July 2023

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Creature Feature: Engineers of Climate Control

Busy beavers help mitigate the effects of warming rivers.
Eli and Sam Reynolds examine the crayfish and minnows they’ve just corralled from Catawba Creek.

Gifts of the Land: How to Hold a Crayfish – Gish Branch and Lessons Learned

Grandsons’ disparate personalities are revealed on a creek day dedicated to subtle environmental lessons.
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Mill Creek Stories: Outnumbered

Surrounded by dogs, she has no capacity to say no to even more.
Susan Sachs, right, enjoys creating student learning opportunities that she didn’t have in high school or college.

How to Get a Lichen Named After You: ‘I Feel Like a Jedi Master’

Step into the time capsule for a glimpse of the Southern Appalachians during Blue Ridge Country’s first year.
Kurt Rheinheimer

From the Editor: With Apologies to Many More… 35 People Who Made Blue Ridge Country

As the magazine celebrates 35 years, allow us to thank 35 notables whose key roles helped make the anniversary possible.

Departments

Behind Blue Ridge Country

Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes

Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it

CALENDAR OF EVENTS