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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Cedar Waxwing

The sleek formal attire of the Cedar Waxwing is notably highlighted with bright red tips on the secondary wing feathers.

Hurricane Helene Response

A few words on Hurricane Helene - and how you can help our affected communities.

November’s Wild Edible: Plums

They can be eaten right from the tree as the fleshy orbs are quite tasty and can also be made into jam.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is such a popular and familiar sight, seven states have designated this species as their state bird.

October’s Wild Edible: Black Cherries

Along the driveway leading to Elaine’s and my Botetourt County, Virginia home lies a black cherry tree (Prunus serotina).

Current Issue

c4f72388-8b20-11ef-97f6-12163087a831-Cedar-Waxwing---photo-by-Paul-Danese-Wikimedia-Commons_1

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Cedar Waxwing

The sleek formal attire of the Cedar Waxwing is notably highlighted with bright red tips on the secondary wing feathers.
7406e0d6-81bf-11ef-b09c-12163087a831-Helene-Statement

Hurricane Helene Response

A few words on Hurricane Helene - and how you can help our affected communities.
The Allegheny plum is not a common native tree in our region but is worth knowing.

November’s Wild Edible: Plums

They can be eaten right from the tree as the fleshy orbs are quite tasty and can also be made into jam.
Male Northern Cardinal

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is such a popular and familiar sight, seven states have designated this species as their state bird.
Wild black cherries growing along a road in Botetourt County, Virginia.

October’s Wild Edible: Black Cherries

Along the driveway leading to Elaine’s and my Botetourt County, Virginia home lies a black cherry tree (Prunus serotina).
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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