Outdoors
NCDEQ announces funding to support recycling and waste reduction in WNC
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service is now accepting applications for the Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure Grant Program, which supports western North Carolina communities in rebuilding and strengthening waste reduction and recycling systems following Hurricane Helene.
Headwaters plan sets conservation roadmap for Jackson County
Jackson County commissioners have approved a sweeping new conservation framework designed to balance growth with preservation across some of the most ecologically significant lands in Western North Carolina, located in the southern part of the county.
Wunderland Resort opens in Old Fort
On the outskirts of downtown Old Fort, along the quaint Curtis Creek Road, is the entrance to Wunderland Resort — a brand new “immersive nature retreat” for folks passionate about the outdoors and wellness.
12 North Carolina bear cubs returned to the wild
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission recently released 12 rehabilitated black bear cubs back to the wild, four from the coastal region and eight from the mountains.
NCWRC has been overseeing the rehabilitation and release of orphaned black bear cubs since 1976 through the agency’s cub rehabilitation program, one of the first in the country.
NC Arboretum receives $25,000 environmental impact grant for youth programming
Duke Energy Foundation has awarded The North Carolina Arboretum a $25,000 grant as part of its effort to support local conservation efforts and environmental impact programs across North Carolina.
Backyard flock in Rutherford County tests positive for bird flu
A backyard flock in Rutherford County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.
Smokies to stay open through October
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain fully open amid the government shutdown through at least Nov. 2 in a combined effort from Sevier County, the Cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Pittman Center, Blount County, Cocke County, the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Friends of the Smokies and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
State provides $6 million to reduce flood risk
Gov. Josh Stein announced $6 million in grants from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint program to help reduce flood risks across the state. The announcement includes projects to restore the French Broad River Basin after western North Carolina experienced catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene last fall.
Adult, youth archery classes available in Jackson County
Jackson County Parks and Recreation has announced two introductory archery programs this November, perfect for learning the fundamentals of shooting a bow and arrow in a safe and structured environment.
