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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Backcountry guardians: Documentary highlights Haywood SAR’s lifesaving impact, shows hikers how to stay safe

As 23-year-old David Crockett opened his eyes to day two of sub-freezing temperatures in the snow-covered Shining Rock Wilderness, he had…
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Appalachian Farm School returns to Sylva

An eight-week training course for anyone interested in operating an agriculture-based business will kick off Monday, Jan. 15, at Southwestern…
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Forest Service releases 800-acre Nantahala restoration plan

The U.S. Forest Service has released its final analysis and draft decision for the Nantahala Mountains Project, which will touch…
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Database collects George Masa photos

A new database cataloguing the work of renowned Smokies photographer, Japan-born George Masa, is now available online. 
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Show off on snowboard

Over the next two months, snowboarders are invited to film their best moves at Cataloochee Ski Area and submit them…
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Pitch in with Panthertown

Friends of Panthertown will host a trail workday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, meeting at Salt Rock…
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Ready for 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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Environmentalists make the case for housing

Hear the case for building more housing from an environmental perspective with a webinar offered 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22,…
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Go hiking

Explore winter in the mountains with a trio of upcoming hikes led by Haywood County Recreation and Parks. 
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Explore Rattlesnake Lodge
 

Explore Rattlesnake Lodge

The Carolina Mountain Club has started a new hiking initiative, called Leisure Hikes, with the next event scheduled for 10…
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Cultivating dreams: Garden shop opens in Waynesville

Just about a year ago, Spencer Tetrault was cruising along Depot Street in Waynesville when he noticed a “For Lease”…
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EcoForesters recognizes stewards of the land

The nonprofit EcoForesters has crowned its winners for the people who made a difference in forest stewardship and education during…
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Drought shrinks following Christmas rain

While some may have preferred a white Christmas, the rain that covered the region instead has proven the better Christmas…
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Signups start soon for Arboretum youth programs

Registration opens soon for several upcoming outdoor education opportunities at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. 
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Regional leaders discuss strategies for the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor

More than 130 leaders from North Carolina and Virginia gathered to discuss a strategic action plan for the entire Blue…
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Park Service to focus study on Indian Reorganization Period

The National Park Service has announced its intention to collaborate with Native American tribes across the country on a theme…
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MountainTrue recognizes all-star volunteers

MountainTrue has recognized the members and volunteers who gave the most to the waters, forests and communities of Western North…
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Hike with CMC

Take a winter walk on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Sunday, Jan. 7, in Asheville with the Carolina Mountain Club. 
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Highlands Greenway celebrates productive 2023

During 2023, volunteers with the Highlands Plateau Greenway contributed 640 hours to create new trails and maintain the existing ones…
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Workday planned at Jackson greenway

Help remove invasive plants on the Jackson County Greenway 1-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12 in Cullowhee. 
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Tie flies like a pro

A three-week fly-tying course will teach participants to tie flies from the Southern Appalachians, 6-8 p.m. Mondays Jan. 15-29 at…
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Learn how to prepare for backcountry emergencies
 

Learn how to prepare for backcountry emergencies

Cullowhee-based Landmark Learning is now enrolling for a variety of wilderness medicine certification courses planned for the winter months. 
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