Here are some events coming up at Chimney Rock State Park in Chimney Rock, NC.

Off the Beaten Path Guided Hike Saturday, March 28: 9-20am; $20, $5 for Annual Passholder, $10 for ages 6-15, $3 for Grady's Kids Club Members. Use your sense of smell to sleuth your way into recognition of our aromatic plant neighbors of field and forest. With so many sap smells out there, participants will learn through the nose many of these silently smelly plants. Natural history and herbal uses go along with the interpretation on this easy 1 1/2 hours walk.

54th Annual Easter Sunrise Service - April 12th; Gates open at 5am and close at 6am for the 6:30am service. No fees charged. Guests are welcome to enjoy the Park for the day. Celebrate the glory of Easter as our guest at this nondenominational community worship. This special service will be filled with song, scripture, special music and spectacular sunrise views over beautiful Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Arrive early and dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Earth Day Activities Homeschool Program - April 13th; 10:30am-noon; $12 per student; $11.50 for parents; Annual Passholders $7 per student and no cost for parents.

5th Annual Bark in the Park - April 18th; 11am-3pm; No additional cost with Park admission. All ages. Chimney Rock goes to the dogs for this special event dedicated to our canine companions. Agiltiy demonstrations, rescue organizations, contests and lots more will keep ou and your pup busy.

Early Arrivals "Simon Says" Guided Bird Walk - April 19th; $19; $3 for Annual Passholders; $8 for ages 6-15; free for Grady's Kids Club Members. Spot spring migrants like Black-throated Warblers, Black and white Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Blue-headed Vireos. World-traveled ornithologist and birding expert Simon Thompson is your guide on this easy-to moderate walk.

Wildflower Wonders "Off the Beaten Path" Guided Hike - April 25th; 9-10:30am Cost: 420, $5 for Annual Passholders, $10 for ages 6-15, $3 for Grady's Kids Club Members. Ages: 8 and up. See the diversity of wildflowers at this time of year by taking an interpretive botanical walk into Chimney Rock's rich woodlands. Carry your favorite guide book or come prepared with paper, memory or mere hungry eyes to enjoy this easy 1 1/2 hour show-and -tell stroll.

North Carolina Artist Profile: Amy Wald of Chimney Rock Bark and Twig

Some great North Carolina artists and artisans attend the large craft fairs in the Raleigh area.

One of those artists is Amy Wald, of Chimney Rock, NC. I really enjoyed visiting her booth at the Lazy Daze arts and crafts festival in downtown Cary, NC just a few weeks ago.

Amy Wald creates unique rustic furniture and accessories, the most notable of which is framed art like this painting of a bear.

Amy creates the frames and partners with the paintings of other local artists.

Amy's company, Chimney Rock Bark and Twig, is becoming well known in natural crafting circles.

"I started making these pieces when we were building our log home. I couldn't find anything like the pieces I had seen in books or in the Adirondack lodges, but at a price that a non-lottery winner could afford. I made a few pieces for my own home," said Amy.

"As I was working on them, two things happened. Others asked me to make pieces for their homes, and I realized that I really had fun making them. I started out doing a few custom pieces, moved into galleries, and did a few shows. Now I am hooked!"

All Amy's pieces are created using materials that have been carefully dried.

The frames and other items are then hand sealed to protect and enhance the natural beauty and appeal of the bark, burls and twigs.

Amy gathers her materials on the 50 acres of woodlands that she and her husband live on. They collect in the winter to make sure the bark stays on the twigs and store them to dry for at least a year. They use a natural pesticide to make sure no unwanted guests take up residence.

Amy and her husband also work with a few excavators/tree removal people who call her when they are taking down great trees.

All pieces are hand-made originals and no two are alike.

Amy works with a group of local artists (Lake Lure Artists) , as well as a few great wildlife artists that she has met at shows. She buys only from these 8-10 artists at this time, but she's always on the lookout for new talent to partner with. All pieces must be originals.

Chimney Rock Bark and Twig also takes custom orders for furniture and photo frames.

So if you're looking for something really unique, for decorating your home or a great gift, contact Amy Wald at Chimney Rock Bark and Twig, 828-625-1805, or by email at barkandtwig@bellsouth.net

Amy will be in just two more shows this year: Matthews, NC on Sept 27th/28th, and Lake Lure on October 18th/19th.

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