Holly Kays

Cherokee artist Tara McCoy has made it her mission to pass along her love and knowledge of traditional art to other Cherokee people. A new exhibit at @cherokeemuseum showcases the results. By me, for @Smokies_Life. https://t.co/epwmag139H

Chimney Rock State park will reopen June 27, exactly nine months after Hurricane Helene devastated surrounding communities, @NCparks announced this morning. Mt. Mitchell State Park remains closed.

New from me for @TheAssemblyNC. Jason Harley Kloepfer will settle the civil lawsuit he filed after being shot by police for $10 million, but he and his wife, also a plaintiff in the case, aren’t celebrating: “I look at this as blood money." https://t.co/agHHhpXg1Y

The Assembly @TheAssemblyNC

More than two and a half years after police nearly killed Cherokee County resident Jason Harley Kloepfer, the law enforcement agencies involved have agreed to settle his civil lawsuit for $10 million. https://t.co/0LT1ZTKHkX

I give you...dragonflies as decoder rings! Turns out that in their larval form, these insects work great as indicators of mercury contamination. GSMNP has been an integral partner in a project to improve detection. #Science #insects #nationalpark https://t.co/oODbpBnut3

80 locust logs, two helicopter airdrops, and a TBD number of volunteers...it's amazing what's gone into rehabbing this half-mile section of the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies! https://t.co/iETsAcQprw

This is such a beautiful video by my colleague Robin Pyle (repetitive appearances by yours truly notwithstanding!). Enjoy this walk in the woods with wildflower aficionado Tom Harrington! My written story from the trip: https://t.co/1TuEMRF7nz https://t.co/J17aBTMCR7

I may no longer write for a community newspaper, but it's a huge privilege to edit the park newspaper, Smokies Guide, this summer! If you're planning a trip to @GreatSmokyNPS this season, be sure to pick it up at a visitor center or check it out here. https://t.co/HhRHfdnyrj

I know I've been a bit MIA on here for a while, but everyone needs a break sometimes. However, this story seems like a good note to come back in on!

Smokies Life @Smokies_Life

“There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” But maybe there is. By rediscovering spring in the Smokies, our lead writer filled her cup with nostalgia. Read @HollyKaysWrites’ blog “Reunion on the trail.” https://t.co/YhLWTt7vds #MemorialDay #spring @GreatSmokyNPS https://t.co/PlpFqFFUS6

The burn ban has been lifted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great video from @SmokiesFriends explaining how Helene has impacted Cataloochee and what tomorrow's partial reopening will entail.

Friends of the Smokies @SmokiesFriends

Tomorrow/Friday April 4, the park partially reopens Cataloochee for the first time since Helene ravaged the region. This video tours the damage and shows what you can access. Thank you for supporting @SmokiesFriends to help fund repairs! YouTube link:  https://t.co/hKAoWPHOJc

Just in: parts of Cataloochee will reopen 4/4 for the 1st time since Helene! Since 9/24, NPS has: regraveled sections of several roads, completed emergency stabilization at Hiram Caldwell Barn, and much more. More info: https://t.co/QmaZR5Be2D

For some reason, too many people think it's fine to chuck their trash when they visit the Smokies. Luckily, volunteers across the region are committed to fighting hard against #litter. This @Smokies_Life piece in @SmokyMtnNews highlights their work. https://t.co/rnW8lg9JnN

Very informative explainer on wildfire containment and the Rattlesnake Branch Fire from USFS. https://t.co/pE2Gfqopae

Burn bans in four NC national forests lifted today, with morning updates acreage holding steady for active wildfires in western NC and gains in containment.