Sylva to Host CycleNC Mountain Ride August 1-3

The Town of Sylva was selected to be the host of the 2025 CycleNC Mountain Ride August 1-3, 2025, hosted by North Carolina Amateur Sports. Approximately 400 cyclists and their families from across the state will be attending. For this event, cyclists will be enjoying “go at your own pace” riding tours on country roads throughout Jackson County (and Swain County on Sunday). 

Mainspring and partners protect Parkway views

The Conservation Fund announced that a critical property in the Great Balsam Mountains is protected as forest and natural land.

Notes from a plant nerd: Oh balsam tree, oh balsam tree

At the highest elevations of the Southern Appalachians grow two evergreen trees that give the Balsam Mountains their name — red spruce (Picea rubens) and Fraser fir (Abies fraseri).

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