Sam Bland, our naturalist, returned recently to the home of his heart, his spirit, his soul. Come walk with him on the winter beach as he rediscovers old friends — keyhole urchins and the murex, crystal skippers and fierce antlions.
Majestic wild horses are just some of the creatures that inhabit this wildlife oasis just a short paddle from the Beaufort waterfront.
Fall on the coast can be magnificent. Cooler temperatures and cooler water make getting outside enjoyable again. Take a stroll along an empty, catch some Spanish for supper and take in the celestial show.
The federation and a Swansboro business offer adventurers a chance to set out on the beautiful White Oak River for a little sightseeing, paddling, swimming and light yoga.
One man’s desire and persistence has lead to a nature trail at the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve that allows the disabled and others to enjoy the woods’ beauty.
Summertime cruises offer a delightful way to learn about the human and natural histories of the White Oak River.
The refuge’s squadrons of mosquitoes and deer flies chased Sam Bland back to his truck, but the dance of dragonflies mesmerized him.
The deserted beaches, shifting shoals and expansive marshes of Lea-Hutaff Island along the southeast coast make it a needed haven for many bird species.
A wild fire devastated a portion of the Holly Shelter Game Lands in Pender County last year, but it’s still a refuge for rare plants, diminutive gopher frogs and native butterflies.
A detailed map, a GPS and a good compass would come in handy for a walk in the Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County.
Catfish Lake in the Croatan National Forest is one of more than 500,000 Carolina bay lakes that dot the East Coast. Their origins are mysterious, though our Sam Bland is voting for the beavers.
Any time of the year is a good time to pitch a tent on Bear Island to watch the stars and the dolphins and small creatures that light up the water.
Winner of 26 North Carolina Press Association awards in 2019
