Stay in the Sanctuary: Eyrie Suite Spotlight Tucked deep within the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the Eyrie Suite offers a peaceful, private escape with breathtaking views of the Rocky Fork Gorge. Perfect for a quiet nature retreat, this cozy suite features a queen-sized bed, handcrafted white cedar furniture, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a private viewing deck with Adirondack chairs to soak it all in. Eyrie is a favorite for those looking to reconnect with nature. Located near 16 miles of scenic hiking trails and just a short walk to the Appalachian Forest Museum, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Sanctuary. Please note: Eyrie shares a wall and parking area with the adjacent Zen River Suite, though both are fully private with separate entrances and decks. Both lodges are ADULT ONLY due to the danger that the deep gorge poses to children. Guests must not wander beyond designated pedestrian walkways. Book your stay now by visiting the Arc of Appalachia's website. (fb)

Our May Nature is Neat program, Misunderstood Friends of the Forest, was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Appalachian Forest Museum this past weekend to learn about these often misunderstood creatures. 🌿 Mark your calendar for June’s program, Birds of a Feather, happening on June 14th from 11am to 3pm at the Appalachian Forest Museum. We’re excited to welcome our friends from the Glen Helen Raptor Center, who will be bringing live raptors for you to meet up close! Raptors are majestic birds of prey like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Explore what owls eat by examining their pellets under a microscope, sharpen your backyard bird identification skills, and discover the tools that can help you spot birds at home. Play the migration game, make your own “binoculars” from recycled materials, and when it’s time to migrate home, grab a free Bird Explorer booklet to keep the adventure going! We hope to see you there! Photos of this past weekend's event, Misunderstood Friends of the Forest by Cassidy Drummond (fb)