Outdoors
Tickets on sale for Blue Ghost Firefly tour
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 “Blue Ghost Firefly Tour” at the Cradle of Forestry in America.
This annual event offers a rare opportunity to witness the mesmerizing display of the elusive Blue Ghost Fireflies (Phausis reticulata) in their natural habitat.
Burning trash is against state law
The open burning of trash, metal, plastic and all other man-made materials not only harms the environment and poses a public health risk, and it’s against state law.
While many chose to burn debris outdoors for disposal in spring, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality is reminding North Carolinians: that if it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it.
Farm Fresh 5K hits Haywood April 18
Haywood Christian Ministries has announced its fourth annual Farm Fresh 5K on to be run at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 18.
The Farm Fresh 5K is a chance to come together as a community and make a difference. Runners will support local farmers, putting food on the tables of families in need while strengthening the local economy.
Learn to tie knots in Waynesville
Knots can mean the difference between success and struggle in the great outdoors.
A hands-on class will dive into the essential knots every adventurer should know — whether securing gear, building a shelter or handling unexpected challenges in the wild.
Visitors of Whiteoak Sink reminded of group size limits
As spring approaches, Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors of group size limits during the popular wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink. Individuals and small groups of eight or fewer people may access the Whiteoak Sink area throughout the wildflower season from April 1 through May 3.
Smoky Mountain baseball team hosts youth night
Smoky Mountain High School baseball team held a special “Youth Night” Thursday night to give the kids a wonderful experience with the varsity players.
Little League and youth players enjoyed an on-field experience at the Smoky Mountain baseball field just prior to the game between the Smoky Mountain Mustangs and the Tuscola Mountaineers.
State stream management grant proposals
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources is now accepting proposals statewide for projects that address stream restoration, water-based restoration and water management until June 30.
DWR is seeking proposals for projects through the current spring 2026 application cycle of the Water Resources Development Grant Program.
Locals can save on golf at Lake Junaluska
Full-time residents of Haywood, Jackson and Buncombe counties can save money playing golf at Lake Junaluska Golf Course with a seasonal rate discount card.
With the purchase of a $50 discount card, residents can save $9 on 18-holes of golf with a cart, $4.50 on nine-holes of golf with a cart and $5 off each nine-hole round walking the course. The discount is good May 1 through Oct. 31.
Smokies plans prescribed burns
The National Park Service plans to burn approximately 180 acres in Wear Cove Gap (north of Metcalf Bottoms) and 243 acres in Lynn Hollow (near the Top of the World community) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weather permitting, burn operations may begin as early as March 25 and may continue through March 31. These prescribed fires will help to safely reduce fuels, maintain resilient natural systems and protect communities along the park boundary.
