Naturalist’s Notebook

Celebrating Appalachia’s magnificent biodiversity

AV-mountainBorder-white-medium2
snail shell

Snail Tales

Did you know Appalachia has the most snail species out of any region in North America? Discover the important role our slimy little friends play in the ecosystem in this issue’s Naturalist’s Notebook.

Read More
appalachian grass of parnassus

Wildflower Wonders

Wildflowers are one of Appalachia’s most vibrant symbols of summer. As the season’s end nears, we explore a few beautiful, unique flowers that blossom in late summer along mountain trails, forests and riverbeds.

Read More
beaver

Leave it to Beavers

Beavers are sometimes called “nature’s engineers,” and for good reason. By building lodges and dams as their homes, they physically alter the landscape to suit their own needs, similar to humans.

Read More
mapling

A Sweet Maple Harvest

A resurgence in mapling has opened a booming market for Appalachian syrup.

Read More

Ponies of the Grayson Highlands

The wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Southwest Virginia attract hikers of all ages — but take heed, don’t feed the ponies!

Read More