Outdoors
The Joyful Botanist: Dog days of winter
While winter walks in the woods can sometimes seem devoid of botanical interest, especially for someone as flower-focused as I tend to be, there are plenty of evergreen plants, shrubs and trees to entice me onto a trail in the dormant season while I await the return of wildflowers.
Conservation plan coming for Jackson
Jackson County is embarking on a conservation plan with goal of protecting certain tracts of land.
“Jackson County is, from a natural resources perspective, a phenomenal county,” said Owen Carson, senior ecologist at Equinox Environmental in a presentation to commissioners Feb. 4.
Up Moses Creek: Bones of Contention
Watching birds is a year-round pleasure for Becky and me — daily to see their beauty and vitality, their aerial acrobatics, their antics and doings that reveal their native smarts. And to make sure there are birds to watch we bait the yard.
State intends to spray Spongy Moth treatment over Haywood, Jackson
Residents of western Haywood County and eastern Jackson County will have the chance to learn about the Spongy Moth infestation that has hit several areas of the region, as well as what the N.C. Department of Agriculture plans on doing about the problem.
NHC offers ‘trail ambassador’ training
Join the Nantahala Hiking club this weekend for a training session to educate people how to become “trail ambassadors.”
The session will be held with the upcoming surge of northbound Appalachian Trail hikers that will hit Western North Carolina in the next couple of months.
Haywood County Master Gardeners offer plant clinic
The planting season is getting closer, and Master Gardeners are available to answer questions about lawns, vegetables, flowers, trees and ornamental plants; disease, insect, weed or wildlife problems; soils (including soil test results) and fertilizers; freeze and frost damage; and cultural and chemical solutions to pest problems.
Get in on the Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
As part of the Great Backyard Bird Count initiative, a global community science project that helps researchers understand how birds are doing before they undertake their great spring migration, Mainspring Conservation Trust is hosting its own event.
More trails open across Appalachian Ranger District
The U.S. Forest Service has reopened more trails and roads throughout areas of the Pisgah National Forest’s Appalachian Ranger District in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell and Avery counties following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
WNC Communities seeks nominations for Agricultural Hall of Fame
WNC Communities is now accepting nominations for the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame.
This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector, driving sustainability and growth in the region.
