Join the Great Backyard Bird Count

Birders and bird lovers worldwide are encouraged to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 16-19, with several local…
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N.C. declared drought-free

For the first time since August, North Carolina is now drought-free. Some areas of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon and Dare…
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Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation appoints new board members

New board officers, trustees and advisors have been appointed to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which partners with the National…
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Buy plants, support horticulture education

The annual Haywood County Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale is now underway, with orders due pre-paid by Friday, March 8. 
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Paddle the Glacier Breaker

Start off the year with an early-season slalom race Saturday, Feb. 17, on the Nantahala River at the Nantahala Outdoor…
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Sign up for volleyball clinics

Registration is open for youth volleyball clinics slated to begin the week of March 11 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center…
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Join the Sylva Naturalist Club

The Sylva Naturalist Club will meet 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 
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Wander through winter

Experience the backcountry during wintertime with a pair of hikes offered over the next week with Haywood Recreation and Parks. 
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State parks to standardize camping check-in times

Camping check-in times will be standardized throughout N.C. State Parks starting June 15. 
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Wildlife advocates eligible for award
 

Wildlife advocates eligible for award

Nominations are wanted for people who have led the way in conserving nongame animals in North Carolina. 
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Allens Creek Park reopens
 

Allens Creek Park reopens

After being closed for cleanup since Jan. 11, Allens Creek Park in Waynesville is open again. 
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Ecological opportunity: Ela Dam owner asks to let go of its hydropower license

The owner of Ela Dam, a 99-year-old structure that sits about half a mile above the confluence of the Tuckasegee…
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Parkway visitation grows in 2023

In 2023, the Blue Ridge Parkway saw its highest visitation since 2007, according to preliminary figures from the National Park…
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Calling all forest landowners

A forest landowner workshop coming 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Haywood Agricultural Center in Waynesville…
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Land trust surpasses 70,000 acres of permanent conservation

The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has now permanently protected more than 70,000 acres in the South Mountains after a…
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Learn now to recycle better

Up your recycling know-how during a program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the University of North Carolina Asheville’s…
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Go coon hunting in Sylva

Spend the weekend focused on coon hunting with the Jackson County Coon Hound Association Friday, Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb.…
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Do doggy first aid in the backcountry

Learn what to do when your dog gets hurt on the trail with a workshop offered 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb.…
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Take ‘The Plunge’

The 12th annual Plunge Benefit-t-t-ting Kids in the Creek and Environmental Education will take place 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.…
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Ready, set, grow

Prepare for gardening season with “Learn to Grow: Vegetable Gardening,” a workshop offered 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.…
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Prune like a pro

Learn how to give your fruit trees some love with a workshop starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at…
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Wednesday is family day at Cataloochee

Families can visit Cataloochee Ski Area for a reduced cost on Wednesdays through the end of the season. 
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Sign up for summer camp

Registration for Spring Break Camp at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, with Discovery…
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Plant trees in Bryson City

Help MountainTrue plant more than 2,500 new native plants at Bryson City Island Park during volunteer workdays 1-4 p.m. Saturday,…
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Bike Chestnut Mountain

Ride the trails with an experienced mountain bike instructor at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park…
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Off course: Strange species make 'accidental' appearances in the Smokies

Red-necked phalarope, Bonaparte’s gull, band-rumped storm-petrel and harlequin duck. If you are thinking these don’t sound like names that should be…
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Celebrate Groundhog Day with Tater and Yammy

Groundhogs Tater and Yammy will make their meteorological debut during the 19th annual Groundhog Day Celebration Friday, Feb. 2, at…
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Drought continues its disappearing act

Severe drought is gone from North Carolina and moderate drought barely holding on after an extraordinarily rainy first half of…
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See the American chestnut story in film

Experience the story of the American chestnut, a mighty wonder that once sustained all forms of life in the Appalachian…
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Fly collector to display his collection

Mike Kesselring will show off his enormous fly collection and other gear gathered over 40 years of world-wide travel 6:30-8…
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Southern Highlands Reserve names outstanding volunteer for 2023

Nancy Carroll has been named Southern Highlands Reserve’s Volunteer of the Year for 2023 in recognition of the “life, laughter…
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Spend Friday nights on the slopes

Ski Cataloochee for less this winter, with discounted night skiing available through Jackson County Parks and Recreation Friday nights, Jan.…
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Learn bird talk

Find out how birds talk to each other during a program offered at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at the…
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Appreciation Days coming to Cataloochee

Those who have spent their careers protecting others can enjoy Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley at a reduced rate…
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Plan a garden visit

Tickets for 2024 Visitors Days at the Southern Highlands Reserve in Lake Toxaway go on sale Thursday, Feb. 1.
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The plant doctor is in

It’s not yet time to plant for spring, but Haywood County Master Gardeners are still available to answer questions about…
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Volunteer with Mainspring
 

Volunteer with Mainspring

Help care for conserved lands by participating in a string of upcoming stewardship volunteer workdays with Mainspring Conservation Trust, held…
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Help the hemlocks

Keep the hemlocks of the Pisgah National Forest safe from the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid during a volunteer workday 10…
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Shifting seasons: Hunters weigh in on proposed bear, deer rule changes

More than 100 people came to a public hearing Thursday, Jan. 11, at Haywood Community College in Clyde, that took…
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Ski after school or after work

Cataloochee Ski Area offers discounted rates for youth and adults to explore the slopes and hone their skills with several…
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Smokies visitation increases in 2023, but N.C. side lags

In 2023, visitation to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park grew 2.2% to reach its second-highest number ever — but…
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Get outdoors with Ice Fest

Winter hikes, winter lights, frosty runs and outdoor ice skating will offer ample opportunity for chilly fun in celebration of…
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GSMA opens new Townsend visitor center

A new visitor center and retail space is now open just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend,…
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Drought washes away in winter rain

Heavy rains last week banished all but a spot of severe drought from the mountain region, with more relief likely…
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Help maintain the Benton MacKaye Trail

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association will remove blown-down trees along the Tennessee/North Carolina line during a maintenance trip starting at…
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Climate plan open for comment

Draft priority measures to reduce greenhouse gases in North Carolina are open for public comment through Sunday, Jan. 28. 
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Retreat to explore intersection of faith and eco-justice
 

Retreat to explore intersection of faith and eco-justice

A retreat for faith leaders and people interested in inspiring their congregations and communities to care for the planet will…
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Register for the Business of Farming Conference

The 21st annual Business of Farming Conference is coming up Saturday, Feb. 24, at the A-B Tech Conference Center in…
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Waynesville park closed after storm
 

Waynesville park closed after storm

Allens Creek Park in Waynesville is closed until further notice while county crews clean it up following last week’s heavy…
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Panthertown and DuPont seek board members

Two organizations dedicated to stewarding beloved outdoor spaces are looking for new board members to help them fulfill their respective…
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