The thrill of the hunt keeps the morel pursuit engaging, frustrating and thrilling, all at once.
Why I volunteer: Show up for the community
Steven Reinhold is a volunteer with Outdoor Gear Builders. The organization works to foster a prosperous outdoor business community by cultivating, connecting and supporting WNC’s outdoor industry.
Why I volunteer: Aha moments!
Leland Arnsdorff is a volunteer at the WNC Nature Center. The organization works to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.
Q&A: A developer’s perspective on value of conservation
Andy Baker has spent the last 17 years building a home for himself, his family and many others through his development projects in Western North Carolina. Originally from Michigan, Baker graduated from Purdue University with a degree in forestry before pursuing a career in real estate development. Earlier this year, the Southeast Regional Land Conservancy […]
Plan charts future of Pisgah, Nantahala forests
The latest Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Land Management Plan was implemented last month and outlines land use for the next 20 years.
Bailey Mountain Trail ‘Geezers’ build a legacy
The passionate group of retired volunteers spent three years building the trail.
Q&A: Anthony Coppage of ‘Naked and Afraid’
Waynesville man shows off his bushcraft skills as a contestant on the reality show
‘Naked and Afraid.”
Kids stuff: Safe, engaging and fun experiences in nature.
Rich Preyer, on-site program coordinator at The N.C. Arboretum, discusses outdoor education, community collaborations and the return of the Wee Naturalist program.
Kids stuff: The importance of silent reflection and observation
Chehala Andriananjason, WNC program manager at Muddy Sneakers, discusses the benefits of small group learning, taking in the natural world and the best places to hike.
Kids stuff: The perks of native wildlife education
Jordan Rutherford, the guest services coordinator at the WNC Nature Center, share his thoughts on the benefits of outdoor education and the center’s most popular exhibits for kids.
From CPP: Final plan to manage Pisgah, Nantahala National Forest unveiled
The long-awaited plan to manage more than 1 million acres of national forest was released Friday by the U.S. Forest Service. The plan sets out a strategy to restore the ecological integrity of ecosystems and watersheds within Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.
Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid
The microgrid includes 2 megawatts of solar panel capacity and 4.4 MW of battery storage. Those resources are enough to power the entire town for an extended period if its connection to the main grid is disrupted.
Health checkup: Taking advantage of city offerings
Wayne Simmons, operations manager for Asheville Parks & Recreation, speaks about health and wellness programs that the city offers, the benefits of physical activity and his favorite ways to stray in shape.
Green in brief: Conserving Carolina to expand Bracken Mountain Preserve
On Dec. 30, the nonprofit completed the purchase of 34 acres in Brevard to expand the preserve. The new land will bolster the existing 395-acre park, owned by the city of Brevard, which connects to the Pisgah National Forest.
From CPP: The uncertain future of old-growth forests in North Carolina, part three, the green salamanders
The recent decision to harvest 26 acres that encompass an old-growth patch of forest on a 3,500-foot mountaintop – the Southside Project – underscores what some say is the widening incongruity between the U.S. Forest Service’s mission, climate change crisis and the public’s will.
From CPP: The uncertain future of old-growth forests in North Carolina, part two
Scientists say old-growth forests are essential tools in the fight against climate change. Harvesting them releases greenhouse gasses, worsening climate impacts.
Green in brief: Asheville protects land at Mills River water plant
Backed by a $400,000 grant from the N.C. Land and Water Fund, the nonprofit Mills River Partnership is restoring roughly 14 acres of riverside near the plant. Maria Wise, the nonprofit’s executive director, says her organization will stabilize the riverbanks and replace invasive plants with native varieties.
From CPP: The uncertain future of old-growth forests in North Carolina, part one
The recent decision to harvest 26 acres that encompass an old-growth patch of forest on a 3,500-foot mountaintop — the Southside Project — underscores what some say is the widening incongruity between the U.S. Forest Service’s mission, climate change crisis and the public’s will.
G5 Trail Collective opens first phase of planned network
The first part of the Old Fort Trails Project, aptly named the Old Fort Gateway Trails, features six miles of accessible trails off of Curtis Creek Road in the McDowell County town. Another 36 miles of hiking, biking and horse paths are planned for construction through 2027.
Mike Poggioli’s photography book captures the Blue Ridge at sunrise
The Asheville transplant discusses his journey to landscape photography.
Green in brief: WNC Nature Center opens new exhibit
In partnership with the WNC Farmers Market, the Asheville zoo launches its Educational Farmers Market Garden starting Wednesday, Nov. 16. The new exhibit focuses on sustainable relationships between agriculture and nature.