Outdoors
Pause on ginseng harvesting continues in WNC national forests
The U.S. Forest Service announced that its pause on issuing permits to harvest American ginseng on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will remain in place for the 2024 season.
Smokies Life now accepting applications for writer’s residency
Smokies Life, a nonprofit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is now accepting applications for its fifth Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency. The annual residency is designed to help writers of any medium connect in meaningful ways with the Great Smoky Mountains while focusing on their craft in an inspiring, retreat-like setting.
Smoky Mountain Beekeepers hosting intro to beekeeping class
The Smoky Mountain Beekeeping Association is hosting an Introduction to Beekeeping class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Swain County Business Education Training Center, located at 45 E. Ridge Dr., Bryson City.
From mosquitos to medical school, WCU alumnus shares his story
Joe Davis, a double alumnus of Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s in emergency medical care and a master’s in biology, has had a unique higher education journey.
Local scout troop getting back on its feet
Scout Troop 318 of Waynesville, a troop with over 60 years of history, will be making a fresh start after being shut down by COVID. In addition to two former Waynesville mayors among its alumni, it produced hundreds of Eagle Scouts over its more than 60 years history.
Want to monitor water quality?
In 1996, the Volunteer Water Information Network (VWIN) program was established as a water quality monitoring program for many Western North Carolina counties. In Haywood County, Haywood Waterways Association manages 25 sites on 19 streams. The program’s purpose is to provide long term water quality monitoring information to help leverage grant funding for water quality improvement projects.
Highlands to host native plant symposium
Highlands Biological Station is excited to announce the 2024 Native Plant Symposium, scheduled for Sept. 13-14. This two-day event will be packed with engaging presentations, tours, auctions and more, all centered around the beauty and importance of native plants.
Smokies announces Clingmans Dome closures
Clingmans Dome Road will be closed the mornings of Sept. 10, 12 and 16 to facilitate special educational programs for students at schools in Cherokee.
The road will be closed at midnight the night before each event and will re-open at 1 p.m.
Waynesville tennis courts to be resurfaced
The tennis courts located at Recreation Park at 285 Vance St. in Waynesville will be closed from Aug. 27 through Sept. 10 to allow for resurfacing (weather pending).
