Outdoors
North Carolina is drought-free for the first time since October 2024
North Carolina is drought-free in the latest advisory issued Thursday by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC), marking the first time since Oct. 15 that the state has been free of drought or abnormally dry conditions.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation expands efforts to enhance tourism economy
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust to support regional strategies to advance tourism and related economic development. The grant activities will benefit workers and businesses in numerous gateway communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
State launches ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign
The summer heat is here. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor are reminding employers and workers alike to take simple, effective steps to prevent heat-related illnesses on the job.
Word from the Smokies: New ranger crew works to stop emergencies before they start
It’s not yet 9 a.m. on a weekday, but Alum Cave Trail is already bustling. With parking scarce, hikers might walk nearly a mile to reach the trailhead along Newfound Gap Road.
“I’ve probably already talked to 20 people,” says Joshua Albritton, supervisory preventative search and rescue ranger for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, joining PSAR Ranger Cutter Wheeler at the trailhead around a quarter after nine.
Haywood Waterways hosts fishing tournament
The nonprofit Haywood Waterways Association will host its second annual fishing tournament on the West Fork of the Pigeon River.
There are categories for both adults and youth 12 and under. Adults can participate in teams of one to four individuals. Registration fee is $200 per team. Fly and conventional rods are both OK.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation awarded $5 million grant for regional tourism
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $5.13 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support regional strategies to advance cultural and recreational tourism. The grant activities will benefit dozens of Appalachian gateway communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina that host millions of visitors each year.
Paddleboard at Wolf Lake
Jackson County recreation is hosting a stand-up paddleboarding event on Wolf Lake.
Beginners and seasoned paddlers alike are welcome to enjoy the adventure, which will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 20.
Join Franklin Bird club for walks
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.
Word from the Smokies: Bryson City painter reflects on a lifetime of art inspired by nature
Elizabeth Ellison was dealing almost strictly in watercolors when a logistical challenge transformed her painting career. It was 2013, and she was planning a one-person exhibition at the NC Arboretum in Asheville that would require to her to produce a plethora of new paintings in time for the 2017 show.
