Ruth Ann Grissom

Biography

Ruth Ann Grissom grew up on a farm in Montgomery County and earned degrees in journalism and social work at UNC Chapel Hill. She divides her time between Charlotte and the Uwharries.

Stories by Ruth Ann Grissom

Passenger pigeons: Marking a century-old extinction

Sept. 1 marks 100 years since the death of Earth's last passenger pigeon, a bird whose species once darkened the skies over eastern North America. Now researchers say they have a good chance of...

Saltbush – native but invasive

Saltbush, native to the North Carolina Coastal Plain, has begun to move into the Piedmont. Is it time to accept it as a native plant further inland? (Photo: Ruth Ann Grissom)

Showing patriotism, one native plant at a time

In UNC Charlotte's Van Landingham Glen, birdsong, flowing water and stirring leaves replace the sounds of nearby rush-hour traffic.  This forest garden thrives in early summer, and it showcases...

Big cats in the Uwharries

If we cross paths with a large cat in the Carolinas, it’s likely an exotic pet that was released or escaped, not a native animal. But not always. (Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Fifty species challenge

Can you identify 50 species of plants and animals native to your region? Naturalist Kenn Kaufman believes making the effort to do that will profoundly enhance your connection with the natural world...