'Year of the Trail' spurred interest in hiking in the High Country, conservancy says
State officials designated 2023 as the “Year of the TraiI” to promote the vast network of trails and greenways in North Carolina.
Environment
Blue Ridge Conservancy protects Wilkes County peak
The Blue Ridge Conservancy recently moved to protect a 2,400-foot peak in the Brushy Mountains in Wilkes County.
El Niño weather is leading to droughts and power cuts in South America
A drought has upended life in several South American cities, leading to water rationing and power cuts as well as forest fires.
An ancient farming practice is getting a new life
Bio-char is gaining traction as a regenerative agriculture technique that could improve soil while sequestering carbon. But cost and education are still barriers to more widespread use on farms.
With a deadline looming, countries race for a global agreement to cut plastic waste
A United Nations official said negotiators have a "clear path to landing an ambitious deal" on plastic pollution. But environmentalists say the plastic industry is undermining an effective agreement.
How did a missing cat turn up 650 miles from home? Amazon
Earlier this month in Utah, a shy, 6-year-old indoor cat named Galena vanished from her home. Then her microchip was detected 650 miles away in California.
Greensboro water customers could see rate increases as city works to remove 'forever chemicals'
The proposed increases come as the city undertakes multiple capital improvement projects including a $177 million effort to remove "forever chemicals" from its drinking water.
New ordinance allows Winston-Salem residents to replace lawns with native plants
Winston-Salem is now allowing residents to turn their traditional lawns into natural landscape areas. It’s an effort to reduce the environmental impact of turf grass maintenance and boost pollinator populations.
Military families in Hawaii spark trial over 2021 jet fuel leak that tainted water
A trial for a mass environmental injury case begins in Hawaii on Monday, more than two years after a U.S. military facility poisoned thousands of people when it leaked jet fuel into drinking water.
A mix-up over bioengineered tomato seeds sparked fears about spread of GMO crops
An organic seed company was distressed to learn it had marketed a GMO purple tomato by mistake. The incident raised alarm about the impact of new GMO plants.