Episode 304

Seeking the Ancient Ones
The Black River flows through Sampson, Pender and Bladen counties before emptying into the Cape Fear River just above Wilmington, NC. Our host, Fred Annand, takes us down this meandering stream flanked by lofty cypresses—some among the oldest trees on earth. This winding waterway is recognized as one of the cleanest waterways in North Carolina and home to a wealth of wildlife including several rare fish species. Explore this blackwater treasure.

Sheila Kay Adams
Next, we travel to the mountains to sit down with David Holt and Appalachian singer and storyteller, Sheila Kay Adams.  This acclaimed writer and musician plays banjo in the clean drop-thumb ‘clawhammer’ style singing traditional English, Scottish and Irish ballads her family has passed down for seven generations. Meet this unique, local artist.

Golden Eggs
Deep in the Pisgah National Forest, the Sunburst Trout Company started out as the South’s first commercial trout farm in 1948. Over three generations, this family-operated business adapted new techniques in trout production innovating their company. The roe that, for years, was only a challenging by-product, created another exciting possibility…caviar! Examine how the local company makes this mountain-grown delicacy.

If You Want To Go

Seeking the Ancient Ones

The Nature Conservancy - Black River Reserve

Sheila Kay Adams

Sheila Kay Adams - Official Website

Golden Eggs

Sunburst Trout Company