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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.

Kim DeLozier: Wildlife Biologist, Author, and Park Ranger 

He’s cared for wild animals for nearly five decades, and his innovative work led to the highly successful reintroduction of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, more than 250 elk roam the nation’s most visited national park.

Historic Easement Protects SWVA Land, Opens It to the Public

Lovers of wildlife, woodlands, and waters will soon have a vast area to explore in Southwest Virginia.

From the Emeritus: Natural Extremes – The True Gift of the Mountains

The last hike report to be put before you under this byline brought the magic of place, family, and weather.

Walking Oklawaha Greenway

Located just minutes from downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, this 3.25-mile scenic pathway winds through forests and wetlands.

Current Issue

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.

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.
image002

Kim DeLozier: Wildlife Biologist, Author, and Park Ranger 

He’s cared for wild animals for nearly five decades, and his innovative work led to the highly successful reintroduction of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, more than 250 elk roam the nation’s most visited national park.
Ron Messina | Courtesy of the Department of Wildlife Resources

Historic Easement Protects SWVA Land, Opens It to the Public

Lovers of wildlife, woodlands, and waters will soon have a vast area to explore in Southwest Virginia.
IMG_2201

From the Emeritus: Natural Extremes – The True Gift of the Mountains

The last hike report to be put before you under this byline brought the magic of place, family, and weather.
Much of the Oklawaha Greenway is lined with trees.

Walking Oklawaha Greenway

Located just minutes from downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, this 3.25-mile scenic pathway winds through forests and wetlands.
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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