Outdoors
Take part in the Assault on BlackRock
The 2026 Assault on BlackRock trail race has been set for Saturday, March 21 in Sylva.
All proceeds from this race will go to the Sylva Art & Design Committee with a focus on bringing more art (outdoor murals) to downtown Sylva.
NCDA&CS Agronomic Services laboratory fees increasing
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services Lab will raise some of its testing fees beginning March 2, with most increases ranging from $3 to $5 depending on test.
Soil testing will remain free for North Carolina residents outside the peak season which runs late November or early December through March. In the fall of 2026, the peak-season rate will increase from $4 to $5 per sample.
Word from the Smokies: Park entomologist reflects on career of conserving insects
From bears and bobcats to eagles and elk, 22,893 species have been documented so far in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — and nearly half of them are insects. Becky Nichols, the park’s long-time entomologist, has dedicated her career to learning about and protecting lifeforms like bees, wasps, moths and butterflies.
As a child in rural Washington state, Nichols gravitated toward nature and animals of all sorts. She knew from a young age that she wanted a career related to the environment.
‘Kitchen table’ idea takes flight in Pigeon River Gorge
NCDOT partners with wildlife agencies on creative concept for bat habitat. Sometimes, it helps to step away from the workplace to get the creativity flowing. That’s what happened to Kenny McCourt, an N.C. Department of Transportation resident engineer overseeing a set of bridge replacement projects on Interstate 40 in Haywood County.
Fly-tying class in Haywood
The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will host expert fly-tying instructors from the Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and conduct an “Introduction to Fly Tying” class on three evenings in February. Intended for first-time fly tyers wanting to learn the basics, the class will also appeal to crafters seeking a challenge, as well as to anglers looking to get some expert tips.
Lake Junaluska hosts annual cleanup day
Join the fun and the community at Lake Junaluska Cleanup Day held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Lake Junaluska.
The cleanup will focus on clearing debris that has collected along the shorelines of and entrance roadways to Lake Junaluska. Volunteers should dress accordingly for the weather and potentially muddy conditions. All work will be done outside, rain or shine.
Jackson County to offer birding class
Jackson County Recreation is hosting a class for those wishing to learn more about birding.
The class will be provide an interactive presentation, and prior experience isn’t necessary. Those who participate will learn about the “four keys to bird identification” and how to recognize species unique to the region.
Learn how to plan your vegetable garden
People new to vegetable gardening and folks looking for a refresher to hone those skills can learn from a master gardener next week.
Topics covered in the class will include starting a new garden, planning a garden for spring and fall planting, following a garden calendar, improving soil and composting. The class will involve both lectures and hands-on demonstrations.
Hatley Pointe elevates WNC ski experience
Over the last two winters, a special destination has emerged within the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina — Hatley Pointe Ski Resort.
“It’s all about continuous improvement. We’re building something unique, and to do that we need to be constantly learning and improving,” said Jeff Fissel, general manager at Hatley Pointe. “For us, it has been all about trying to see the ski experience through our guests’ eyes and making sure we’re on the cutting edge of a great guest experience and holding ourselves to the standard of all great resorts.”
