Wildlife and nature have prospered at Pilot Mountain since the presence of fire

Devastating. A word meaning highly destructive, damaging, causing severe shock, distress or grief. It’s also a word that has commonly been associated with the Grindstone Fire that ignited Nov. 27, 2021, at Pilot Mountain State Park. It’s not difficult to see where some might get that perception when viewing images and videos of the fire’s … Read more

Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by planting the right tree in the right place

Spring is more than just a season between March and mid-June. It’s also a verb that means “to rise, move or leap.” These words also describe human activity as they reemerge from the winter months and cold temperatures by partaking in more outdoor activities. Plants, trees and flowers are doing the same with new growth … Read more

Fighting fire with fire: why we need to burn the land

Many people associate fire with destruction, devastation and loss. Large clouds of smoke, burly orange blazes, tree limbs snapping and ash falling like snow are some of the images we’ve all seen that contribute to the “fire is bad” perception. While wildfires can reach a dangerous and destructive level quickly, not all fire is bad. … Read more