Spring litter sweep begins
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Spring Litter Sweep kicked off April 12 and runs through April 26. This biannual cleanup event invites residents across the state to bag litter and beautify roadsides, all while helping protect North Carolina’s natural charm.
Ah, Booyz, that’s good
Kind Hearts, this hurricane has made me think about water, and I can say with certainty that water once had a role in my grandparents’ life that was near to a religion. Several years ago, a friend sent me a warning that confused me. “An organization named Nestlé is coming for your water.” What the hell? I struggled to understand how anyone could steal my water.
A remedy for the spring-time blues
There are always seasons in life when you feel the need to get away from your day-to-day, and I have found myself in just such a season.
Notes from a plant nerd: Spring, Sprang, Sprung, Sproing! What is Springtime?
Spring has fully sprung across Southern Appalachia, as we are awakened daily to birdsong and the bustling morning activity of bees and butterflies.
Staring up at the branches on ‘Berry Lane’
A month ago, on a day that was officially in winter but which felt like spring, I was walking in the woods near my house.
Notes from a plant nerd: Hope for the Hemlocks
In springtime, all things are possible. Everything around you that is alive is imbued right now with the same hopeful energy.
Now is a great time to submit soil samples
Experts are using the spring weather to remind people to test their soil if that has not been done in the last two to three years.
The "Whole Bloomin' Thing" Festival

INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Thursday, June 5th • 3pm-6pm
Complimentary Samples
(Limited Availability)
One of the most underappreciated parts of some of the foods we eat is fiber. Fiber can:
• Make us feel more full and satisfied.
• Help with digestion and gut health.
• Reduce "bad" cholesterol
Read MoreOften, I hear terms like “buy local” and “eat local foods”. But what does “local” mean? There is no legal definition of “local”, and it may depend on who is using this term and their personal opinion of what “local” means.
Read MoreYou need a sweet treat but don't want to add too many calories or carbohydrates/sugar to your meals ...what can you do?
Here are 10 ideas to satisfy that craving without going overboard and that contain nutrients that will contribute to health more so than just having candy or a pastry:
Read More