Archived Outdoors

Wednesday, 20 July 2011 14:30

Anniversary celebration salutes Joyce Kilmer

A celebration honoring the 75th anniversary of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in the Nantahala National Forest will be held Saturday, July 30, starting at 10 a.m. There will be guided walking tours, presentations by the Eastern Band of Cherokee…

Wednesday, 20 July 2011 14:29

Western NC develops as a hotspot for natural products

WNC Naturally, an event to strengthen the natural products industry, will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. August 6 at the Almond Center outside Bryson City. The event is designed for growers, wild-harvesters, manufacturers, buyers, and all those…

Wednesday, 20 July 2011 14:28

Man vs. nature

Unless you are of a philosophical bent, you might want to skip this last installment of the spotted owl trilogy. I have been intrigued by the dichotomy of man vs. nature for a long time. I can’t remember exactly what…

Wednesday, 20 July 2011 14:26

Twenty years and counting: Tracking the health of the Little Tennessee

For two decades, the Little Tennessee Watershed Association in Franklin has been monitoring the health of the river’s water basin from north Georgia to Fontana Lake. Last week, the group released a State of the Streams report, showcasing both its…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:56

Well-known Asheville hiker joins AT board

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recently announced that Asheville resident Lenny Bernstein, plus two other North Carolinians, have been elected to the group’s board of directors. Bernstein, an active member and past president of the Carolina Mountain Club, is an Appalachian Trail…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:55

See the Little T on guided canoe trip

A guided float down the Little Tennessee River will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 21, as part of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s “Think About Thursdays” summer event series. Jenny Sanders of the Little Tennessee Watershed…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:54

State of the Streams to shed new light on the Little Tennessee

After 21 years of monitoring the health of the Little Tennessee Watershed, the group most responsible for that work will release a “State of the Streams” report. The unveiling of this report by the Little Tennessee Watershed Association will take…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:53

Science program geared toward girls, archaeology

Want to give your daughter a taste of what it means to be an archaeologist? Girls ages nine through 14 can participate in an upcoming SciGirls program called “Digging Archaeology: Techniques for Finding and Preserving the Past” at The Pisgah…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:51

MedWest Triathlon winners

Jason Mehler of Asheville crossed the finish line as the overall winner during the MedWest Triathlon held Saturday, July 9, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center Health and Fitness Center. Nicole Crane of Asheville was the overall female winner as…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:51

Hike Double Top with Balsam Mountain Preserve naturalists

Explore Balsam Mountain Preserve with two hikes this month, including to Jackson County’s most iconic and distinctive mountaintops. The 4,400-acre private eco-development between Waynesville and Sylva has 3,500 acres in conservation and a team of staff naturalists, who occasionally offer…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:49

Get out that camera and focus on learning good photography skills

There are opportunities abound for amateur photographers in the region, from the very youngest to those more advanced in years. Here’s a quick roundup of what’s going on: • Monday, July 18: An outdoor photography for beginners’ class will be…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:48

WCU gets grant for multi-use trail

Western Carolina University has won a $5,000 grant from a bicycle parts manufacturer to support construction of a multi-use, community trail system on campus. Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva helped WCU land the grant from Specialized Bicycle Components based…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:47

Purple paint on trees to serve as new ‘no trespassing’ sign

Before you go gallivanting about hunting or fishing on private property, be aware that a new law passed by the N.C. General Assembly requires hunters and anglers to carry written permission from a landowner or leaseholder when on posted property.…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:47

Boating safety course offered at HCC

Learn to float your boat safely at a July 18-19 boating safety course at Haywood Community College. The program is through the college’s Natural Resources Division and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. They will take place from 6 p.m.…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:45

More owl pellets

I mentioned in last week’s Naturalist’s Corner that I found the decision by U.S. Fish & Wildlife to kill barred owls in an effort to save spotted owls intriguing on many levels. I will use this week’s and next week’s…

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 12:43

Support local farmers, local good-deeds conservation group through popular gala

It’s a busy day at the farmers market, and William Shelton is red-faced and sweaty as he hands out boxes of vegetables to his regular weekly customers. One of his four sons — his namesake, Wil — is manning the…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:37

Learn to set a sense of place in upcoming workshop for writers

Registration for a space-limited nature writers’ intensive workshop scheduled for this fall is now open. The Wilderness Society, a national organization with offices in Sylva, will be hosting the three-day event with author Janisse Ray. It will take place at…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:36

Expert fly fisherman to offer rod, casting advice

The Plateau Fly Fishing Club will host a free casting clinic with the senior guide for Davidson River Outfitters at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, in Cashiers. Walker Parrott, general manager for Davidson River Outfitters, has been a guide in…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:36

Job Corps getting in on the green movement

As part of a new green curriculum, students from Oconaluftee Job Corps will be helping on a variety of projects in Western North Carolina. This includes transplanting culturally significant rivercane with Western Carolina University in Cherokee; building an educational trail…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:34

Guided hikes and nature programs at Mountain Wildlife Days

Get up close and personal with wild things and wild places at the annual Mountain Wildlife Days held at Sapphire Valley Community Center July 15 and 16. The weekend festivities are hosted by regional conservation group Wild South and are designed…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:33

New hospice center to feature gardens, access to nature

The Homestead, an inpatient hospice center, is being built on property adjacent to the MedWest-Haywood hospital campus in Clyde. About $7,000 was raised by a recent brunch and auction to purchase plants, shrubs and trees for the gardens at The…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:33

HCC student to compete in STIHL Timbrsports event

A sophomore at Haywood Community College, Daniel Jones of Hayesville, will demonstrate his lumberjack skills on national television Friday, July 8, when ESPNU airs the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Qualifier. Back in April, Jones bested six other top collegiate lumberjacks…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:32

Soccer camp brings international expertise

British Soccer Camp is coming back to Franklin the week of July 11 to 15, at the Macon County Industrial Park Fields. Challenger’s British Soccer Camp is the most popular soccer camp in the USA and Canada. More than 110,000…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:32

Get your running gait scrutinized

You might not run faster, but you’ll probably feel better doing it by taking advantage of running screenings Thursday, July 7, at the Jackson County Recreation Park. Thomas Burns, board certified specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy with Carolina West Sports…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:31

New Audubon group learns about things besides birds

A program on “butterflying and dragonflying,” a twist on the outdoor pastime of birding, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the Maggie Valley Pavilion by the Great Smoky Mountains Audubon Society. The speaker is Jeff Pippen,…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:29

Good owl – bad owl

The Migratory Bird Act makes it illegal to kill barred owls, Strix varia. It is a crime that is punishable by thousands of dollars in fines and can include jail time. That is unless you are working for the federal…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:29

Smokies programs just for young scientists

High school students, recent graduates and their families can spend time in the field with a park ranger conducting scientific projects such as salamander monitoring, tree identification and mapping, and water quality assessments this summer in the Great Smoky Mountains…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:28

Parkway starts new series of summer ranger programs

Blue Ridge Parkway Interpretive Rangers at Waterrock Knob are presenting summer programs each Saturday afternoon for families with or without kids. The program series (entitled F.U.N., Families Understanding Nature) will be about the many natural and cultural resources found…

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 11:27

Program marries old skills with new needs

Scotty Bowman always knew he wanted to work outdoors, but he couldn’t figure out how to live his dream and also make a livable salary — so he instead paved a career in restaurants, including stints as a chef. At…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:42

Fox sightings increasing in populated areas

Witnessing a wild fox is not necessarily a cause for alarm, nor are all foxes rabid or dangerous, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. However, residents should not approach, touch or disturb foxes or their dens. In most cases,…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:41

Talk to explore growth and what it means for the mountains

A talk titled “The Southern Blue Ridge at this Moment in History” will discuss growth in the mountains and its impact on farm and forestland at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the Highlands Biological Station. The talk is…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:40

No fishing license needed on July Fourth

This upcoming July 4 is a “free fishing day” in North Carolina. Everyone — residents and nonresidents — can fish in all public waters without purchasing a fishing license. All other fishing regulations, such as length and daily possession limits,…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:39

An elk viewing for seniors

A trip for seniors, age 50 and above, to see the elk in Cataloochee Valley will be offered on July 13 by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Participants should bring cameras, binoculars and folding chairs; they should also bring…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:39

Swim, bike, run in Haywood triathlon

The MedWest-Haywood Triathlon has returned this year with a new summertime date, attracting seasoned triathletes looking for a challenge as well as newcomers just getting their feet wet in the multisport arena. The race will be held Saturday, July 9,…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:38

Cherokee Moonlight 5K

The Cherokee Runners Moonlight 5K and Fun Run will be held on July 4 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. The run/walk will be followed by the tribe’s Fourth of July celebration and fireworks. The fun run will begin at 7:15…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:37

Capture summer’s bounty with canning how-to

Learn the basics of canning through workshops offered by the Jackson County N.C. Cooperative Extension Service during the month of July. These are hands-on workshops designed to give you experience in processing foods. The class size is small, and…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:36

SCC mechanics students get cooking

When you walk into an automotive shop you don’t expect to see men in crisp white lab coats and surgical masks sporting plastic green gloves. But Pete Wolosin’s Engine Performance II class at Southwestern Community College is anything but ordinary.…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:35

Mountain Wildlife Daze

The eighth annual Mountain Wildlife Days is scheduled for July 15 and 16 at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. The event is sponsored by Wild South along with partners Sapphire Valley Resort and Cashiers Travel & Tourism. The program —…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:34

Learn about the environment and have fun, too

A weeklong Environmental Camp for ages 10 to 15 offers a full lineup of hands-on nature exploration and fieldtrips. The camp, put on by Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department, will be held July 18 through July 22 from 8 a.m.…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:33

Loss of regulators means fewer inspections, say environmentalists

Environmental advocates are troubled by major budget cuts and the loss of staff for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, cuts they say will stretch those tasked with monitoring polluters too thin to do their jobs and eliminate beneficial…

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 20:25

By air, by land and by water: General Assembly rolls back environmental protections

Back in January, a group of environmental advocates gathered for after-work beers at Craggie Brewery in Asheville where they heard a sobering message from one of their green-minded compatriots. In just a couple weeks, new leadership would take the reins…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:13

Bryson City heats up with Firecracker 5K

The annual Firecracker 5K sponsored by the Bryson City Rotary Club is set for Monday, July 4, in conjunction with downtown festivities scheduled for later that day. The race will begin at 8 a.m. with registration starting at 6:45 a.m.…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:13

Appalachians stories of conservation

Stories of Appalachian conservation by a native son and award-winning storyteller Gary Carden will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in Highlands. The program is hosted by the Highlands Biological Foundation as part of the “Think About Thursdays”…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:13

Children’s trout program

A raising trout class will be held Saturday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for ages 4 to 7. The event will cover the ins and outs of the Bobby N. Setzer trout hatchery operations, plus kids can…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:12

Women’s intro to fly fishing class at the Pisgah Center

On Friday, July 1, a Women’s Introduction to Fly Fishing class will be presented from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials provided. The program is free and open to ages…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:11

Canary Coalition to chart its course at annual meeting

The Canary Coalition will hold its annual membership meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in Sylva. All members of the public interested in grassroots action to further this cause are invited. There will be a general discussion…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:11

Bear activity increases in national forest

The U.S. Forest Service is warning hikers and campers that there has been an increase in black bear encounters in the vicinity of Graveyard Fields on the Pisgah Ranger District. There have also been reports of increased bear activity around North Mills River and Wash…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:10

Learn to identify hunters of the sky

“Hunters of the Sky,” a program featuring live birds of prey, will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, at the Village Commons at the Crossroads in Cashiers. The program, by Michael Skinner of Balsam Mountain Trust, is…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:09

Commission seeking small-game award nominations

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking nominees for its annual Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award, given to an individual and an organization whose actions significantly and positively impact North Carolina’s small game populations, including Northern bobwhite, ruffed grouse,…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:09

Clyde Elementary students leave legacy of water stewardship

Fifth graders at Clyde Elementary school worked with Haywood Waterways Association to stencil storm drains in their school campus parking lot this month. The drains now provide the message that the water that flows into them goes straight into the…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:08

WATR meeting offers sneak peak of interpretive creek trail in Dillsboro

The Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River will hold its annual summer meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at Monteith Farmstead Park in Dillsboro. Anyone interested in water quality is welcome. The meeting will include an overview of…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:07

Birding low and high

Too many birders hang their binoculars up and put their field guides back on the shelf after May, fearing the “dog” days of summer. But the summer months offer a great opportunity to get to know your local nesters. While…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:06

Help needed to clear trails in Panthertown

Recent storms have left debris on and other damage to trails in Panthertown Valley, a national forest recreation area located in southern Jackson County near Cashiers. Friends of Panthertown will hold a workday to clean up those trails from 9:30…

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 14:05

Bad air days common so far this summer

Feeling a bit stuffy these days? You’re not alone — stagnating weather patterns and excessive heat, coupled with a heavy pollen load, made for difficult breathing conditions for some this month. Take Joan McDonald, 66, of St. Petersburg, Fla., who…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:24

Owl Prowl at the Highlands Nature Center

Come learn about and see live owls Thursday evening, June 16, at The Highlands Biological Foundation’s Nature Center amphitheatre. The event begins at 8 p.m. with an hour-long educational presentation by the Carolina Raptor Center in collaboration with the Highlands…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:24

Learn about Cherokee trails in Macon County

A guided hike covering ancient Cherokee trails in Highlands will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 23. Wild South Cultural Preservation Director Lamar Marshall will lead the hike. The Highlands Biological Foundation, as part of…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:23

Guided hike set for Cataloochee Ranch

A hike along the Devil’s Britches Trail will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, at Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is holding the hike. Judy Coker, ranch owner, and Claire Hobbs,…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:22

Take a hike with naturalist Hendershot

“WNC Nesters,” a field trip from Heintooga Road down to Kituwah, will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, by the Great Smoky Mountains Audubon Society as part of their summer program schedule. Don Hendershot will lead the…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:22

Help the Smokies, volunteer for Discover Life

Discover Life in America (DLIA) is holding a number of events this summer for the public to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover Life is a nonprofit organization devoted to identifying every creature in the park. Volunteers are…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:20

Dining out to benefit the Little Tennessee

The Little Tennessee Watershed Association will hold an all-day fundraiser June 23 at local restaurants. The money raised will benefit the nonprofit organization, which for the past 21 years has worked to protect and restore the health of the Little…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:19

Tour Jackson County farms, support local farmers

A locally produced summer brunch will be provided by the Jackson County Farmers Market at 11 a.m. on June 26. A tour of three Cullowhee farms will follow the brunch. The farms available for touring are: Full Spectrum Farms, a…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:17

Haywood farmers market pulls out the stops this weekend

The Haywood Historic Farmers Market will be even more festive and lively than usual this Saturday, June 18. Farmers and market vendors will be cooking up dishes using local foods, including a grilling booth, and giving out free samples and…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:15

Watershed stroll

The first 2011 sojourn into the Town of Waynesville’s 8,000-plus acre watershed occurred last Saturday (June 11). The town has been sponsoring and coordinating a couple of guided hikes into the watershed each year since 2007. It’s a way for…

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 13:12

Gorge gets a boost with new wave feature

The Nantahala River will soon boast one of the preeminent freestyle paddling features in the country — a patented apparatus that will create waves and holes used by trick kayakers. The Wave Shaper will arrive just in time for a…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:41

NOC event lets all paddlers run gates

The Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Canoe Club Challenge 2011 is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 18, July 16 and Aug. 13. The timed slalom course will be set up between the bridges at NOC. An awards ceremony…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:40

‘Woodsy Owl’ teaches kids about nature

“Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club,” a nature and educational series presented by The Cradle of Forestry, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday this summer, ending Aug. 4. The club is for kids ages 4 to 7 and…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:39

Mixed-Martial Arts classes offered in downtown Waynesville

The Basulto Academy of Defense, located in downtwown Waynesville, has expanded the schedule of its successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program to include more classes in the art/sport of Vale Tudo. Also known as No-Holds-Barred (NHB) or as Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA),…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:39

Haywood farms part of agriculture tour

The Family Farm Tour, organized by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), will be held on the weekend of June 25 and 26. The event is a self-guided driving tour into the farms of 41 Western North Carolina food producers —…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:38

Audubon biologist to speak in Highlands

Curtis Smalling, the mountain region biologist for Audubon N.C., will speak at a program for the Highlands Plateau Society at 8 p.m. on Monday, June 13. The next day, Smalling will lead a bird watching field trip at 7:30 p.m.…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:38

Land trust hosts birding tour

A Birding Eco Tour is set for Thursday, June 9. The hike is held by The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) will hold a Birding Eco Tour on June 9 led by Highlands Plateau Audubon Society members. Hikers will have the…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:37

Opportunity to view synchronous fireflies

Discover Life in America (DLIA) is holding a number of events this summer for the public to experience the synchronous fireflies that illuminate the Great Smoky Mountain National Park during the first weeks of June. A fundraising event will be…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:36

Next generation of herpetologists

Dead snakes are certainly interesting and can pique a child’s curiosity. Izzy (9) and Maddie (5) found just such a specimen next to the garage door last Saturday. We couldn’t tell for sure the cause of death but guessed the…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:36

New mountain bike group to host ride and picnic

The newly formed chapter of Nantahala Area SORBA, the Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Association, will host an event called “Ride, Rinse and Recover” at Tsali Recreation Area starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. Club members and others interested in…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:35

Grant helps set up working-forest easements

The Land Trust of the Little Tennessee, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, and the Wildlands Network received a Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) conservation grant to help private landowners and government agencies in the southeastern United States protect special forest…

Wednesday, 08 June 2011 20:34

WCU faculty, students test ‘energy mile’ theory

Backpackers who take on the challenge of hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains can attest to the fact that hauling a pack up a steep mountain trail is much more difficult than carrying one on level ground, and some Western…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:14

Human Race set for June 11

The Human Race 5K Road Race/Walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. on June 11 at the Waynesville Middle School. The annual race is sponsored by the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center. Proceeds from the event will be used to help the…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:13

4-H summer golf day camp

The 4-H Summer Golf Day Camp will be each Thursday beginning June 9 through July 28. The day camp is free and will meet at the Junaluska Golf Course. 4-H is a community of young people from ages five to…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:12

Bicycle survey to help cyclists

A short online survey to help guide a new comprehensive bicycle plan for Haywood County is available for completion at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Haywo-odBikePlan. The survey may be shared with anyone, including children, residing in Haywood County. Input received from the survey will…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:12

Lifeguard training and swimming lessons

Lifeguard training and group swimming lessons will be provided by Medwest Health & Fitness Center beginning June 2 and June 10, respectively. In response to high demand, the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course will be offered again this summer…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:11

AT under attack from invasives

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy needs volunteers to eradicate invasive plants choking out native flora on the AT in Graham County on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4. Volunteers will target multiflora rose, Japanese stiltgrass, Chinese privet, autumn olive…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:10

Pinnacle Park profiled for Trails Day

A discussion about the future of Pinnacle Park outside Sylva will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 4, followed by a short hike from the Fisher Creek trailhead. The 1,100 acre tract once served as Sylva’s source of drinking…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:09

Explore nature with young children

“Growing Up Wild,” a free professional development workshop sponsored by Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District for educators who work with young children, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, at the USDA Service…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:09

“Go Native” in your backyard

“From Mowing to Growing,” a workshop with Sara Martin, a biology instructor at Haywood Community College with a B.A. in wildlife management, is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, as part of the Great Smoky Mountains Audubon Society summer program and…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:07

Catch a runner’s view of Sylva’s Main

The Main Street Mile, a series of 1-mile races highlighting the state’s Main Street Program, will hit the streets of Sylva Friday, June 3. Sylva’s Main Street Mile course will start in Sylva’s Bridge Park, cross Grindstaff Cove Road and…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:07

Picnic with WATR

The Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River will hold its fifth-annual summer picnic at 6 p.m. Friday, June 10, on the banks of the Tuckasegee River at Carol’s Cabins (formerly Ward’s Cabins). All members of the watershed association are urged…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:05

Summer Daze

Soccer balls litter the yard, my wife is auditioning for NASCAR on the lawn mower and I am following the tiller through a soft, loamy sea of rich smelling earth in the garden. In the evening, fireflies are dancing in…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:04

Black bear festival coming up in Highlands

A Mountain Black Bear Festival is set for June 10 and 11 at the Highlands Civic/Recreation Center, featuring exhibits, artisans and programs related to black bears. • A free program on “co-existing with bears” will be held at 7 p.m.…

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 20:01

Outsider Art: Franklin’s Bill Lea is a nationally recognized nature photographer

It started out simply enough. Fresh out of college on his new job in Vicksburg, Miss., on the banks of the mighty, muddy Mississippi, Bill Lea decided to try a new hobby. He laid down his fishing pole and picked…

Thursday, 26 May 2011 04:52

Get kids involved in free fishing fun

Kids can fish for free and register to win prizes, including two lifetime licenses, at a variety of fishing events in Western North Carolina. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is supporting these fishing events as part of National Fishing and…

Thursday, 26 May 2011 04:51

Kids get first crack at delayed trout waters

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 63.5 miles of trout streams and one lake classified as delayed-harvest trout waters under hatchery-supported regulations on Saturday, June 4. But there’s a catch . . . only anglers 15 years old…

Thursday, 26 May 2011 04:50

“Salamander Soiree” at the Highlands Nature Center

A Salamander Soiree is set for June 2 at 6 p.m. as the kickoff to “Think About Thursdays,” a summer series of programs and talks sponsored by the Highlands Biological Station. The Salamander Soiree will feature a reception and games,…

Thursday, 26 May 2011 04:50

Smokies conducts search for missing man

Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are continuing to search for a Cary man who was reported missing April 27. The park is asking that anybody who may have seen the subject, Christopher Lee Cessna, 45, in the last…

Thursday, 26 May 2011 04:49

Author to speak at Pisgah Center

On June 4, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Tim Spira will give a 45-minute presentation followed by questions and discussion about the ecology of Southern Appalachian Wildflowers. Spira is a plant ecologist, photographer,…

Thursday, 26 May 2011 04:48

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