Leaf spot endophytes in Southern Appalachian woodland plants – Guided hike and demo at the ASU Dark Sky Observatory

Appalachian State University is participating in another BioBlitz
challenge competing against UNC Greensboro and UNC Wilmington for who
has the most biodiverse campus. As part of this challenge, there will be
an Open Gate event at the ASU Dark Sky Observatory on Saturday afternoon
from 1-4 PM. Everyone is welcome to participate and post observations on
iNaturalist!

Students will be sampling for class and research projects as well. The
Endophyte DNA Analysis project has been in full swing since the semester
started and there has been a lot of progress made in the fungi
identification. You are invited to join Shinn Grant recipient Annika
Fockler, and Dr. Annkatrin Rose on a guided hike through the Appalachian
State Dark Sky Observatory property to learn more about these fungi
hiding in plain sight. This hike would also provide the opportunity to
gain an understanding of how these samples are protected and why they
are being collected in the first place! The hike will begin at 1 pm on
Saturday, September 30th, 2023 rain or shine.

Directions – The Parkway is currently closed, but the Phillips Gap Rd
stretch is open. Be aware that GPS does not know this and will send you
on a long detour. Here’s the most direct route from Boone (~25 minutes):

• Take US 421 S (toward Wilkesboro)
• Merge onto US 221 towards West Jefferson (ramp on the right)
• After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Idlewild Rd
• After 3.4 miles, turn right onto Phillips Gap Rd (intersection after
speed limit drops to 45)
• After 2 miles, turn left onto the Blue Ridge Parkway (barricade to the
right)
• Turn right at the next barricade to stay on Phillips Gap Rd
• Turn left onto Observatory Rd and go all the way to the end of the road

Parking is available on the meadow at the observatory building or
anywhere roadside where you are not blocking traffic. We will have
access to a bathroom if needed.