Outdoors
Word from the Smokies: Fall adventure supports research into park biodiversity
As days grow shorter in the Great Smoky Mountains, the colorful landscape hums with life. Creatures large and small scurry through the blanket of fallen leaves gathering nuts and berries, crafting intricate homes to wait out the winter, and preparing for the stillness of the season ahead.
The Joyful Botanist: Turtleheads
There are many different wildflowers that signal the seasonal transition from summer into fall.
I used to be overcome with the melancholy of fall when I would see the goldenrods (Solidago spp.) start to bloom, thinking “No, it’s too early for the end of the blooming season and the start of winter!” That’s how I used to think of fall. Goldenrods no longer usher in the sadness for me as I have successfully reframed them as a summer wildflower that blooms into fall.
Cradle of Forestry announces fall events
The following are the Cradle of Forestry’s fall events:
Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day
Times: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
NC Wildlife Resources Commission director to retire
After 34 years of service to the state of North Carolina, Cameron Ingram, executive director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2024. Ingram has served as NCWRC executive director since August 2020.
Drought expands in WNC
Over the last couple of weeks, the drought has expanded in Western North Carolina, and it now covers all of Haywood, Swain, Jackson and Macon counties. There was widespread rain over the last week, but it remains to be seen whether that precipitation cut into the drought.
Camp out with Misfit Mountain animal rescue
Join Haywood County’s Misfit Mountain Animal Rescue for the second-annual Pigs & a Blanket Festival & Campout this weekend.
The event will be held from 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the animal rescue at 922 Incinerator Road in Clyde.
Ski Lake Junaluska Winter Youth Retreat
Experience the wonder of winter this season during a Ski Lake Junaluska Winter Youth Retreat in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host two family-friendly events to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day, an annual celebration promoting outdoor recreation and conservation.
WNC Mountain State Fair winners bring home hardware
The following are winners in the N.C. Mountain State Fair’s opening weekend poultry, rabbit, sheep, goat and beef cattle categories from the Smoky Mountain News coverage area:
