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email scott@wncnaturally.com

Enjoyable and informative nature walks & slide presentations, focusing on the identification, folklore, and natural history of the flora and fauna native to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Welcome to the mountains of Western North Carolina! This is an area of amazing biodiversity, a wide range of ecosystems and habitats, various plant communities some of which are found only within these systems, and a wonderful range of animals in turn relying on these plant communities. It really is Zen in that no one aspect of the area would be possible without the the others.

Varying elevations are responsible for a lot of this variation and, because of elevational change you can be in a typical southern loblolly pine forest or a spruce-fir community typical of southern Canada within fifty miles of Asheville (my home base.)

This is also an area under severe pressure, much of which is a result of our activities. We are loving the area to death. Development, transportation systems, demands on water resources, air pollution, climate change, the increasing number of people in the area, and introduced species of both plants and animals are all contributing to massive, rapid change. How we deal with these issues will say much about us as a people, and will determine the fate of these mountains as a natural eden.

I hope that looking through this site, enjoying the photographs, learning about the plants, animals, geology, natural history, and culture of the area will help you appreciate and respect the wonderful place this is. If you live here I hope you'll give thought to how you can help preserve the natural side of the area. If you visit here, I hope you'll be better able to appreciate what you are seeing as a result of having spent some time at Western North Carolina, Naturally!

I am now taking dates and filling my 2008 calendar doing programs for WNC, Naturally, as well as for my friend Simon Thompson. I am also teaching a few identification classes at the Blue Ridge Naturalist at UNC-Asheville. To learn more about these events check out my schedule page. Don't forget that I do programs for all sorts of groups, social, civic, corporate, and family. I'm just an email away.

Enjoy the photos and articles and hopefully I'll see you out in the woods.

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Photographs

Archived Articles


Links

Slide presentations:

My photography is coupled with lots of interesting information, such as how a particular wildflower is pollinated, the purpose of color, shape, and scent, why native people thought a certain plant would work medicinally, and more. Questions and discussion are encouraged for a lively participatory atmosphere that will educate and entertain the audience. Although my speciality is spring wildflowers, the region's geology, trees, and wildlife are also included.

A slide presentation usually lasts 1 ½ hours, depending on audience interest and participation. Email for more information: scott@wncnaturally.com.

Guided Nature Walks:

There's no better way to learn about and appreciate our diverse mountain home than a walk with a naturalist. Discussion is based on what participants see and find on the walk - is this pine cone male or female? How does this vine know to twine around a tree trunk? What trees are most frequently damaged by lightning, and why? Spring and summer walks feature wildflowers; autumn walks focus on trees. Spring and autumn walks will usually include quite a few birds, as seasonal migrations are in progress. As with my slide programs, I include tidbits about geology, meteorology, ecology, and more.

Walks can be half- or whole-day affairs. A wide variety of trails and terrains are available to choose from, making these guided nature walks accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Email for more information: scott@wncnaturally.com.

Programs are available for social, civic, church, and family groups. If you would like to hire my services for your group or if you have questions, email me at scott@wncnaturally.com. Advance reservations are recommended.

I am certified in First Aid and CPR by the Red Cross.