Smoky Mountain Dandelions

Smoky Mountain dandelions (whose Botanical name is Taraxacum officinale) considered by many to be an obnoxious, stubborn, persistent weed are anything but. In fact, the plant is just dandy when it comes to nutrition. Beloved and harvested by naturalist since the 10th century, Dandelions are considered useful in treating a number of medical conditions.

Historical documents indicate that the plant was used by the early Chinese to treat stomach problems and promote bone health, and today the humble herb is the subject of ongoing studies which suggest that it might be helpful for a myriad of ailments. An added bonus is the fact that the plant contains more protein than spinach.

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Merle Fest Virtual Concert

Merle Fest Virtual Concert scheduled. Music fans can view 2012 broadcast of MerleFest from Wilkesboro, NC. this weekend. The current pandemic caused the cancellation of this year’s Merle Fest in Wilkesboro, NC, but Smoky Mountain music fans and the more than  20,000 visitors who have attended the event from around the nation will be happy to hear that a special broadcast of the 2012 MerleFest, named in memory of Doc Watson’s late son, Eddie Merle Watson, is available this weekend April 23-26 As a thank you to every fan who has attended and supported MerleFest over the years, this broadcast is presented free of charge. Simply visit MerleFest.org and click the live stream link on the homepage to view the broadcast over the course of the originally scheduled MerleFest 2020 weekend, April 23-26. Fans can stream here starting April 23 at 1 p.m. and April 24-26 at 9:30 a.m.

Fans were rightfully disappointed when this year’s MerleFest (where Willie Nelson, and the recently deceased John Prine, who succumbed recently to COVID-19, were both scheduled to appear) proved a no-go but are delighted that a special broadcast of the 2012 broadcast of the 2012 Watson and Cabin stages will be available during this MerleFest weekend. Scheduled April 23-26 this broadcast holds a special place in the history of the festival. It marks the last time that legendary Doc Watson graced the MerleFest stage (he played that Sunday and passed away the following May.) In lieu of their annual gathering of music fans and musicians from across the globe, MerleFest, presented by Window World, announced a rebroadcast of the Watson and Cabin stages from the 2012 MerleFest weekend. Performances from every stage cannot be streamed (there are actually 13 venues at MerleFest) but everything from the Watson Stage (the main stage) and the adjacent Cabin Stage will be broadcast. This includes legendary performances by Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Los Lobos, Punch Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Alison Krauss & Union Station.

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Smoky Mountain Synchronous Firefly Event Cancelled

Smoky Mountain Synchronous Firefly Event Cancelled. National Park officials announced the cancellation of the popular synchronous firefly event due to the continuing threat from the novel coronavirus (COVID -19). The cancellation is part of a continuing push to support federal, state and local efforts to contain the spread of the virus by following the most recent guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control(CDC).

“The synchronous firefly viewing area at Elkmont simply isn’t spacious enough to safely allow hundreds of people to gather under the current health guidance,” said Superintendent Cash. “While disappointing, the safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors continues to be our number one priority.”

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Smoky Mountain Eastern Spotted Skunk

Smoky Mountain Eastern Spotted Skunks give fair warning and provide some interesting acrobatics just before sending out a cloud of noxious spray. When frightened, or angered, the Eastern Spotted Skunk engages in unique behaviors that serves as either a bluff or a warning  just prior to discharging a very unwelcome aromatic spritz. This species, the smaller of the two skunks that make their home in the park, will stomp its front feet in rapid succession on the ground. Perhaps, even more unusual, the skunk may also perform a handstand on its front feet and walk while holding its tail in the air just before aiming and spraying. So, if you encounter either of these behaviors, you have had been forewarned!

Eastern Spotted Skunks are nocturnal and active year-round. Excellent climbers, these skunks are more agile and alert than their striped counterparts, and feed primarily on small mammals, fruits, insects, birds, lizards, snakes, and carrion. The breed is easily distinguished from its Pepe LePew-looking cousin. Weighing in at under three pounds, it has black silky fur, a white triangular spot on the forehead, a white spot under each ear, and four to six undulating white stripes along the neck, back, and sides. White patches are also present on the rump, and a bushy 6-8-inch tail sports a broad white tip. Hunters often trap the species for its’ unique fur. The Eastern Spotted Skunk’s range includes Northeastern Mexico through the Great Plains to the Canadian border, and the Southeastern United States north to Pennsylvania.

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