Outdoors
WCU pitches new ‘Ballparks and Brews Tour’ for alumni, friends
The Western Carolina University Office of Alumni Engagement is stepping up to the plate and taking a swing at a new summer event designed to bring together members of the Catamount family at baseball stadiums across North and South Carolina.
Join Franklin Bird club for Macon County 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.
Debris removal begins along Pigeon River
Equipment and personnel have arrived in Haywood County to begin removing debris at 22 sites along the Pigeon River.
The initial focus of the debris removal will be on things like downed trees, appliances and vehicles that, if dislodged and sent downstream, could cause further catastrophic damage.
Smokies to reopen portions of The Cataloochee Valley April 4
On April 4 by noon, the National Park Service (NPS) will reopen portions of Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cataloochee Valley has been closed since September 2024 following significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Within the park, Cataloochee Valley saw the worst impacts from Hurricane Helene.
The Joyful Botanist: Up Moses Creek
I really enjoy and am honored by the fact that I share this column space with Burt Kornegay who writes the fun and informative column. I like sharing this space because I enjoy reading his writing, and because he is a friend and a big influence on me and my work leading plant walks.
The Cradle of Forestry to reopen
FIND Outdoors is excited to announce the seasonal reopening of the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest on April 5. This historic site, often referred to as the birthplace of modern forestry in America, continues to serve as a hub for conservation education and outdoor experiences.
Opening day attendees will enjoy complimentary admission and programming throughout the day, including:
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Character Meet & Greets
11 a.m. — Book signing and reading with Carolyn Bennett Fraise, the author of “MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree”
1-2 p.m. — Up Close Encounter with Birds of Prey
• Jeff Curtis presents an exciting falconry demonstration featuring majestic birds of prey. Get up close to these incredible birds and learn about their role in the ecosystem.
3-4 p.m. — Fur, Feathers and Scales
• The WNC Nature Center brings an exciting educational presentation featuring animals with fur, feathers and scales. Meet live animals and learn how they adapt to their environments.
Guided tours of the Biltmore Campus Trail and Forest Festival Trail will also be available.
Admission:
$10/adult (13+)
$5/child (4–12)
$5/Federal Passholder
Season Passes to the Cradle of Forestry are also available for $35/individual or $55/family and include:
• Regular admission to the Cradle of Forestry during the season
• 15% discount at the Cradle of Forestry Gift Shop
• Half-off admission for special programs/events offered throughout the season
For more information, visit gofindoutdoors.org/sites/cradle-of-forestry.
Repair homes now before bat pupping season
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) recommends that homeowners check now for bats that may be getting into their home and evict them responsibly before pup-rearing season begins on May 1.
Some waterways remain dangerous post-Helene
Officials at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) report there are still areas that are unsafe to participate in water activities due to remaining debris from Hurricane Helene. Some locations are inaccessible to emergency responders in the event an incident occurs.
Blue Ridge Parkway provides damage update
Hurricane Helene caused at least 57 landslides on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, damaging roads and trails across 200 miles, the National Park Service said.
The storm, which also damaged facilities in Virginia, led to the closure of parts of the 469-mile parkway. About 312 miles have reopened.
