Outdoors
Country miles: Federal designation sought for Benton MacKaye Trail
This year marked both the 16th birthday of the Benton MacKaye Trail and the 100th anniversary of its namesake’s flagship idea. Proponents of the trail want Congress to honor these milestones by designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as the nation’s 12th National Scenic Trail .
Songbird outbreak is subsiding
A mysterious outbreak that has been affecting songbirds since May 2020 appears to be subsiding, and thanks to diligent reporting from North Carolina residents it seems to not be much affecting birds in the state, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission announced last week.
Celebrate Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 25, and there are several local opportunities to get involved.
Get in gear for adventure
Try out the latest outdoor gear innovations while enjoying live music, food, beer and Camp Rockmont’s myriad outdoor offerings during the Get in Gear Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in Black Mountain.
Below the waterline: Fred’s impact on aquatic life remains to be seen
Eric Romaniszyn had been Haywood Waterways Association’s project manager for less than six months when the legendary floods of September 2004 tore through Clyde and Canton, challenging him to execute his new role addressing watershed health and education in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime weather event.
Lend a hand in the Smokies
Volunteers will have a chance to give back to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during several workdays planned throughout the month of September.
Moderate fall color season predicted
A “reasonably colorful” fall leaf season with a less pronounced peak than usual is predicted for Western North Carolina, according to Western Carolina University fall color forecaster Beverly Collins.
See wildlife through local lenses
Wildlife through the lenses of local photographers will be on display at the Macon County Public Library through the month of September.
It’s farmers market time
According to guidance from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, farmers markets fall under the same classification as grocery stores and are considered an important source of food for local communities.
