Centuries ago, migrating passenger pigeons flew south by the millions, great rivers of feathers streaming through the sky. Those birds are gone now, but their memory is a reminder to look up: Spring still brings a flood of winged wonder.
ramblin’ man
Cats in the Pines
Once, our longleaf pines produced the materials that helped ships travel around the globe — but the profits came at a price. Now, the forests that rang out with the sounds of industry stand quiet, and the last witnesses to that era are a rare find indeed.
Putting It All Together
It’s the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature is stirring — only Mom and Dad, assembling toys and steeling themselves for those famous last words: “Batteries not included.”
Welcome to Quail Country
Times have changed since scions of the Gilded Age hunted quail in piney woods across the Piedmont. But those who hope to preserve a home for the little birds will always listen for a bobwhite’s whistle.
Ramblin’ Man: Fish Fry for One
For a longtime angler, revisiting the first fish of his youth has become a late-spring ritual: catch a bluegill, then cook and eat it — right on the spot.
Ramblin’ Man: The Sheltered Life
After a long day in the wilderness, even the most rugged outdoor enthusiasts can’t resist the comfort and good company found in a trail shelter.
Cooking by Heart
The secret language of a family recipe is usually brief, and it sure isn’t fancy. But what those well-loved recipe cards lack in detail, they make up for in memories.
The Much-Maligned (but Secretly Awesome) Opossum
Pity the poor opossum: Our state marsupial has been vilified for centuries. Now, an advocate makes the case for rethinking its reputation.
Family Trees Hold Memories of Those Who Came Before
As the landscape changes around it, a homestead oak preserves those who lived beneath its boughs, so many years ago.
