Outdoors
Canton paper mill environmental report released: Findings offer few surprises
Almost a year after its internal publication, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has made public a report detailing the results of comprehensive ground and surface water sampling required at and around the site on which the now shut-down Pactiv Evergreen papermill sits.
Word from the Smokies: New CEO takes the reins at Smokies Life
When 2024 dawned in Chattanooga, Tennessee, job hunting was the furthest thing from Jacqueline “Jacki” Harp’s mind. As regional director of REI’s southeastern United States operations, Harp loved her job and the feeling of home that came with nearly 18 years of professional history at the company. But then Smokies Life CEO Laurel Rematore announced her intent to retire, and the equation changed.
The Joyful Botanist: Banking on it
There are many places and things that you can bank on in our world. You can call bank on a basketball court or pool table. You can carve a bank on a skateboard. You can donate food to a food bank or blood to a blood bank. You can upload data to a data bank that runs on multiple levels of memory banks. You can climb down the riverbank to take a dip.
Up Moses Creek: A Head of Streaming Hair
Just before sunset on Oct. 15, Becky and I left home for the Jackson County Airport, its runway laid on a flattened-off ridge near Cullowhee named Berry Mountain.
Three-year restoration of Ramsey Cascades Trail completed
In collaboration with Friends of the Smokies, the National Park Service (NPS) has a completed a three-year restoration of the Ramsey Cascades Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the Greenbrier area, this popular trail ascends through beautiful hardwood forests to the 105-foot Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park.
Cataloochee ski area opens for the season
Following a cold snap and a couple of inches of fresh snow, the Cataloochee Ski Area in Haywood County opened up for its 64th season on Nov. 23.
Drought creeps into WNC
The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has classified parts of Western North Carolina as being in a moderate drought.
Nominations open for Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards
North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) announced that nominations are now open for the 60th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. This prestigious event, set to take place on May 3, 2025, honors the outstanding individuals, organizations and agencies whose work is making a lasting impact on the conservation of North Carolina’s wildlife and natural resources.
Master Gardeners host wreath-making workshop
The North Carolina State Extension Master Gardeners are hosting a wreath-making workshop Dec. 7. The extension will provide a selection of fresh greenery, natural embellishments and knowledgeable volunteers to show people the ropes.
