Outdoors
Smokies seeks tips in illegal vulture dumping
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is requesting tips from the public to aid in an ongoing investigation of 33 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) dumped on the Foothills Parkway.
On April 6 at approximately noon, Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers reported a large number of dead birds along the side of the road on Foothills Parkway West.
Digging it for decades: Garden Club marks 75th anniversary
When the members of the Mountain View Garden Club started researching when the club was formed, old newspaper clippings made it difficult to determine whether it was 1950 or 1951. So, appropriately enough, they had to do a little more digging to find the answer — which turned out to be 1951.
“The article was from an April 1951 edition of The Mountaineer, and it said, ‘Next month will be an initial meeting of a potential new garden club,’” said Julia Bruijn, the club’s current president.
‘Spring Fling’ returns to Waynesville
The Waynesville Recreation Center announced the return of its annual free “Spring Fling” community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. This family-friendly celebration will take place on the Recreation Center green space.
This rain-or-shine event is completely free and open to families, children and community members of all ages.
Free sports physicals for student athletes
Haywood Regional Medical Center will host its annual free sports physicals event for local student-athletes from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center located at 75 Leroy George Drive in Clyde.
Open to middle and high school students, this event provides a convenient, no-cost opportunity to complete required physicals ahead of the upcoming sports season.
Rebuilt for the Future: Setzer Hatchery project emphasizes reliability, flood protection
Construction has begun on the long-planned renovations to the Bobby N. Setzer Hatchery near Brevard, and contractors are saying the project is on schedule for a full-reopening early next year.
During a tour for local media last week, contractors and state officials provided an inside look at the construction. Stacks of piping, totaling about 2.5 miles line the site of future trout raceways, heavy equipment moves rock and laborers dig and survey.
Word from the Smokies: The chickens of Oconaluftee
Who’s in charge of the chickens at the Mountain Farm Museum in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? According to the National Park Service, it’s Interpretive Park Ranger Michael Smith. But the chickens themselves recognize the authority of the large, golden rooster that struts among them — the unchallenged leader of the Oconaluftee flock.
Friends of the Lake 5K
The Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race and Walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Lake Junaluska. Those who register by Aug. 20 will enjoy discounted registration and are guaranteed to receive a “Love the Lake” T-shirt, which runners are encouraged to wear during the event.
Now in its 19th year, the event supports the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail, one of the most popular privately-owned recreation areas in Western North Carolina.
National park announces camping fee changes
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has transitioned its backcountry permit reservation system to Recreation.gov. This transition will improve reliability, security and customer support for backcountry users.
Visitors with existing reservations do not need to do anything — the park will honor all permits issued before the switch.
Migratory fame bird seasons announced
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has announced the approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2026-27 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons. The dates and associated regulations are available on the agency’s website and will be published in the 2026-2027 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest this August.
