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: Rowan on a mountain
At the higher elevations in the Southern Appalachian Mountains grows a special and sacred tree whose red berries glow in the full sun against a clear blue-sky. Steeped in folklore and traditions brought by European settlers and colonizers, the sight of the rowan tree (Sorbus americanus) must have filled the hearts of Scotch and Irish descendants with nostalgia for home.
Notes from a plant nerd: Playing with a full deck
Dear reader, yeah, I mean you. You who are reading this while holding the paper in your hands or scanning through on your computer, tablet or phone. Yeah, you. I am so deeply grateful to you for reading my articles. This marks the 52nd column that I have written for The Smoky Mountain News, with one running every couple of weeks for the last two years or so. That’s one for each week in the year. One for every card in a deck.
Interested in forest valuation?
Alexandra Lewis, a USDA Forester in the Nantahala Ranger District will offer a presentation to shed light on valuation of forests. The presentation will touch on how a forest is valued relative to quality of life and flora sustainability.
Film looks at the disappearing American Chestnut
On Monday, Aug. 19, the series “Where We Live: History, Nature, and Culture,” will present a screening of the film, “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut.”
Word from the Smokies: Sochan gathering program grows relationship between tribe, park and plants
“There’s some legends and stories about this particular area, this place we’re at right now,” said Tommy Cabe, who is the forest resource specialist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a member of the Tribe, looking out over the vibrantly green forest floor surrounding a tiny stream that flows across Chimney Tops Trail.
Volunteers work on Franklin’s Cherokee heritage trail
Local hands are nurturing the Barbara McRae Cherokee Heritage Apple Trail in Franklin.
Haywood waterways hosts tree identification hike
On May 18, Haywood Waterways Association and Haywood Community College will lead a moderate 6-mile hike in the Sunburst area of Haywood County.
N.C. Forest Service celebrates Arbor Day
Arbor Day will be observed March 22 in North Carolina.
N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said tree planting is a natural and simple solution to many challenges landowners face.
Join educational hike March 18
A UNC-Asheville geology professor will lead an educational hike March 18.
