‘North Carolina Beautiful’ collaboration by artist William Mangum

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has announced its collaboration with North Carolina’s Artist, William Mangum, in his most recent book entitled “North Carolina Beautiful.” This tribute to North Carolina’s beauty and splendor includes more than 140 original pieces of art by Mangum and is accompanied by educational vignettes that reveal how readers can explore, celebrate and protect the Old North State. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is one of six conservation and preservation nonprofits across the state partnering with Mangum on North Carolina Beautiful. A portion of the sales from Mangum’s book will be gifted to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Looking for a summer adventure? You do not have to drive far find plenty of fascinating recreational, historical and cultural treasures to explore along North Carolina’s Scenic Byways, which criss-cross every region of the state.

Nantahala Byway

Cool off in the mountains with a trip down the Nantahala Byway, which begins in far Western North Carolina in the Cherokee County town of Marble. The byway travels through the Nantahala National Forest, paralleling the Nantahala River, a world-class whitewater rafting destination. Local outfitters provide rafting, kayaking and canoeing tours during the warmer months and even into the fall and winter seasons.

Approximately 15 species of snakes live in the region, only two of which are venomous; still, many harmless snakes are needlessly killed each year.

On Thursday, July 14, at 6 pm, a program titled “Snakes of Highlands” is planned at the Highlands Nature Center.

The presentation, given by Patrick Brannon, Director of the Nature Center, will discuss the biology and natural history of snakes, instruct visitors on the identification of the local species, and dispel many common misconceptions about them.

The Catamount Adventure Camps, sponsored by Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing Education and Base Camp Cullowhee, will be held this summer, offering five-day programs of outdoor fun to children at the elementary and middle school levels.

Three camps will present age-appropriate activities to children of varying grade levels. The camp for rising third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders is July 11-15. Rising sixth- and seventh- graders have camp July 25-29, and rising eighth- and ninth-graders Aug. 1-5. Each program lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.