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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Barred Owl

These brown-eyed beauties are highly vocal and will even call during the daytime.

November’s Wild Edible: Sourwood

The sourwood is only found in Eastern North America and is most abundant in the Blue Ridge – making it a quintessential Southern Appalachians tree.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Pileated Woodpecker

As one of our largest and most strikingly decorated forest birds, the Pileated Woodpecker is a delight to see and hear.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Red-winged Blackbird

This species is known for their bold demeanor, particularly when there’s a nest to defend.

Homes for Displaced Chimney Swifts: A Refuge for Fall and Spring

As old industrial and school buildings and their chimneys disappear, so too do refuge spots for migrating swifts. Work is underway to create new hollow spaces for the birds to overnight safely.

Current Issue

3b647574-65f4-11ed-b230-12274efc5439-Barred-Owl---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Barred Owl

These brown-eyed beauties are highly vocal and will even call during the daytime.
Sourwood leaves are edible and the blooms attract honeybees.

November’s Wild Edible: Sourwood

The sourwood is only found in Eastern North America and is most abundant in the Blue Ridge – making it a quintessential Southern Appalachians tree.
cb418c6c-55f1-11ed-91d7-12274efc5439-Pileated-Woodpecker-female---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Pileated Woodpecker

As one of our largest and most strikingly decorated forest birds, the Pileated Woodpecker is a delight to see and hear.
b9cc4ccc-4a27-11ed-8733-12274efc5439-Red-winged-Blackbird-1---photo-by-Mike-Blevins-_1_

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Red-winged Blackbird

This species is known for their bold demeanor, particularly when there’s a nest to defend.
Swifts can eat up to 10,000 insects a day.

Homes for Displaced Chimney Swifts: A Refuge for Fall and Spring

As old industrial and school buildings and their chimneys disappear, so too do refuge spots for migrating swifts. Work is underway to create new hollow spaces for the birds to overnight safely.
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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