission with both your receipt and Easter program. The park’s regular hours, which begin March 23, are open daily 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the Ticket Plaza closing at 5:30 p.m.

*Photos available upon request

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Survival Skills Series Kicks Off at Chimney Rock

Workshops focus on wilderness first aid, shelter- & fire-building and wild edibles

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 11, 2013)— If you’re looking to polish up your wilderness smarts before a hiking, camping or outdoor trip this year, check out Chimney Rock’s three-part Survival Skills Workshop series this spring. Led by local experts, the Park’s wilderness series kicks off with Basic Wilderness First Aid at 9 a.m. to noon on March 16. The workshops are designed to equip people better for outdoor adventures and short-term survival, from minor sprains and bee stings to getting stuck in the wilderness without food, warmth or shelter. Basic Wilderness First Aid costs $25 for Adults or $12 for Annual Passholders and includes day Park admission. Be sure to register in advance.

The Survival Skills series continues with Shelter & Fire-Building on April 13 and the ever-popular Wild Edibles on June 8. Register online at chimneyrockpark.com or call (828) 625-9611.

“We’re lucky to have easy access to so many outdoor adventures in the WNC mountains. With these basic survival skills and the right gear, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to overcome many challenges the great outdoors might bring your way,” said naturalist and instructor Clint Calhoun.

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