Latest news with #GreatSmokyMountains
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Word from the Smokies: Park emerges as research hub for understudied organisms
When visitors come to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they have access to a wealth of knowledge highlighting the diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems found in this special place. Among them are lichens — a lesser-known group of species whose members were largely undiscovered as recently as two decades ago. Since then, the Smokies have grown into a hub of lichen discovery and documentation, with the number of species in the park nearly tripling from 340 to 965. Created by a mutually beneficial relationship between fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria, lichens are complex organisms, with no two being exactly the same. The fungus makes up the primary lichen structure that grows on trees, rocks, or the ground. The secondary organism, either algae or cyanobacteria, provides food for the fungus via photosynthesis, allowing the lichen to grow. With their unique composition, lichens can display a wide variety of forms and colors. Yet few scientists study them. James Lendemer, a leading lichenologist and coauthor of "Field Guide to the Lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park" who serves as curator of botany at the New York State Museum, pointed out that research often focuses on larger, more noticeable species. 'All these little things are super diverse, and we know comparatively little about them,' he explained. 'The lichens are really unusual because they're visually large enough and conspicuous enough that the average person can see them. They are one of the last frontiers of things we can study that are visible to the naked eye, and yet, they are poorly documented.' Although more research is still needed to fully understand the roles lichens play in the environment, data collected so far shows that they fulfill crucial roles within their respective ecosystems. In fact, they can do a little bit of everything. One of lichens' most important functions is their role in sequestering and cycling nitrogen, a vital nutrient for all manner of living things. Lichens absorb and hold nitrogen while they are alive, and some species fix it into a form other organisms can use. When lichens die, they fall to the ground and rot, releasing nitrogen that is sent back into the atmosphere or absorbed by other living things. Additionally, lichens help regulate temperature and humidity by soaking up any water near them and then slowly releasing it back into the environment. They can also be very sensitive and susceptible to certain conditions such as the presence of air pollution, which makes them early indicators of many environmental issues. Lichens also serve a more individualized purpose, with animals using them for nourishment, nesting material, and even housing. Only within the last two decades has lichen research grown significantly, due largely to the work of a few dedicated lichenologists. One of these researchers, Erin Tripp, associate professor and curator of botany at the University of Colorado Boulder, pointed to one of the main reasons lichens were understudied: 'The answer is, in my opinion, a lack of literature.' For a long time, there were very few resources available for studying lichens. In fact, almost no identification keys or field guides existed. Lichenologists often had no choice but to comb through old scientific papers, looking for clues to identify the specimen before them. Little else could provide them with the information they needed. Today this is often still the case, though some newer pieces of literature are making identification easier in a few specific regions. These include "Field Guide to the Lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park" by Tripp and Lendemer, as well as "Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region," which has two volumes, and "Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest." The work done by lichenologists like Lendemer and Tripp has helped to pave the way for future research, ensuring more information is available and that pathways for this field of study are not as limited as they once were. This new accessibility is essential in helping others learn about lichens and understand the important roles that these species play in the ecosystem. Despite long-standing obstacles to research and documentation, lichens are surprisingly easy to research — often requiring nothing more than a small sample dried and placed in a plastic bag. But why has the Smokies become such a hotspot for studying lichens? The answer lies both in the park's natural diversity of lichen species and the efforts of Discover Life in America, an official partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. DLiA is best known for coordinating the Smokies All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, which aims to document every species in the park through the work of scientists and contributions from park visitors. Since DLiA's inception in 1998, the number of species recorded in the park has more than doubled from 10,363 to 22,744. 'The Smokies region is a temperate rainforest with an abundance of trees and geological diversity,' said Will Kuhn, director of science and research for DLiA. 'We're in lichen heaven! The age of the Great Smoky Mountains is probably also a big contributor, giving evolution plenty of time to work its millennia-spanning magic on lichens here.' The park 'functions as a big refuge for a lot of species,' Lendemer said. Over the years, many forest ecosystems in North America have been disrupted and altered — primarily due to human activity — disturbing the areas where lichens would otherwise thrive. However, Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands out as an area with some of the largest and most intact forests in the eastern United States. Even the heavy logging that took place in the early 1900s wasn't as destructive as the disruption other regions suffered, because the mountains' rugged terrain kept logging companies from reaching certain stands of trees. This history, combined with the high level of protection that this park receives today, allows lichens to flourish, and the park's vast size and elevation gradient offer a wide variety of habitats and environments, making it an ideal place for studying these previously overlooked organisms. In the years to come, these discoveries are only expected to continue. 'We're still in the phase of biodiversity discoveries with lichens that we have been long past with other groups,' said Tripp. 'It has taken us a little bit longer to create momentum, but we're coming around. It's a glorious time to be thinking about these organisms and to learn a lot more about how incredibly diverse they are even on just an individual level.' Help scientists like Tripp and Lendemer learn more about biodiversity in the Smokies by logging your observations using the iNaturalist app. Find out how at Early is a writing intern for the 29,000-member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services such as this column. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Word from the Smokies: 'Lichen heaven' and understudied organisms Solve the daily Crossword
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Travel + Leisure
07-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Time to Hit the Road
There's something about summer that just feels like the perfect time to hit the open road—and in a country like the U.S., there's truly something for every kind of traveler. You could take a smooth jaunt along California's stunning coastal highways or zip through the red rock canyons of Utah. Or, you could take a sonically inspired journey through the heart of America's musical soul and spend a few days exploring Tennessee, with stops in Graceland, Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains. If you're seeking something a bit more international, there are plenty of prime routes in Mexico to consider as well. Whatever kind of adventure you're after, Travel + Leisure has the inspiration to spark your next trip.
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival Happening September 18–21, 2025
Inaugural film festival brings the best of cinema to the Highlands Plateau The Highlands Performing Arts Center will celebrate the best of cinema with the inaugural Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival, taking place September 18–21, 2025. The four-day event will feature a diverse selection of films from both emerging and established filmmakers, as well as competition screenings, workshops, and panels with acclaimed industry professionals and award winners. Hosted in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival will benefit children's theatre and the advancement of the arts for this community. 'We are excited to bring together filmmakers and audiences in a celebration of cinema,' said Walter Chaw, senior film critic for award-winning web journal Film Freak Central and festival consultant. 'The Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival is not just about watching great films; it's about fostering a community of creativity and inspiration.' The inaugural festival will feature over 20 films, including independent submissions, 'Roman Holiday,' 'Donnie Darko,' 'Ghostworld,' and 'To Kill A Mockingbird.' The classic films are being presented by actors and cinematic professionals connected to the movies. Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and networking opportunities. For more information about the festival, including the full lineup and schedule of events, as well as to purchase tickets, please visit About Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival Born from a shared love of film, creativity, and community, the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival is a grassroots celebration of storytelling in all its forms. In our first year, we are thrilled to welcome filmmakers and audiences to our small North Carolina town, where we connect through the power of cinema. With a team primarily composed of dedicated volunteers, we're here to uplift emerging voices and create a space for meaningful artistic exchange. For more information, visit About Highlands Performing Arts Center Highlands Performing Arts Center is dedicated to enriching our communities' cultural and artistic life through diverse, world-class performances, educational programs, and community engagement. We aim to inspire creativity, foster connections, and celebrate the transformative power of the arts. For more information, visit Media Contact Jeanne Dowdle +1 813-230-2803 [email protected] ### SOURCE: Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Interstate 40 in the Smoky Mountains reopens faster than expected after rock slide and flooding
HARTFORD, Tenn. (AP) — Crews on Friday reopened a section of Interstate 40 along its narrow corridor through the Great Smoky Mountains after flooding and a rock slide closed the major cross country highway for nine days. The highway was already undergoing major repairs from massive damage and washouts during Hurricane Helene last fall and is down to one lane in each direction in far western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. About 2.5 to 3.5 inches (63 mm to 89 mm) of rain fell in the area over about three hours on June 18, swamping I-40 around Exit 451 in Tennessee, just to the west of the state line with North Carolina, officials said. The Tennessee Department of Transportation originally thought I-40 would be closed until July 3. The damaged section is part of 12 miles (19 kilometers) of I-40 in North Carolina and Tennessee that were washed away or heavily damaged by flooding that roared through the Pigeon River gorge during Hurricane Helene in late September. Crews repaired and shored up enough of the old highway to open one narrow lane in each direction in March. The lanes are separated by a curb several inches high. The permanent fix to stabilize what is left of the road will involve driving long steel rods into bedrock below the highway, filling them with grout and spraying concrete on the cliff face to hold them in place. It will take years. I-40 runs from Wilmington. North Carolina, to Barstow, California.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
5 Cheap Cities To Live In To Feel Like You're Always on Vacation
Living a vacation lifestyle can feel out of reach for your budget, especially if it involves constantly traveling to a new destination. But what if you lived in a vacation spot or at least nearby? You could create a round-the-clock vacation dream. Check Out: Read Next: Explore some affordable cities that put vacation living within reach. Beach lovers looking for a spot to permanently vacation might find exactly what they are looking for in Myrtle Beach. The beachside town offers easy access to the ocean and a slew of fun activities to try, including antique shopping and mini golf. The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 9.6% lower than the national average. On average, homes are worth $324,570 in this beachside haven, which is significantly lower than the national average of $367,969. Explore More: For anyone seeking a full-time mountain retreat with easy access to services, Knoxville could be the right spot. Not only is Knoxville's cost of living lower than the national average, but its location also makes it easy to enjoy the mountainous region. Knoxville residents will find themselves just an hour away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has seemingly endless outdoor adventures available. Additionally, Pigeon Forge, complete with Dollywood, is under an hour from Knoxville. Home values in Knoxville are an average of $368,490, putting them on par with the national average. New Orleans is a bustling city filled with music and culture. For anyone considering a move, you might be surprised to learn that this mecca of southern charm has a cost of living only 1.6% higher than the national average. If moving from a more expensive city, New Orleans might feel more affordable. Within New Orleans, you'll find an endless selection of top-notch restaurants to try and a lively music scene to keep the vacation vibes going constantly. On average, home values in New Orleans are $245,364, which is over $100,000 below the national average, possibly putting homeownership in reach for you. The cost of living in Tampa is slightly above the national average. While you could potentially live in Tampa for less, close proximity to the beach might give you the feeling of a permanent vacation. Plus, those who love theme parks will need to drive only around an hour and a half or take the train into Orlando to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the city's other major attractions. In terms of a home purchase, the average home value in Tampa is $379,156, which is around $10,000 higher than the national average. For those who want to spend more time visiting theme parks, Altamonte Springs offers an attractive option. It's less than an hour's drive to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. If you want to take a trip out to the Florida coast, Cape Canaveral is approximately an hour away. But the Orlando suburb boasts a below-average cost of living for a family of four. If entering the housing market, expect the average home price to fall at $308,761, which is around $60,000 less than the national average. Vacation living might be within reach if you are willing to make a move. Before jumping into a particular place, consider giving it a test run to confirm you like what it has to offer. Editor's note: All cost-of-living figures were sourced from BestPlaces, and all home values were sourced from Zillow. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Says Trump's Executive Order To Lower Medication Costs Has a 'Real Shot' -- Here's Why This article originally appeared on 5 Cheap Cities To Live In To Feel Like You're Always on Vacation
