August 2012

A Publication for Balsam Mountain Preserve Members

THE BALSAM

MOUNTAIN

TRUST

11

YEARS

OF

SUCCESS

SPECIAL

EDITION

Jimmy’s Corner

July 31st, 2012

To: All BMP Property Owners

From: Jimmy McDonnell

Subject: Habitat Review Board

We are pleased to announce that Balsam Mountain Group has formally re-

established the Balsam Mountain Preserve Habitat Review Board. The

Board’s first official meeting was held on July 19th to consider the first new

site plan proposal of the year. The Board consists of the following

members:

Jimmy McDonnell President, Balsam Mountain Preserve

Bruce Fine Vice-President, Balsam Mountain Preserve

Tim Newell Development Mgr, Balsam Mountain Preserve

Michael Skinner Executive Director, Balsam Mountain Trust

Shawn Leatherwood M. Shawn Leatherwood & Associates

Larry Phillips Baldwin & Phillips Construction

Mike Frey Balsam Mountain Preserve Homeowner

The Board plans to meet as often as needed to consider new submittals and

requests. As a reminder, you must submit an application for review and

approval prior to the commencement of any construction, clearing, or site

work activity on your property. Application forms are available upon request.

Thank you.

PLEASE

SLOW DOWN

Security has reported a higher rate of speeding than we

typically see on the mountain.

There have been some very close calls as a result of people driving too

fast and not obeying the 15 mph speed limit.

As per recommendations from the Advisory Board, we will begin to

impose fines for those who are caught violating the speed limit.

1ST

OFFENSE Warning

2

ND OFFENSE

$50

3RD

OFFENSE $100

4

TH OFFENSE

$150

**Fines will be added to your Club bill.

PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

It’s for your own safety and the safety of others.

Trust TalkTrust TalkTrust Talk

11 Years of TRUST11 Years of TRUST11 Years of TRUST

T o celebrate the 11th Anniversary of the Balsam Mountain Trust, we're pleased to feature a Ridgelines interview with Michael Skinner and

Blair Ogburn. Michael and Blair are two big reasons why Balsam Mountain Preserve stands alone as the premier conservation based community in the Southeast. Their commitment to their mission is extraordinary, and Balsam would certainly not be what it is today without their passion and dedication to preserving and enhancing this very special place. Happy Anniversary, Balsam Mountain Trust!

Q: You both obviously have many geography-related interests - geology, landscape, flora and fauna; how did these interests develop over time? Michael: As with most naturalists, the inter-relatedness or holistic aspect of what we do drives me to consider the implications of the web of life. Life on this planet is a puzzle of inter-connected pieces. I yearn and strive for a continuing knowledge which will make me a better interpreter of the natural world to my audiences. Blair: As a 20 year old I went white water rafting (on the Nantahala River near here) and fell in love with outdoor adventure. When our raft guide was guiding us along, he pointed out plants and birds and rock formations, just because he had a love of ecology and the out-of-doors. After that trip and a few rock climbing adventures, I was hooked and knew that I wanted ecology to be a bigger part of my life, such as in my career! Q: Further to the last question, which of these interests are you currently most passionate about? Michael: The easy answer is birds of prey as that has become our most popular program. That stated, I’m consistently looking for ways to bring the world of bugs nearer and dearer to people’s hearts.

They are so amazing and simple, yet in that simplicity you can find an amazing array of complex

organisms. Each of those in addition to making people aware of the amount of environmental

destruction occurring on the planet and how humans can live more carefully. Blair: I love listening to songbirds and being able to identify them by song! It is a skill that I learned in my field ornithology class while at college and has grown into a passion for me. Q: You’ve both no doubt traveled extensively. Which trip(s) are the most memorable for you and why? Michael: Every trip has been memorable because traveling expands the scope, breadth and depth of your understanding of other cultures – even by traveling inside the U.S. From a naturalist’s point of view the Peruvian Amazon would have to be a highlight because of the sheer amount of biodiversity and getting to see things first-hand that I had read about as child or seen on television and wanted to experience. Blair: This summer I was privileged to be chosen for an ecology trip to Yellowstone as a part of a teacher's and naturalists group. The Trust fully supported me going and it was truly one of the best expeditions I have ever been on! We learned so much about the geology of Yellowstone which is so unusual (hot springs, mud pots, and geysers being some of my favorites) and saw the most amazing

with Michael Skinner and Blair Ogburn

wildlife from bison to badgers...which are one of my son's favorite animals (badgers) because of a storybook character. Montana and Wyoming are two of my favorite states and I have visited them both before. Q: Educational programming is an important part of the Trust. Why is it important to teach kids about valuing nature and wildlife? Michael: Because as we continue to increase the human population on this planet, we put more strain on the available natural resources. If we can create empathy at any age group, we stand a better chance of not ‘eating ourselves out of house and home’. Blair: Kids lead such busy lives these days and spend so much time in a vehicle or indoors. It is such a big part of my job, to help folks feel more comfortable in the outdoors, and I thrive on the excitement it brings (especially to kids) when I take them on a walk or to a waterfall or to a great swimming hole. Nature brings joy to so many people of all walks of life. One excursion this summer I remember most is the kids down at our Dark Ridge Creek campground chasing up butterflies that were puddling in the mud puddles (for nutrients and water). This entertained a dozen kids for many hours. Q: Where do you draw the line between development/modernization and the need for conservation? Michael: It would be arrogant for me to draw a line. I am but one voice in a cacophony of voices – each one with an agenda. Since we consider ourselves the most highly intelligent species on this planet we should act like it. There are myriad examples of how humans can live within our means on this planet and still have a decent standard of living. Blair: I have a modest home with lots of land around for hiking and walking outside. I do not see the need for so much development like super malls and big box stores everywhere! I say "keep it small and simple" and save the character of a place, this will bring about happiness to the folks living there. Q: What are some of your other interests/passions? Michael: Music, taxidermy, cycling, backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, photography and hanging with/nurturing relationships with family and friends. Blair: I like staying busy and am known in my family as a hummingbird (always zipping around I guess). I garden and cook, go out to music shows with my friends and husband, and do yoga to keep me calm and centered. I also like baking gluten free goodies for my special diet and am getting pretty good at it. Q: Can you share any thoughts or plans you have for the forthcoming year regarding the Balsam Mountain Trust? Michael: I’m quietly optimistic about getting a new nature center built, welcoming many new members to the Preserve and watching our influence as environmental specialists/educators grow in the region. Blair: We plan to teach our Backbone Buddies wildlife programs to every 4th grade class in Jackson and Haywood Counties. We are working with school curriculum writers to accomplish this goal in 2013 and beyond. Also, just planned by Activities staff and Trust staff are no less than six fun and exciting summer camps for next year!

The Nature of Things – The Fungus Amungus

O f the many ‘one thing in nature’ that humans have a love-hate relationship with it has to be the ‘drama

queen’ of the lot – mushrooms. Or, maybe, it should be phrased: live-die relationship. This is most

likely due to the fact that food is an instant

gratification short story. And with that, it’s comforting to know

that when you put something into the ‘ole potbelly stove, it’s

not going to shut the boiler down – permanently!

The reason I chose to wax fungally with this edition of The

Nature of Things is because, of late, the environmental

conditions have been absolutely perfect for one of the most

prolific mushroom blooms I have seen in the almost ten

years of my living here. Those conditions have been wet,

humid and hot during the day; cool at night. As a naturalist it

is comforting to know that with this bloom mushrooms are,

apparently, alive and well on the Preserve, as I hope they

are throughout their realms. There has been empirical and

anecdotal evidence that mushrooms are becoming less

common throughout their ranges on this planet and that’s

not a good thing as mushrooms and their associated

cellulases and lignases (the enzymes that break down the

tough stuff in wood and other botanical litter) are some of

nature’s most efficient bio-janitors and recyclers.

The mushroom diversity on the Preserve has been

documented to one-hundred thirty four species – half of

those being, to some degree, edible. That’s pretty

amazing. And to key in on a bit of irony, one of the

prettiest mushrooms found here, Ceasar’s amanita

(Amanita ceasarea) is not only edible but belongs to a genus of fungi which includes, for example, the

destroying angel (Amanita bisporigera). This is the reason that most people have learned to be very, very

cautious when picking wild mushrooms. Most folks stick to the store-bought species, e.g., button, portabello/

cremini, etc. But like anything in nature, the reward is in the knowledge that you’ve harvested a mouth-

watering delicacy and you won’t regret the experience.

Happy Foraging!

by Michael Skinner, Trust Executive Director

The Ceasar’s amanita is a perfect example of how mushroom hunters have to be spot-on when picking wild ‘shrooms. This genus of mushrooms contains both edible and deadly poisonous species.

Skip Hauser and Jim Thompson took home the 1st place prize in the 1-Day Member

-Member/Guest on Saturday July 21st with an impressive 62.

Charlie Gregory and Robert Fleischer carded a 63 for 2nd

place. Great playing

guys!

The next 1-Day tournament will be held Saturday, August 18th. Members have the

option to play with another member or invite a guest.

Member-Member/Guest Recap

Men’s Club Championship, August 4-5, 2012

The Men’s Club Championship will take place this weekend, August 4th and 5

th.

Players can choose to play the Black tees, Blue tees, or White tees.

18 holes of stroke play each day.

Sign-up today!

The Summer Match Play Tournament is

underway and there have been some very close

matches so far.

In the Gross Division: Sam Belfore, Jim

Thompson, Michael Fulbright, and Frank

Morris have all advanced to the quarterfinals.

Seven players still remain in the highly

competitive Net Division. The inaugural Summer Match Play Tournament has been

very successful; thanks to all that participated.

Summer Match Play

LADIES’ DAY

Wednesdays at 10:00am

9-holes followed by lunch | different format each week

sign up at the Pro Shop | all levels welcome

Congratulations to Donna Jean Mamrack who won

the “fewest putts” contest last week!

french onion

soup

1/4 lb. whole butter 5 yellow onions, julienned 3 large shallots, julienned

1/4 cup Herbs de Provence (equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram and lavender) 1/2 pint good red wine

1 quart demi-glace (frozen or home-made) 1 pint beef broth (caramelized, boiled trimmings are best)

1/4 cup heavy cream

Method Melt butter in large flat pot or Dutch oven. Add onions and shallots. Caramelize over medium heat, stirring every two minutes, until onions are a deep golden brown (this can take 45 minutes to an hour). Stir in herbs de Provence, and then add wine. Reduce to almost au sec (almost dry). Add broth, bring to a simmer and add demi-glace. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in heavy cream and season with kosher salt and coarse-ground black pepper.

Croutons Slice one good quality French baguette into ½ inch slices. Brush with olive oil and minced garlic. Toast gently until crouton is dry and crusty, being careful not to burn the garlic. Cool to room tempera-ture.

Finishing Touch Ladle soup into an oven-safe crock about ¾ full. Place crouton in middle of soup. Top with a generous amount of coarsely shredded Gruyere cheese. Place crock on a sheet pan and place in middle rack of oven. Broil until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Remove from oven and cool for one minute. Garnish with fresh-chopped parsley.

by Jay Horton, Executive Chef

makes 1/2 gallon

So many books…

Meet Fridays at 12:30pm at The Boarding House.

August 10th

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

August 17th

As It Is In Heaven

a play by Arlene Hutton

(This meeting will be held at Elaine Fulbright's house at 12:30 pm)

August 31st

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

Call Marianne Lyon at 713.443.0244 with questions.

“Think before you speak, read before you think.” -Fran Lebowitz

Eb James, 8 year old grandson of Linda and Ed James has become quite the horseback rider this summer with the help of Shawna!

The Hauser’s grandaughter, Anna and Melanie Osterhaut's granddaughter, Carlee enjoying there first trail ride at horse camp this summer.

Kids Flock to Balsam This summer, nearly 50 kids visited Balsam Mountain Preserve to

attend our various camps. Kids come from across the

country to enjoy a variety of activities including golf,

tennis, team sports, water sports, hiking,

horsemanship, arts and crafts, tie-dyed

shirts, relaxation by the pool and

most of all, quality time with

their parents and

grandparents!

Club Hours of Operation

Pro Shop: 7:30am to 6:00pm, closed Tuesday

Practice Park: 7:30am to 6:30pm, closed Tues-

day

Trail Rides By appointment.

Pavilion: Open 24 hours.

Fitness Center: Open 24 hours.

Pool: Open 24 hours.

Activities: Beginning June.

Tennis Courts: Open 24 hours.

Turnhouse: 11:00am to 3:00pm closed Tuesday

The Boarding House Restaurant:

Light Continental Breakfast:

Mon – Thurs, 8am – 10am

Breakfast:

Fri – Sun, 8am – 10am

Sunday Brunch Buffet:

11am – 2 pm

Lunch:

Wed – Mon, 11:30am – 2pm

Dinner:

Wed – Sun, 6:30pm – 9pm

The Nature Center: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily

Club Staff and Contact Information

Administration: 828.631.1040

Jimmy McDonnell: President

Bruce Fine: Vice President

Tina Jones: Business Manager

Member Services: 828.631.1000

Amy Coggins: Manager

Balsam Care

(Maintenance & Cabins): 828.631.1000

Pro Shop: 828.631.1009

Drew Marshall: Head Golf Pro

Activities: 828.631.1063

Stables: 828.631.1066

Security / Main Gate: 828.631.1011

Main Gate Emergency: 828.508.0116

Sales: 828.631.1001

Joe Dellinger: Sales Executive

Bill Minus: Sales Executive

Jamie Aquino: Marketing Assistant

RIDGE Lines Editor

Nature Center / Balsam Mountain Trust:

828.631.1060

Michael Skinner: Executive Director

Blair Ogburn: Sr. Naturalist

www.bmtrust.org

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

Contact Balsam Member Services at

828.631.1000 for all Activities and Reservations.

www.reserveatlakekeowee.com

Grand Harbor Golf & Yacht Club

Contact Balsam Member Services at

828.631.1000 for all Activities and Reservations.

www.grandharbor.net

Balsam Mountain Preserve | 81 Preserve Road | Sylva, NC 28779

866.452.3456

www.balsammountainpreserve.com