Naturalist’s Notebook
Celebrating Appalachia’s magnificent biodiversity
A Sweet Maple Harvest
A resurgence in mapling has opened a booming market for Appalachian syrup.
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!
Mistaken Identity: Recognizing the northern water snake
The non-venomous northern water snake is frequently spotted at swimming holes and rivers in Appalachia — and sometimes mistaken for its venomous cousin, the copperhead.
A Magical Mycology Tapestry
The mushrooms of Appalachia offer diverse tastes and medicinal benefits for the wild forager. But be careful, since many edible mushrooms have poisonous look-alikes.
Meet The Elusive American Woodcock
Characterized by a long bill, short and stout stature, extravagant mating display and a nickname like timberdoodle, the American Woodcock would seem to be a bird that stands out. But that is not the case.
