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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.

A COLD CHRISTMAS WALK: DECEMBER 2020 HIKES

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.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Sandhill Crane

Early holiday gifts are flying overhead as the Sandhill Cranes return to (and through) the Blue Ridge from points north!

Current Issue

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 Greatest Day Hiker heads up Mill Mountain on Christmas Day, 2020.

A COLD CHRISTMAS WALK: DECEMBER 2020 HIKES

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.
5ef2c57a-3957-11eb-a252-1244d5f7c7c6-Sandhill-Cranes-2---photo-by-KS-Nature-Photography-_2_

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Sandhill Crane

Early holiday gifts are flying overhead as the Sandhill Cranes return to (and through) the Blue Ridge from points north!
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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

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