The unifying theme of my work for this year will be the flora and fauna of one of my favorite places on earth: Madison County, North Carolina. Madison County is located deep in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, and much of the county's terrain is rugged, heavily forested, and sparsely populated. The county's northern border is with the State of Tennessee.

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Hosting hundreds of species of birds, mammals large and small, reptiles, fish, and gorgeous native plants (some of which are found no where else) Madison County is an endless source of inspiration for me. Come along with me this year as I feature some of my favorite aspects of the place I aim to make my forever home. 

 

Madison County's largest river is the French Broad River, which flows north-northwest through the county, first past the county seat of Marshall, then past the resort town of Hot Springs. Heartbreakingly, Hurricane Helene caused the French Broad to flood; this flooding absolutely devastated many small mountain communities in September, 2024. Rebuilding and recovery will take a long time.​