Outdoors
America's worst idea: Cuts to national parks put safety, economy, legacy at risk
Often called “America’s best idea,” the National Park System founded more than a century ago has given generations of visitors from across the country and the world a unique opportunity to come together amid the bountiful natural beauty and historical dignity this nation has to offer.
Word from the Smokies: Ongoing monitoring builds knowledge of park’s environment
Every day at several locations around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, information about onsite environmental conditions is being added to a growing cache of observational data about the park—offering insights to the region’s past, present, and future.
The Joyful Botanist: Dog days of winter
While winter walks in the woods can sometimes seem devoid of botanical interest, especially for someone as flower-focused as I tend to be, there are plenty of evergreen plants, shrubs and trees to entice me onto a trail in the dormant season while I await the return of wildflowers.
Up Moses Creek: Bones of Contention
Watching birds is a year-round pleasure for Becky and me — daily to see their beauty and vitality, their aerial acrobatics, their antics and doings that reveal their native smarts. And to make sure there are birds to watch we bait the yard.
RMEF helps conserve wildlife habitat in North Carolina
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supplied funding to help a collaborative partnership conserve 406 acres of habitat for elk, whitetail deer, wild turkey, grouse and other wildlife in Western North Carolina.
Underground storage tank loan program available for those affected by Helene
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management’s Underground Storage Tank Section (NCDEQ-DWM-UST), has launched the Bridge Loan Program to assist owners and operators with testing and repairing surface infrastructure for their petroleum underground storage tanks (USTs) affected by Hurricane Helene.
Smokies Life receives national recognition for ‘Letters from the Smokies’
Smokies Life received national recognition at the 2025 Public Lands Alliance Partnership Awards for “Letters from the Smokies,” which was named Publication of the Year.
Conservation access plan public session rescheduled
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) invites the public to attend upcoming forums to discuss implementation of a Conservation Access Pass currently under consideration.
Haywood Waterways seeks feedback
Haywood Waterways Association is creating a strategic plan for which it is seeking input, advice and opinions from the public.
The survey can be completed in one session and should take 10-15 minutes.
