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Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:29

Embark on a guided trip of the Little Tennessee

A guided canoe trip down the Little Tennessee River will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 15, with the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee and The Wilderness Society. The four-hour canoe trip will stop periodically on the tour…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:28

When the garden floweth over

Learn how to safely preserve locally-grown foods using the pressure canner and high acid foods using the boiling water bath, and get tips on pickling and freezing in a food preservation crash course from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday,…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:27

Smokies’ luscious ferns take center stage in Arboretum exhibit

An exhibit called “Ferns of the Smokies” that showcases the beauty and diversity of ferns is on display at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville through July 2. The exhibit showcases almost half of the 49 ferns and fern allies that…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:26

Biological station to host course for teachers

The Highlands Biological Station is hosting a Mountain Biodiversity course for science educators June 25 to 29. This field-based course will be taught by Karen Kandl, the associate director of the biologcial station. Educators of all levels are invited to…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:26

Snakes and lizards pay a visit to Jackson Library

Two dozen snakes and lizards will make their debut at the Jackson County Library in Sylva during a special “Snakes Alive” program held at 10:30 a.m. June 15. Herpetologist Ron Cromer will give an hour-long program that includes an educational…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:24

Outdoors sampler on tap at the Cradle of Forestry this weekend

From plant identification to map reading to fly fishing to canoeing, the Cradle of Forestry is encouraging Americans to enjoy the outdoors with “National Get Outdoors Day” on Saturday, June 9. The free event will feature a line-up of outdoor…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:22

Paint Rock

As one whom is often standing on the shoulder of the road peering through binoculars, I’m accustomed to people slowing down and asking, “What are you looking at?” Well last Saturday I got to turn the tables. I was zooming…
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 13:19

‘Permanent Camp’ reveals raw moments, crazy wisdom

By Brent Martin • Contributor Mention the name George Ellison to most people living in western North Carolina and what immediately comes to mind are tales of neotropical songbirds, Horace Kephart, James Mooney, Cherokee folklore, a dizzying array of plant…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:56

Highlands Nature Center offers summer camps

The Highlands Nature Center is holding a series of summer nature camps for children from ages 4 to 14 with varying themes. Preregistration is required. For more information go to highlandsbiological.org/nature-center or contact 828.526.2623. “WOW! – a World of Wonder”…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:55

Friends of the Smokies donors raise money for Trails

Friends of the Smokies met a challenge grant from the Aslan Foundation of Knoxville to raise $4 million for the Trails Forever endowment. A small group of donors hiked the Forney Ridge Trail with the Trails Forever crew and volunteers…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:54

GSMNP is starting a Youth Leadership Class

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is starting a new program beginning this summer to create a Youth Leadership Class of 2016. Ten students that will graduate from high school in 2016 will be chosen to be a part of…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:52

Tremont announces bird banding program

Volunteers are needed to assist Tremont and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by monitoring birds through bird banding on June 14, July 22, July 5, July 25, Aug. 2 and Aug. 8. Scientists estimate that there are nearly 230…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:51

Pisgah center for wildlife education offers free fishing events

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is hosting three free fishing events in early June at its Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week 2012. “Fly Fishing Skills: Casting for Beginners” will be held at…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:50

Bird banding at Tessentee preserve

The public is invited to the bird-banding project at Tessentee Preserve in Otto at 8 a.m. June 2.  Participants will join Mark Hopey as he captures and bands birds for his long-term migratory bird study. Participants will be hiking a…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:50

Free rafting trip on the Tuckasegee

The Dillsboro River Company will offer free unguided rafting trips down the Tuckaseegee River from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 3. Participants only have to donate 10 cans of food per person. The food will be donated to United…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:49

Jackson County Golf Club summer schedule

The Jackson County Golf Club has planned its summer schedule, which will include rounds at Mill Creek, Sequoyah National, Bear Lake, and Smoky Mountain. Members of the club will be able to play each of these courses at a reduced…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:48

WCU online course to address wilderness survival

Western Carolina University is offering an online course beginning June 1 on topics related to surviving accidents and dangerous encounters in the wilderness. The 10-hour course “Wilderness and Disaster Emergencies” will cover topics such as animal dangers, environmental dangers, natural…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:46

Cradle of Forestry to host Curiosity Club

The Cradle of Forestry will hold a nature and educational series titled “Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club” from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday this summer from June 7 to Aug. 2. The Curiosity Club allows kids ages 4 to 7…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:45

Kids in the Creek T-Shirt competition

Robert Coleman won the Kids in the Creek T-shirt design competition and will have his design printed on 785 T-shirts for Kids in the Creek. Robert is an eighth-grader at Haywood Middle Academy. Andrew Woody from Bethel Middle School was…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:44

Forum to discuss alternative energy

The Franklin Open Forum will discuss “Is alternative energy a viable alternative?” at 7 p.m. on June 6 at the Rathskeller Coffee House and Pub in downtown Franklin. The Franklin Open Forum is a moderated discussion group that meets on…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:44

Mast General Store to hold Land Trust Day

Mast General Store and the Appalachians Highlands Conservancy will celebrate Land Trust Day on June 2 by encouraging customers to become members of the conservancy. Representatives from the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will be on hand at the Mast Stores…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:43

View the transit of Venus in Cashiers

View the transit of Venus from 5:30 p.m. until sunset Tuesday, June 5, behind the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. The transit of Venus is when the planet Venus passes directly between the earth and the sun. This is seen as…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:41

Lily here and lily there

I was in the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest the other morning preparing to go to one of my Forest Service bird points when I noticed two tall white flowers at the edge of the woods. My first…
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 13:38

World-class research taking place at Highlands Biological Station

Richard Baird, a plant pathologist from Mississippi State University, was hard at work one day last week examining mushrooms in a small laboratory at the Highlands Biological Station. Baird is trying to determine which fungus might help Fraser firs grow…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:06

Some tips on coexisting with black bears

There are steps you can take to lessen conflicts on avoiding conflicts with black bears emerging from hibernation. The N.C. Wildlife Commission cautions not to feed bears that wander into camp sites, yards, parks, sidewalks or other residential areas. Feeding…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:06

Guided hike to Andrews Bald in the Smokies

A guided hike to see the wild rhododendrons of Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held Saturday, May 6. It is a bit early for rhododendrons at that elevation, but given the unseasonably warm spring…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:05

Hit the trail with Outward Bound race

N.C. Outward Bound School will hold a 5K and 8K trail race on Saturday, June 9 at the N.C. Arboretum, part of a new trail running race series for this year. The series will be managed by the River Bound…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:03

Take on the French Broad triathlon

The French Broad Challenge Triathlon will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at Carrier Park in Asheville as part of the weekend-long Mountain Sports Festival. Teams of two and three people will tackle a 1.5-mile run, a 2.5-mile…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:02

Soccer camps this summer in Waynesville

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is offering two summer soccer camps, a British Soccer Camp and a TetraBrazil Soccer Camp. The TetraBrazil Soccer Camp will be held from July 9 to 13 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. The camp will…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:01

Fishing day for kids

A free kids fishing day will be held in various spots across the mountains on Saturday, June 2. The event allows families and friends to share fun and quality time together, while learning about one of the nation’s favorite pastimes …
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 13:00

Arboretum’s Discovery Camp and the ultimate in outdoor learning

Kids can explore nature, wildlife, the environment and science during week-long Discovery Camps held at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville this summer from preschool through middle school. The camps utilize the 434-acre arboretum property as an outdoor classroom to cultivate…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:59

Homeowners get rooftop solar incentives from Progress Energy

More than 150 homes in North Carolina are now producing power from rooftop solar photovoltaic panels thanks to Progress Energy Carolinas’ SunSense Solar PV program. The program offers rebates to customers to help offset the cost of installing rooftop solar…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:58

Forage for your lunch on edible wild plant hike in Haywood

A wild edibles adventure will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at Cove Creek Gap next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cataloochee area of Haywood County. The day will be spent…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:57

Time to go birding

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society chapter is leading birding outings throughout the summer, with the next one planned for May 26, starting at 7:30 a.m. from The Bascom in Highlands, with several roadside points along Turtle Pond. Here, birders scout…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:56

Trail maintenance in wilderness areas

Training for people new to trail work will be held from May 29 through June 1 through the Wilderness Skills Institute, aimed at teaching trail volunteers the skills necessary to do trail maintenance in designated wilderness areas. This training will…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:54

Volunteers needed to help in Panthertown

A trail workday in Panthertown Valley will be held Saturday, May 26, and is open to anyone willing to lend a hand. Trail tools and instructions will be provided. Friends of Panthertown is hosting the trail workday along with REI…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:52

Aqua fitness class to be offered at WCU

An aqua fitness class at Western Carolina University will be held from 12:10 to 12:55 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 12 and running through Aug. 2 in the pool of Reid Gymnasium. Participants will engage in a variety…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:50

A day in the life

Up at 4 a.m. to try and catch up on a little correspondence before I hit the road for the Nantahala Ranger District to search for cerulean warblers, I’m on the road by 5. I’ve found a neat short cut…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:46

Does this grow here? The answer holds key to farming future

• Black Perigord Truffles: Three years ago researchers brought in Filbert trees that had their roots inoculated with truffle spore. The trees were planted at the station to see if truffles will grow in Western North Carolina. The hope is…
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 12:41

Burley and beef to broccoli and biofuel: Test farm plants seeds of new farm economy without forgetting its roots

Testing canola varieties for biofuel. Growing truffles. Finding hemlocks and Fraser firs that can survive the scourge of the adelgid. Determining best practices for organic heirloom tomato production. A walk through the fields of the Mountain Research Station will find…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:27

Students help build exhibit on historic Cherokee life

Anthropology students at Western Carolina University are experiencing hands-on learning in Clay County through archaeological digs and participation in the ongoing construction of an outdoor museum exhibit that portrays a Cherokee village from 1650 through 1750. Jane Eastman, WCU anthropology…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:26

New guidebook promotes “family fun”

A new 196-page guidebook titled Family Fun in the Smokies: A Family-friendly Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains by Katy Koontz has been released by the Great Smoky Mountains Association. The book is made up of maps, games, illustrations, photographs,…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:25

Cycle and camp on three-day trip

A three-day cycling and camping trip around Bryson City is set for Friday, May 18, through Sunday, May 20, under the guidance of the Western North Carolina Alliance. The trip starts with an exploration of Burningtown and Cowee valleys in…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:23

National “bike to work day” ride set for Friday

The second annual “bike to work day” ride in Haywood County will be held beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 18. The ride will depart from Best Buy parking lot on South Main in Waynesville, and will make its…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:22

Fishing guide to lead seminar, casting clinic

Nathan Chapman, guide and flyrod builder, will be the speaker at the 7 p.m. June 5 meeting of the Plateau Fly Fishing Club at the Albert Carlton Library in Cashiers. His presentation will focus on how and where to fish…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:22

Running seminar to be held at MedWest in Sylva

A free running seminar will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at MedWest Rehabilitation Services on the MedWest-Harris campus in Sylva with expert orthopedic physical therapist and competitive runner Todd Watson. Watson is a professor of…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:21

Mountain bike group meets weekly

The Nantahala Area Sorba (Southern off-road biking association) has started a weekly mountain bike ride 6:15 p.m. every Thursday at Tsali Recreation Area. The group meets at 6 p.m., and the ride is for all levels of bikers. The group rides…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:20

Arboretum to host annual rose exhibition

Visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum will be encouraged to stop and smell the roses when the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition debuts to the public from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:18

Conservancy group celebrates 50,000 protected acres

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is celebrating its protection of more than 50,000 acres across Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. This is the organization’s 38th year of preserving land from the Highlands of Roan to the edge of the…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:16

Medicinal botany class offered at HCC

An eight-week medicinal botany class will be held at Haywood Community College beginning May 19 through July 14. The class will explore the historical, botanical and traditional uses of medicinal plants, including Southern Appalachian native herbs. The instructor, Richard Gualandi,…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:15

Go birding on the Bartram Trail

An outing along the Bartram Trail near Jones Gap and the nearby Fishhawk Mountains is set for Saturday, May 19. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is sponsoring the event. The outing will include additional stops…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:14

Night hunting of coyotes and feral swine looked at

Hunters might soon be hunting coyote and wild swine at night with a light on private lands. The new regulations are year-round, seven days a week. Hunting on Sundays is allowed only on private lands with archery equipment. The new…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:13

Another deadly exotic

Experiments conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from the U.S., Canada and Germany strongly suggest that the fungus, Geomyces destructans, which causes White Nose Syndrome in bats, is a recent invasive from Europe. WNS was first discovered in the…
Wednesday, 16 May 2012 13:11

Bartram Trail: Mystery tract with no heirs provides critical link for long-distance hiking trail

It took more than a decade, a lot of detective work and a protracted legal case to clear the way for a new portion of the Bartram Trail in Macon County now under construction. The Bartram Trail Society maintains a…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:35

Buy Haywood uses cooking to connect to local farmers

Buy Haywood is connecting the community with local farmers and chefs in an effort to reintroduce people to the simple pleasure of preparing seasonal, local foods. The first cooking demonstration will be held on May 12 at the Whole Bloomin’…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:34

Learn how to live peacefully with bears

Learn how to coexist with black bears through a free Bear Education and Resources program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Macon County Community Center in Franklin. Bear Education And Resources (B.E.A.R.) Task Force is kicking off its…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:33

Adult soccer kicks off in Haywood

Registration will take place May 14-21 for adult summer soccer leagues through Haywood County Recreation and Parks. There will be two leagues, an open league and a women’s league. The open league will feature a maximum of 10 teams and…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:32

Workshop coming up on aquatic insects

Learn about aquatic insect sampling starting at 9 a.m. May 16 at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Macon County. You’ll learn what aquatic insects are and why they are important, plus how to use insect data in conjunction with fish data…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:30

Biological Foundation brings television host to garden celebration

Patrick McMillan, the host, co-creator, and writer of the popular and award-winning ETV nature program “Expeditions with Patrick McMillan,” is headlining an event celebrating the Highlands Botanical Garden’s 50th anniversary with a talk at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 12,…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:30

Seniors trip to museum scheduled

A trip for seniors to the Mountain Farm Museum with the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday, May 14. The cost is $7 per person for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:29

Learn to take photos of spring wildflowers

Learn how to take great photographs of spring wildflowers by participating in a guided photography hike on Tuesday, May 15. Professional nature photographer and teacher Don McGowan (Earthsong Photography) will lead this photography hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:28

Birding program, walk scheduled for May 12

A bird walk and program led by N.C. Audobon’s Curtis Smalling and international birding enthusiast Romney Bathurst will be held in Lonesome Valley in Cashiers May 12. The event is sponsored by the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Participants will look especially…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:25

WCU professor wins biodiversity educator of the year award

James T. Costa, Western Carolina University professor and director of Highlands Biological Station, is the recipient of the 2012 Outstanding Biodiversity Educator of the Year award bestowed by Discover Life in America. The nonprofit organization helps run the All Taxa…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:24

The Plott Hound focus of upcoming program

Author Bob Plott will discuss Western North Carolina’s unique Plott Hound at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Bethea Welcome Center. Plott’s The Story of the Plott Hound: Strike & Stay, was published in 2007 and awarded the 2008…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:23

Following a supermoon

Last night (May 5) was the unveiling of this year’s supermoon. Astronomer Richard Nolle coined the term supermoon in 1979 and basically it is that time each year when a full moon or new moon (dark moon) is closest to…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:22

The N.C. Arboretum to participate in National Public Gardens Day

The North Carolina Arboretum will participate in National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 11, waiving the parking fee for those visitors who present the National Public Gardens Day coupon, which may be printed from the Better Homes and Gardens…
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 13:19

Connected to the land: An early passion borne from goats and Radio Flyer wagon

David Burnette and his wife Diane do things the old way. “One thing just led to another,” David said of the couple’s self-sufficient lifestyle. On this day, while David shows a visitor around the couple’s Haywood County homestead, Diane thins…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:11

HCC ranked No. 1 in state in RecycleMania

Haywood Community College won the N.C. RecycleMania competition again this year. HCC beat out UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University. In addition, HCC is ranked as number 14 in the waste minimization category out of 605 participating colleges. RecycleMania is…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:09

WCU named one of top ‘green’ colleges in US

For the second year in a row, Western Carolina University is included among The Princeton Review’s list of the most environmentally responsible colleges in North America. The education services company selected WCU for inclusion in the third annual edition of…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:08

Fishing surveys are in the mail for some

Anglers in North Carolina soon will be randomly selected to receive a state fishing survey designed to determine anglers’ view on and preferences for fish management. Of the more than 800,000 anglers in North Carolina who holds a current freshwater…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:07

Adventure Travel Film Festival at NOC

Get set for three days and 16 films at Nantahala Outdoor Center during the Adventure Travel Film Festival May 4 to 6. The film festival hails from the United Kingdom and is an international celebration of the greatest adventure travel…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:06

5K trail race up to benefit conservation

If you are looking for a tough but short trail race, the Bearwallow Beast 5K might be just the ticket. The race is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, in Henderson County at Bearwallow Mountain. This race will ascend…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:05

Free golfing for tribe members

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can take advantage of enrolled member day at Sequoyah National Golf Club in Cherokee and enjoy free golf from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Those who don’t golf can…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:04

Endurance mountain bike race set for Tsali

One of the southeast’s premier endurance mountain bike races, 12 Hours of Tsali, returns to the Tsali Recreation Area from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, May 19. The goal for riders is to complete the 10- to 12-mile trail…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:03

‘Wicked Plants’ exhibit opens at arboretum

A new 4,000-square-foot exhibit at the North Carolina Arboretum opening Saturday, May 5, will introduce visitors to the evildoers lurking in their own backyards and beyond. Inspired by author Amy Stewart’s book Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:02

Community garden looking for volunteers

New gardeners are being sought to participate in Waynesville’s community garden, located behind the Old Armory in Waynesville. This community garden project is available for community members who would like to share in the labors, decision-making, harvests and social enjoyment…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:01

Adopt-a-Stream Volunteers needed in Haywood

Haywood Waterways is looking for individuals and groups to adopt a section of stream and help remove litter. Groups are asked to clean their adopted stream section at least once a year and commit to the adopted stream section for…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 02:00

Beekeepers meet features master beekeeper

The Macon County Beekeepers Association will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service office on Thomas Heights Road in Franklin. The speaker will be Linda Tillman, a master beekeeper from Atlanta. Anyone with…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 01:59

Learn how to coexist with bears

If you want to learn how to coexist with black bears, attend the Bear Education and Resources (B.E.A.R.) program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at the Macon County Community Center in Franklin. This is the first in this year’s…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 01:58

Artful birding

I had to take my shoes off to get there, but I believe last Saturday (April 28) was the 13th annual Birding for the Arts. BFA is part of the Haywood County Arts Council’s “Fund Party Series” – entertaining, fun…
Thursday, 03 May 2012 01:44

Tuckasegee River revival: Demolition of Dillsboro dam restores aquatic life

In the two years since the Dillsboro Dam was torn down, the Tuckasegee River has become home to a growing number of aquatic species, from mussels to insects to fish, as natural river habitat has been restored. “We’re certainly glad…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:38

Cradle of Forestry to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day

A day of events to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, at the Cradle of Forestry. Activities for the day include: • 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Family birding walks offer beginning and intermediate birders…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:37

Smokies invites kids to earn their Junior Ranger badge Saturday

Children and their families can help the Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrate National Junior Ranger Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28. There will be a variety of free, hands-on activities at Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:36

Volunteer to work on the Appalachian Trail this season

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is currently searching for volunteers to help maintain the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew program. No previous trail experience is required — just a desire to work hard, live in the…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:35

Birding opportunities abound in Highlands

Weekly Saturday bird walks will be held by the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society starting in May. The first Saturday of every month will be geared to beginners, with guidance on the use of binoculars and field guides and an introduction…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:34

Learn to bird by ear

Two birding events in the region, sponsored by the Great Smoky Mountains Audubon Society, are on the horizon. The first is birdwatching for beginners from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 28, at the Balsam Mountain Inn. Larry Thompson…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:32

Cashiers bike race just around the corner

The Tour de Cashiers, one of the region’s most well-known bike races, will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, starting at the Village Green in Cashiers. There are three races, a 25 mile, 62 mile and…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:28

Ruby Ride and Run to roll into Franklin

The Ruby Ride and Run will take place in Franklin on May 12, offering various distance options to both bikers and runners. The rides and the runs start and end at Franklin High School. A 5k and 10k run begin…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:27

Yellow ducks take to the Tuck in annual race for prizes

The popular annual Ducks on the Tuck, with little yellow rubber ducks racing down the Tuckasegee River, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. The ducks will be dropped into Scotts Creek at the train depot bridge…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:25

Sustainability runs deep in community college curriculum

Haywood Community College has been recognized for its cutting-edge work in promoting environmental sustainability by the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. “Haywood Community College has a robust history, dating back to 2006, of demonstrating sustainable technologies in the…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:24

Lace up those running shoes for a good cause

A Mothers Day Celebration 5K walk and run in Cherokee that also functions as a dialysis patient fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 12, at Acquoni Expo Center, or the old Cherokee High School. Registration starts at 11 a.m.,…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:22

Scarlet tanagers, maroon trilliums and green toads

Threatening weather forecasts likely kept many who registered for last Saturday’s (April 21) 5th Annual Spring Hike in Waynesville’s Watershed at home. But we caught a break — cloudy and overcast but the rain held off till around 11:30 a.m.…
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 13:19

Future park might be in the cards for the Plott Balsams

The recent acquisition of 720 acres of land in the Plott Balsams has helped set the table for the first major park to be created along the Blue Ridge Parkway in six decades. The land, owned by former Congressman Charles…
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:52

Rally to protest Smokies backcountry camping fee

A backcountry fee rally will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 21, at the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to heighten awareness and provide information about the proposed backcountry fee that will…
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:51

Spring wildflower and bird pilgrimage

The 40th annual Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage will be held April 27-29, with registration at 6:30 p.m., April 27, in the lobby of UNC Asheville’s Robinson Hall. There will be 14 events, including talks and guided tours, focused on…
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:50

5k race set for Sylva Greening Up

The Greening up the Mountains 5k Run & Walk will be held in downtown Sylva at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, in conjunction with the annual street festival of the same name. The race is organized by the Jackson…
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:49

HCC to hold Earth Day celebration

Haywood Community College’s fifth-annual Earth Day Celebration will focus on renewable energies, clean transportation and getting in touch with your surroundings and will run from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. April 24. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 12:30…
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:48

Biologist devotes her career to protecting flying squirrels

Christine Kelly of Asheville, a wildlife diversity biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, has been awarded the 2011 Recovery Champion Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The award, which was given to nine individuals across the country,…
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 12:47

WNC lab to check for botanical integrity in growing biotech field

There’s now a local outlet to authenticate and check the purity of botanical ingredients via the U.S. Botanical Safety Laboratory through the N.C. Arboretum and Bent Creek Institute. A nonprofit quality testing services network, the laboratory will begin offering routine…
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