WREN Center Blog
The Whiterock Research, Education and Nature (WREN) promotes public awareness, ecological study, and conservation of the unique natural heritage of the Laurel River watershed in Madison County, North Carolina.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Control Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive plant that’s tough to remove, but eco-friendly methods like digging, smothering with tarps, repeated cutting, goat grazing, and planting native species can control it ... ...more
Invasive plants
May 06, 2025•3 min read
Lessons from Helene
Hurricane Helene caused massive flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in Western NC. The disaster exposed the need for better land use, bridge design, floodplain protection, and watershed pl... ...more
Watershed
April 30, 2025•3 min read
Taming the Ornamental Beast: Controlling Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus sinensis, once prized in landscaping, is now a major invasive threat in the U.S. Learn eco-friendly methods like manual removal, mowing, solarization, and native replanting to control its s... ...more
Invasive plants
April 27, 2025•2 min read
Rare Stoneflies of the Southern Appalachians: A Closer Look at Hidden Biodiversity
Explore the hidden biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians through three rare and elusive stonefly species. Discover how their presence in small streams sheds light on understudied habitats and the ... ...more
Dave Penrose
April 19, 2025•3 min read
Whiterock
Research Education
& Nature Center
WREN Center acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and waters on which the society members gather and acknowledge and pay respect to their Elders; past, present and emerging. We honor the past, respect the present and look towards a prosperous and reconciled future
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