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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Green Heron

While many people quickly spot the statuesque form of a great blue heron, the secretive and smaller green heron can be elusive.

Rivers Run Through it: The Rest of the Story

Space considerations precluded the inclusion of some aspects of Angela Minor’s piece on rivers in the July/August 2020 issue. Here, for each river in the piece, is information on species and history.

The Good Mountain Mutt – Close to You

Little changes in your daily routine can build into something that improves your whole life.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

These handsomely dressed males enjoy the sunflowers, safflowers and raw peanuts at feeders; consume a range of insects (including helping potato farms by eating harmful beetles and larvae); and feed on berries and fruits.

One Cicada, Two Cicada, Three Cicada … More!

They’re back!

Current Issue

fcd79c66-bfc2-11ea-8915-1244d5f7c7c6-Green-Heron---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Green Heron

While many people quickly spot the statuesque form of a great blue heron, the secretive and smaller green heron can be elusive.
The Tuckasegee River of North Carolina has its headwaters on 10,000 acres of public lands.

Rivers Run Through it: The Rest of the Story

Space considerations precluded the inclusion of some aspects of Angela Minor’s piece on rivers in the July/August 2020 issue. Here, for each river in the piece, is information on species and history.
Patrick and Doggy

The Good Mountain Mutt – Close to You

Little changes in your daily routine can build into something that improves your whole life.
A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

These handsomely dressed males enjoy the sunflowers, safflowers and raw peanuts at feeders; consume a range of insects (including helping potato farms by eating harmful beetles and larvae); and feed on berries and fruits.
The mature nymphs of the periodic (17-year) cicada (Magicicada sp.) burrow up out of the ground before climbing onto a tree trunk or other object to begin metamorphosing into an adult.

One Cicada, Two Cicada, Three Cicada … More!

They’re back!
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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