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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

April’s Wild Edible: Yellow Morels

Among those of us who gather the Blue Ridge’s wild edibles, there’s one question that we dare not ask because it has no chance of eliciting an honest answer; "Where did you find those yellow morels?”

March’s Wild Edible: Dandelions

Gardeners often swear at them, and green lawn lovers typically nuke them with poisonous sprays. But dandelions are also important wildlife food, a boon for early spring pollinators - and a superb health food!

February’s Wild Edible: Watercress

Many residents of our region might be surprised to learn that watercress is not only a wild vegetable but is also officially classified as a superfood.

The Good Mountain Mutt – DID YOU HEAR THAT?

Dogs are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, so they’re aware of an approaching storm long before you are.

January’s Wild Edible: Oyster Mushrooms

Perhaps some folks would think that the last place someone would seek out oysters would be the Blue Ridge Mountain region. But if your quest involves oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Current Issue

The yellow morel is probably the most popular mushroom in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

April’s Wild Edible: Yellow Morels

Among those of us who gather the Blue Ridge’s wild edibles, there’s one question that we dare not ask because it has no chance of eliciting an honest answer; "Where did you find those yellow morels?”
Dandelions make a good – and healthy – base for spring salads.

March’s Wild Edible: Dandelions

Gardeners often swear at them, and green lawn lovers typically nuke them with poisonous sprays. But dandelions are also important wildlife food, a boon for early spring pollinators - and a superb health food!
Watercress growing wild in one of the author’s springs.

February’s Wild Edible: Watercress

Many residents of our region might be surprised to learn that watercress is not only a wild vegetable but is also officially classified as a superfood.
d8c294dc-619f-11eb-a1d8-1244d5f7c7c6-Storm_dog

The Good Mountain Mutt – DID YOU HEAR THAT?

Dogs are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, so they’re aware of an approaching storm long before you are.
The wavy margins of oyster mushrooms help in identifying them.

January’s Wild Edible: Oyster Mushrooms

Perhaps some folks would think that the last place someone would seek out oysters would be the Blue Ridge Mountain region. But if your quest involves oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
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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