Outdoors
Submit soil samples to avoid peak-season fees
Now is the time to submit soil samples for faster turnaround time on results and avoid peak-season testing fees. This year, the peak laboratory season starts Wednesday, Nov. 26, and runs through March 31, 2026.
Samples must physically arrive at the Agronomic Services’ loading dock by Tuesday, Nov. 25, by 5 p.m. or earlier to avoid being charged a peak-season fee of $4 per sample.
‘Girls on the Run’ 5K coming to Asheville
Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina (GOTR WNC) will host its annual Fall 5K Presented by AdventHealth. Hundreds of girls, families, coaches and community members will lace up their sneakers for this celebration of confidence, connection and joy.
Smokies to remain open through Jan. 4
Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies will continue to provide funding to ensure Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open with basic visitor services and limited staffing from Nov. 3, through Jan. 4, 2026.
Jackson greenway obtains therapy trail status
Jackson County is now home to two certified forest therapy trails endorsed by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy. The most recent certified trail is the Jackson County Greenway. The first trail certified was the popular Pinnacle Park lower loop section.
Haywood Waterways seeks water collection volunteers
Haywood Waterways is putting out a call for volunteers to collect water samples.
In 1996, the Volunteer Water Information Network program was established as a water quality monitoring program for many Western North Carolina counties.
Wreath-making workshop
This year, folks in Haywood County will have the chance to embellish their homes with a one-of-a-kind wreath at the annual NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Wreath-Making Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 6. The extension office will provide a selection of fresh greenery, natural embellishments and knowledgeable extension master gardener volunteers.
Dispose of pesticides in Haywood County
Farmers, homeowners and small businesses are invited to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville.
This free collection, sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and N.C. Cooperative Extension, is open to individuals, farmers and small businesses—no dealers or large retailers.
Homecoming weekend at WCU set for Nov. 7-8
A packed slate of weekend events is on tap as Western Carolina University rolls out the welcome mat for alumni and friends to return to campus Nov. 7-8 for Homecoming 2025, including a parade and party in the university’s adopted hometown of Sylva.
Foothills Conservancy announces sensory trail update
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina announced the completion and opening of an accessible walking trail through the meadow of Oak Hill Community Park & Forest, marking the latest milestone in the park’s Sensory Trail Experience Program.
