Outdoors
Life on Our Planet: Emmy-nominated producer to speak at WCU
As a young child, growing up right outside of London, Dan Tapster fondly remembers watching David Attenborough’s nature documentaries with his mother, these family moments that were “a cherished ritual.”
“She proudly claims to be his number one fan,” Tapster said. “And those early experiences ignited my fascination with storytelling and the natural world.”
The Joyful Botanist: Robin’s Plantain
Among the earliest flowering members of the Aster Family (Asteraceae) is the robin’s plantain (Erigeron pulchellus). Around Cullowhee, the robin’s plantain begins blooming in early April at lower elevations and can be seen blooming at higher elevations into June.
The Joyful Botanist: Up Moses Creek
I really enjoy and am honored by the fact that I share this column space with Burt Kornegay who writes the fun and informative column. I like sharing this space because I enjoy reading his writing, and because he is a friend and a big influence on me and my work leading plant walks.
The Joyful Botanist: Something Spicy
Many of the first signs of springtime are subtle. There are little shifts in the breeze as the sun begins to feel a bit warmer and remains in the sky a little bit longer each day. Birdsong increases morning and evening, and other flying beings begin buzzing around looking to forage some pollen and nectar.
Wildfire season is here. Helene and DOGE could make it worse.
Limited resources and tricky topography already pose challenges. Now those problems have been exacerbated.
When Chris and Sara Evensen bought their home off Elk Mountain Scenic Highway in 2018, they felt like they’d hit the natural beauty jackpot: a nice home on two acres, ensconced in a gorgeous hardwood forest.
Lake Junaluska plant sale offers new varieties
Lake Junaluska’s Spring Plant Sale will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym.
For sale will be a few thousand plants, including an assortment of annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables, hanging baskets and several varieties of native plants from the Corneille Bryan Native Garden, said Melissa Marshall, Lake Junaluska director of grounds.
West Swain Fire Department hosts bass tournament and BBQ dinner
The West Swain Fire Department — an all-volunteer department — is hosting its 31st annual bass tournament and BBQ dinner.
The event will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3 at the Almond Boat Park at Fontana Lake.
Public input sought on Jackson County conservation plan
The Jackson County ‘Headwaters District’ Conservation Plan seeks to apply an objective, fact-based approach to assessing the conservation and development priorities of communities within the southern half of Jackson County.
Much of Western North Carolina still abnormally dry
The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has classified most of the state as at least abnormally dry with only a few counties entirely normal. Over half of the state’s counties are abnormally while 42 counties — all east of The Smoky Mountain News coverage area — are in a moderate drought. Onslow County is in a severe drought.
