A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

North Carolina, Naturally: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, an entomologist and author of more than a dozen books — each one about science and the natural world — views North Carolina

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

North Carolina, Naturally: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, an entomologist and author of more than a dozen books — each one about science and the natural world — views North Carolina

North Carolina, Naturally: Black Bears

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Black bear

North Carolina, Naturally: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, an entomologist and author of more than a dozen books — each one about science and the natural world — views North Carolina through the lens of landscape, providing awe-inspiring explanations of our state’s creatures and creations while spotlighting the natural beauty along the way. Click here to read her story from the November 2025 issue.


Click below to hear Eleanor read her column aloud. Our Storytellers podcast brings the pages of the magazine to life, featuring the voices of five Our State writers. 



This story was published on Oct 15, 2025

Eleanor Spicer Rice

Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice is an entomologist based in Raleigh and the author of more than 10 books on topics ranging from industrious ants to deadly apex predators.