This Land, Your Land

If you find yourself deep in the state's southwestern mountains this Saturday, consider heading over to Robbinsville for the rededication ceremony for the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

The 3,800-acre old-growth hardwood forest within the Nantahala National Forest is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Part of the celebration is Saturday's ceremony, which is to be held at the Rattler Ford campground next door to the forest.

The forest was named for writer/poet Joyce Kilmer, best known for the poem, “Trees.” Kilmer was killed in action during World War I while serving in France on July 30, 1918.

The re-dedication will include a 5K road race through a portion of the Nantahala National Forest, exhibits about the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, guided tours of the Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail, and speakers on Joyce Kilmer’s life and the U.S. Forest Service’s stewardship of wilderness.

(The news release linked to above did not have a time for Saturday's ceremony. Call the Cheoah Ranger District office in Robbinsville at 828-479-6431.)

Click on the photo below for a look at our visit to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and the Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail.