Evergreen Issue 16
Summer starts with stewardship
FEATURE
A responsible fire enhances your summer adventure.
Summer is finally here, which means you’re probably dreaming of filling your days with swimming holes, beach sessions, camp outs and epic hikes. North Carolina has you covered with warm weather adventures across the state, and whether you want to lounge on Carolina Beach or swim beneath a waterfall outside of Blowing Rock, the adventure doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. As the night sky fills with stars, the campfire becomes the centerpiece of summer adventure, giving you a place to gather, recoup and recant stories from the day.
Most campsites throughout NC’s state parks, national forests and national parks have dedicated rings for campfires, and there are several beaches along NC’s coast, like on Ocracoke Island, that allow campfires in the sand. Every campfire you light gives you the chance to be a good steward.
Here are four easy ways you can enjoy your campfire while being a steward of NC’s fabulous resources.
Know the Regulations
Each land manager has specific requirements for enjoying a campfire, so you might need to obtain a permit before lighting a match. Also, keep in mind that the state of NC will occasionally institute region-wide or even state-wide burn bans during extended periods without rain.
Use Local Firewood
Building your fire with local wood is one of the best ways you can be a good steward, as it limits the chance of bringing non-native species into the park’s forests. NC Department of Agriculture recommends using firewood within 50 miles of your campfire’s location.
Only use existing fire rings
Established campgrounds in state parks, national forests and national parks come equipped with iron fire rings, which help contain the flames during a campfire. Using these rings is also a way you can practice Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles by limiting your impact to that contained ring. There might not be existing fire rings if you’re at a beach that allows bonfires. If this is the case, make sure you build your fire below the high tide line so there will be no trace of it after the tide comes in.
Manage that fire
A small fire is a responsible fire, so keep the flames low and make sure someone is always present when it’s ablaze. Fully extinguish your fire before turning in at night by pouring plenty of water on the embers. Remember, if the fire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Two More Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Tips for Making the Most of Your Campfire
Tip #1: Trash Your Trash
It could be tempting to drop your trash into your campfire, but burning plastic or foil wrappers can be harmful to your lungs. It’s best to pack out any trash that you bring into the campsite, even food scraps, which could attract wildlife.
Tip #2: Be Considerate of Others
If you’re enjoying a fire in a campground, keep the fire small and your voices low, which will help other campers enjoy the night sky and the peace and quiet we all cherish. The nightly campfire is an ideal way to Share the Outdoors and make sure everyone has their own space to enjoy the wild NC landscape.
spotlight
Snorkel the Upper New in Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, a quaint mountain town located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a fantastic adventure hub offering unmatched access to awe-inspiring beauty and recreation in the surrounding protected forests and park lands. With all the natural splendor nearby, it’s no surprise that local passions for stewardship run deep. Organizations like the local Historical Society, Garden Club, Village Foundation, and land conservancies are strongly supported. Blowing Rock Tourism is an advocate for Outdoor NC Leave No Trace and is dedicated to promoting preservation values, providing more than $250,000 to projects by the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which are key stewardship organizations in the area. Blowing Rock is also at the headwaters of the New River, and the community knows that preservation starts upstream and is excited to welcome the newly-appointed Upper New Riverkeeper, who will monitor water quality and advocate for long-term resilience efforts. Visitors can blend stewardship and adventure during community-based programs lead by the Upper New Riverkeeper, like river snorkeling which will have you floating through pristine streams looking for aquatic life.
spotlight
Eat Sustainable at Wilmington and its Beaches
Sandwiched between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, a visit to Wilmington and the Island Beaches gives you a chance to support a variety of restaurants committed to serving locally sourced food and practicing sustainable harvesting practices. Rx Chicken & Oysters redefines the sea-to-table concept; owners James and Sarah Doss catch and spear their own fish before serving it to guests. The duo even prioritizes catching underutilized species, like the invasive lionfish, to turn into a culinary delicacy.
spotlight
Rockingham County Has Adventure for All
Rockingham County (RoCo to locals) has four scenic rivers, three lakes, two state parks and miles of inviting trails. Outdoor access for all is a core value in RoCo’s recreation planning, so visitors will find accessible adventure opportunities across the region, from ADA-friendly trails and improved river launch sites to accessible fishing piers. While you’ll find plenty of challenging trails throughout the area’s parks, there are also several local trails suited for short hikes and nature walks. Explore the Chinqua-Penn Walking Trial, which forms a loop through fields, ponds and woods.
spotlight
Ice Cream and Stone Summits in Wilkesboro
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wilkesboro is a Trail Town defined by the peaceful Yadkin River and the rugged mountains that rise from its banks. Stone Mountain State Park is the most unique destination, as the park preserves a 600-foot granite dome that’s popular with climbers and hikers. Explore the Stone Mountain Loop, which forms a challenging 4.5-mile loop that takes in a waterfall, a historic homesite and views from the summit. Finish the hike and you’ve earned a scoop of ice cream at the Stone Mountain Country Store, at the base of the mountain.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a getaway to North Carolina! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.