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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

December’s Wild Edible: Northern Spicebush

This flora features alternate shiny leaves that are an appealing dark green and look something like an egg would if it has been stretched out.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Black-throated Blue Warbler

The male and female Black-throated Blue Warblers were once thought to be two separate species.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is one of our largest and most common owls.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Purple Finch

This chunky little songbird with a cheerful series of whistles is more raspberry in color than what we commonly picture as purple.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Blue Jay

This familiar, friendly and fun bird is not actually blue!

Current Issue

Northern spicebush growing on the author’s Botetourt County, Virginia land.

December’s Wild Edible: Northern Spicebush

This flora features alternate shiny leaves that are an appealing dark green and look something like an egg would if it has been stretched out.
f8758a64-6c32-11ee-89ec-12163087a831-Black-throated-Blue-Warbler-female---photo-by-Michael-Todd

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Black-throated Blue Warbler

The male and female Black-throated Blue Warblers were once thought to be two separate species.
2159ae1c-6c31-11ee-8a34-12163087a831-Great-Horned-Owl-chicks---photo-by-KSNaturePhotography

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is one of our largest and most common owls.
71b5aa62-4c03-11ee-b211-12163087a831-Purple-Finch-1---photo-by-Michael-Todd

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Purple Finch

This chunky little songbird with a cheerful series of whistles is more raspberry in color than what we commonly picture as purple.
50918122-4c02-11ee-a4f3-12163087a831-Blue-Jay-1---photo-by-Michael-Todd

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Blue Jay

This familiar, friendly and fun bird is not actually blue!
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Departments

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia is a hidden gem within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful area features boating, sailing, hiking, shopping, fishing, and much more.
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: The Lake Effect

Growing up, many of my weekends were spent at my late step-grandmother’s house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

June 26, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS