Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

Clay Morris examining a cattail in a Shenandoah Valley pond.

January’s Wild Edible: Cattails

Cattails are native plants throughout the Blue Ridge.
15b5d9ea-b312-11ef-8894-12163087a831-White-breasted-Nuthatch-5---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: White-breasted Nuthatch

This “pointy” little bird announces itself with a distinctive nasal “honk.”
Male Eastern Towhee

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Eastern Towhee

The Eastern Towhee is a bird of the undergrowth.
0cdfd840-b310-11ef-b112-12163087a831-Red-headed-Woodpecker---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Red-headed Woodpecker

The handsome Red-headed Woodpecker is often the “spark” species for igniting interest in birding.
The common black haw is an important wildlife food in late fall and early winter, as well as a nice snack for us.

December’s Wild Edible: Black Haws

As an understory tree in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the common black haw is often overlooked although it’s common in these highlands.

Departments

Knoxville Asian Festival, August 29-30,  Knoxville, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Asian Culture Center of TN
Events

Fall 2026 Festivals & Events Guide

From the Virginias and the Carolinas to Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, our annual compendium is the perfect travel companion. Inside,

4th of July Parade & Festival, July 4, Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Events

Summer 2026 Festivals & Events Guide

From the Virginias and the Carolinas to Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, our annual compendium is the perfect travel companion. Inside,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS