Fire Ecology and History of the Blue Ridge
Fire is one of the most powerful forces in nature. With the power to reduce anything in its path to ashes, it has become something many people fear. However, fire does so much more good than it does destruction. It has been harnessed as a tool we have used for centuries for warmth, for cooking meals, for forging tools and powering machines. Not only is it a tool for humans, it is also a tool for many environments, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ecosystems of the Blue Ridge that have been developed for centuries were predominantly shaped by fires, both naturally occurring and created by humans.
Hellbenders & Helene
Hellbender. Sounds like something out of a horror movie, right? With a flat head, tiny eyes, wide mouth, and long wrinkly body, hellbenders are certainly misunderstood and undervalued for the marvelous critters that they are–a unique regional treasure and an indicator species to overall ecological health.
Post Hurricane Helene and its devastating impact on southwest Virginia that began in late September of last year, people have been more curious than ever about what hellbenders are and how these animals are doing in the wake of such an unprecedented natural disaster.