The Competitive Edge

• Bele Cher 5k, July 26. Race starts in front of mccormick Field baseball stadium in Asheville and winds it way through. www.ashevilletrackclub.org.

• fontana dam jam a mountain bike race held at fontana village July 26 and 27. Part of the South Eastern Regional Championships. Downhill Race Saturday at noon, Short Track 8 p.m., Sunday Kids race; 8:30 a.m. Cross Country Race 9:30 a.m.. www.goneriding.com, 352.873.9279.

• Roan moan, registration $30, century ride 7 a.m., quarter and metric century ride 9 a.m. july 26. starts at the firedepartment, Bakersville. 828.688.6102.

• Raft race at Hominy Creek Park on the French Broad in Asheville. 10 a.m. August 2. Part of Rockin' Riverfest. riverlink.org/rockinriverfest.asp.

•The Night Train. A 12 Hour Endurance Race based at Fontana Village. August 9. $50 a person. www.ridethenighttrain.com or darrin@ridethenighttrain.com.

• Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Get certified to teach others who to teach Leave No Trace principles. Three days of the course will be spent backpacking. August 11 - 15. Conducted by Landmark Learning, an outdoor training base-camp in Cullowhee. 828.293.5384 main@landmarklearning.org.

Outings and fieldtrips

• WCU Outdoor summer fun series will offer “outdoor photograhy classes” $55 (includes lunch) Josh Whitmore will lead the group. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., July 31, Pre-registration is required. 828.277.7397.

• Waynesville Parks and Recreation will offer a field photography class taught by Bob Grytten. Class through Aug. 12 and will meet from 7-9 p.m. each Tuesday with field shoots eery wednesdy at 8 a.m. Space lmited, call Michael Huffstetler at 828.456.9207 or Grytten at 828.627.0245.

• Nature Ramble to White Oak Sinks, explore different forest types, learn plant ID and geology in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. $15/person, Wear Sturdy shoes and outdoor clothing bring a lunch for the trail. 865.448.6709.

• Bear Lake canoe and kayak trip Crystal clear water, and beautiful picturesque views on Jackson County lake. Led by Wayensville Recreation Center. $20 Members; $28 Non-Members. Registration deadline is July 23.828.456.9207,oldarmory@townofwaynesville.org.

• Introduction to Rock Climbing. Learn the basics of rock climbing, including information about harnesses, basic knots, and rope safety systems while students climb the indoor wall at WCU. July 25 and 26, Western Carolina Unviersity summer adventure program. $75. learn.wcu.edu or call 828.227.7397.

• Friends of Panthertown Valley Work Day. Meet new friends and help keep Panthertown Valley beautiful and well maintained. July 31. Volunteers should meet at the Salt Rock Gap entrance gate at 9 a.m. 828.243.9800 or friends.of.pantertown@gmail.com.

• INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN Learn the basics of fly-fishing from experienced anglers--equipment, knots, fly-tying, casting, and aquatic entomology. Conclude the day with actual fishing on the Davidson River 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 2. $40. 919.707.0172.

• Rockin' RiverFest. Raft Race, Kids' Parade, Dog Parade, Music, local food and beer, vendors and artists. Sponsored by Riverlink. August 2 at French Broad River Park in Asheville. riverlink.org/rockinriverfest.asp.

• Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River. Led by Outdoor Adventures,$35 Members; $45 Non-Members. at 11:30 a.m. August 2. 828.456.9207.

Environmental Concerns

• The Changing Mountain Environment: Medicinal Plants, Sustainable Production and Harvesting, and Biochemical Research. Four regional experts will discuss the uniquemedicinal plant biodiversity of the Southern Appalachian mountains. July 24, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., NC Arboretum, 828.665.2492.

• “Defining the Greatest Good: Management Challenges for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest”Talk by Brent Martin, 7 p.m. July 24 at the Highlands Nature Center. Part of the Zahner Conservation Lecture series. 828.526.2602.

• SUSTAINABLE LIVING SPEAKER Ned Ryan Doyle, a Renaissance man, will show you how to make your life more environmental concious and steps society can take. $5 and includes dinner. 6:30 p.m. August 1, Highlands Civic Center. 828.526.9938, ext. 320.

• Green Living Fair, discussion groups and booths by more than 30 environmental non-profits and vendors of green products and services. Adults $5, Teens $3; kids 12 and under. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 2. Highlands Civic Center and adjacent recreation park. 828.526.9938, ext. 320.

programs and workshops

• Casting Clinic, learn about the latest in casting techniques and equipment from Diamond Brand Outdoors. 6-7 p.m., Wednesdays at Fletcher Park in Buncombe County. 828.684.6262.

• Paddlesports Mini Demo Days, Diamond Brand will give customers a chance to demo both recreational and whitewater kayaks and canoes from manufacturers. Certifies kayak instructor will be on hand. 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Lake Julian Park. 828.251.4688

• cullowhee Native plant conference, plant ecology, conservation, propaggation, and the use of native plants in the landscape. July 23-26, 828.227.7397.

• Butterfly wokshop, learn to i.d. butterflies in the field. Led by Bird Ventures, July 26, 828.253.4247.

• fly-fish talk, josh stephens, member of the fly fishing team usa, will discuss nymphing techniques. 7 p.m. July 23, Albert Carlton Library Cashiers, Plateau Fly Fishing Club, 828.743.2078.

• Understanding the Black Bear Talk by black bear expert and nature photographer Bill Lea. 6:30 p.m. July 23 at the Cashiers Library. Part of the Village Nature series by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Julie.hitrust@earthlink.net, 828.526.111.

• Haywood Alliance, a local chapter of the WNC Alliance, meets at 6 p.m. July 24 Waynesville Library Get invovled with protecting Haywood County's environment, scenery and farmland from development, and encouraging politicians to take steps.

• SEARCH & RESCUE MANAGEMENT. Learn to manage land search and rescue operations, including National Incident Command System. “Table Top” searches will be completed by teams in a classroom environment. July 26. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. $49. 865.974.0150 or Smoky@utk.edu.

• Woodscaping Your Woodlands & Firewise Management, A general overview of managing your forest land. Biltmore Forest School Woodland Steward Series July 25 and 26. $50 per person per session, with spouse or other family member at $25. amysworkshopinfo@aol.com or 828.884.5713 ex. 26.

• Attracting Birds to your Feeder. Part of Keeper's Corner 11 a.m. to noon on July 27, WNC Nature Center in Asheville. 828-298-5600 to reserve a spot.

• Nantahala River bridge construction workshop, informatioal on new bridge over the river in the Gorge. 5 to 7 p.m. July 29, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center Pavilion, on the backside of the river from U.S. 19/74.

• Zahner Conservation Lecture series.Flight of the Honeybee. 7 p.m. July 31 at the Highlands Nature Center. 828.526.2602.

• Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals. Learn how to improvise equipment, deal with challenging environmental conditions, and make difficult medical decisions in remote locations. August 4 - 9. Conducted by Landmark Learning, an outdoor training base-camp in Cullowhee. 828.293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org.

Farm & Garden

• Recycled Mulch is for sale through the Jackson County Solid Waste Department. $10 per load. 828.586.7509.

• Botanical Garden Tour, Fridays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Highlands Nature Center. 828.524.2623.

• Waynesville’s Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the intersection of Russ Avenue and Main Street.

• Canton’s Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and Thursdays on Park Street.

• The Pigeon Valley Farmers’ Market is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday next to the COl Mountain Market on U.S. 276.

• Sylva’s Farmers’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in the town parking lot off Mill Street.

• Franklin’s Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays on West Palmer Street.

• Bryson City’s Beautiful Day Farmers’ and Artists’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays the county administration building. 828.488.3848.

• The Cherokee Farmers’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays on Acquoni Road.

• Landscape Class, visit each other’s yards and learn about plant selection, pruning, planting, pest issues and any other issues that arise. Haywood County residents are welcome. $25, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon. Through Aug. 5, 828.456.3575.

• Spirit, Skin, and Skeleton: Ways to Stay Healthy in the Garden, taught by Nurse Practitioner, Leslie McDowell. Free, registration is required, Roux Gardens 828.456.4261.

Group Meetings

• Tuckaseigee Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Fishermen from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain welcome. Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. United Community Bank on N.C. 107 in Sylva.

• Smoky Mountain Beekeepers meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month in the Whittier Community Building in Whittier. Open to anyone interested in honeybees. 828.554.6935.

• The sylva Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Presbyterian Church. bscreven@earthlink.net or 828.586.1640.

• WNC Sportsmans Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday night of each month at the Juke Box Junction Restaurant located in Bethel at the junction of US 276 and NC 110.

Bike Rides

• Sylva: Tuesday at 6 p.m. Depart from Motion Makers bike shop for a 25-mile ride up to the Balsam Post office via back roads and back into Sylva. 828.586.6925.

• Bryson City: Wednesday around 6 p.m. Depart from the East Swain Elementary school in Whittier on U.S.19 of exit 69 from U.S. 23-74. 800.232.7238, ext. 158.

• Bryson City, Women’s ride on Mondays 5:45 p.m., departing from the Whittier Post Office. trish@dayspanvnc.com.

• Franklin: Sunday at 1 p.m. departing from the Franklin Health & Fitness Center on Main Street in Franklin. fhfc@smnet.net or 828.369.5608 and ask for Tom.

• Franklin: Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. departing from Smoky Mountain Bicycles at 179 Highlands Road. Geared for all levels. 828.369.2881.

• Bent Creek: Mountain bike ride held on the first and third Sundays of each month. Meet 1:30 p.m. at the Rice Pinnacle parking area for this two-hour ride. Skill Level: Beginner. Please bring a properly maintained mountain bike, helmet, water. Contact Van Rogers at van_rogers5000@yahoo.com.

• Mountain bike ride: Rough Creek watershed outside canton. Meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Ingles paking lot, Exit 31 off I-40. Steep climbing and will be around 10-12 miles. Contact David Tate dtate@brinet.com if you plan to go.

Hikes

• Blue Ridge Parkway Hike. Join a ranger for a one-mile hike along Buck Springs Trail around Mountain Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway. See the ruins of an old Vanderbuilt hunting lodge.10 a.m. July 25. Meet at the Buck Springs Gap Parking Overlook at Milepost 407.7. 828.456.9530, ext. 3, or 828.350.3822, ext. 209.

• Waterfall hike, guided by a ranger departing from cliffside lake. 10 a.m. July 26, FREE, located 3 miles south of highlands on U.S. 64 in the Nantahala National Forest. mary.bennett@mcsk-12.org.

• “walk ‘n Talk” hike, bradley fork trial, 1.2 miles to lower chasteen back county campsite 5:45, July 25. Meet at the far end of Smokmont Campground. RSVP’s are appreciated 828.488.8418.