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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

February’s Wild Edible: Maple Syrup

In the Blue Ridge Mountain region, certainly two of the counties that are most known for producing maple syrup are Highland County, Virginia and Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

January’s Wild Edible: Hairy Bittercress

A close relative of watercress, bittercress is one of the first wild edibles to make their yearly appearance in the Blue Ridge.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Ovenbird

The Ovenbird was given its common name in recognition of its nest-building style.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Peregrine Falcon

Meet the fastest bird on the planet and the fastest animal in the world – the Peregrine Falcon!

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Osprey

Many folks call this stunning raptor a “fish hawk.” For a good reason!

Current Issue

Bob Sheets gathering sugar maple syrup

February’s Wild Edible: Maple Syrup

In the Blue Ridge Mountain region, certainly two of the counties that are most known for producing maple syrup are Highland County, Virginia and Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
64cf82ca-8d47-11ee-8d53-12163087a831-Hairy-Bittercress

January’s Wild Edible: Hairy Bittercress

A close relative of watercress, bittercress is one of the first wild edibles to make their yearly appearance in the Blue Ridge.
1ad85f60-9a86-11ee-95b0-12163087a831-Ovenbird-3---photo-by-Michael-Todd

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Ovenbird

The Ovenbird was given its common name in recognition of its nest-building style.
50265998-9a85-11ee-b745-12163087a831-Peregrine-Falcon---photo-by-Robin-Edwards

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Peregrine Falcon

Meet the fastest bird on the planet and the fastest animal in the world – the Peregrine Falcon!
03bf0888-8d43-11ee-b7ad-12163087a831-Osprey-on-nest---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Osprey

Many folks call this stunning raptor a “fish hawk.” For a good reason!
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Departments

At Coopers Rock State Forest, new Stargazer cabins invite guests to look up through skylights and telescopes.
Country Roads

Even Closer to Almost Heaven

New Stargazer cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest offer a skyward escape in the mountains of West Virginia.

June 29, 2026
©Duncan Seaman
Country Roads

A Mountain Tradition Turns 90 

Visitors flock to Galax, Virginia, each summer for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, a days-long celebration of Appalachian music.

June 29, 2026
Synchronous Fireflies
Creature Feature

The Light Fantastic

Fireflies are struggling with the effects of artificial light.

June 29, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS