Tom and Elena Marsh, who live in Swiss Colony neighborhood, have met the requirements from the National Wildlife Federation to create a backyard certified wildlife habitat.

In order to become certified, a property must provide the four basic elements that all wildlife need: food, water, cover and places to raise young.

In addition to providing for wildlife, certified habitats conserve natural resources by reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and/or irrigation water.

Friends of Rickman Store are helping to implement the project with a series of “Gardening for Wildlife” programs. The next progam is set for Monday, Aug. 15, 5 to 7 p.m. “Meet Me At Spring Valley.”

Last Thursday, the Tourism Development Commission of Macon County approved a number of grant requests for events scheduled for this fall.

Rob Gasbarro and Cory McCall, proprietors of the downtown Franklin outfitters store Outdoor 76, presented to the board their plans of holding the first annual Outdoor Athlon event.

Held at Cullasaja Park, just off of Fox Ridge Road in Franklin, the event promises to showcase outdoor activities and promote local entertainment. An outdoor triathlon, disc golf and ultimate Frisbee tournaments, outdoor sport clinics, hiking and kayaking demonstrations are among the many features at the event, which will resemble Asheville’s Mountain Sports Festival.

LTWA presents updated State of the Streams Report at League of Women Voters meeting

The Little Tennessee Watershed Association (LTWA) presented an updated report at the League of Women Voters meeting summarizing 21 years of water quality and habitat trends.

According to this updated report by the LTWA, the stretch of the river between Lake Emory and Fontana Reservoir is one of the highest quality rivers in the Southern Appalachians. “The Little Tennessee is by any measure the healthiest major river in the Blue Ridge.” Therefore, it is essential that the preservation efforts of the LTWA, and the community, continue.

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