Few people in North Carolina know more about what makes trees tick than Dr. Howard Neufeld, a professor of biology at Appalachian State University. To his thousands of online followers, Neufeld is better known as the "Fall Color Guy" because of the weekly updates he shares this time of the year. According to Neufeld, North Carolina hasn't always had the same variety and vibrancy of fall color.

Dr. Karl Campbell, as associate professor of history at Appalachian, is quoted about the role of suburban voters in North Carolina's 2020 presidential election.

Dr. Howard Neufeld at Appalachian State University, who manages the “Fall Color Guy” Facebook page, said the high ridges are starting to show some color, but many trees are already dropping their leaves before turning color because of the drought conditions.

The New River Conservancy and New River State Park are working to reopen Elk Shoals to the public through a plan they are calling ReWilding Elk Shoals. A team from Appalachian State University's Appalachian Studies program participated in planting native trees in the flood plain at Elk Shoals on Sept. 20.

There is a record number of students at Appalachian State University this fall, and school leaders are hoping to hit a big milestone next year. Chancellor Sheri Everts says the goal for 2020 is to have an enrollment of 20,000 students.

Leaf lovers, rejoice: Fall will be colorful. This year, the South is on track to have a much more vibrant display of colors, says Howard S. Neufeld, professor of biology at Appalachian State University.

You agreed to stick it out through sickness and health and for richer or poorer, but marital vows don't address the other big things that can untie your knot. In one Appalachian State University study, for example, experts asked 52 couples to reminisce about fun times they had experienced both alone and together; those who liked to recall shared laughs were most satisfied with their relationships.

In August, Appalachian State University welcomed 19,280 students — the largest and most diverse class in university history. Preliminary numbers from the fall 2019 census data and the Office of Admissions as of Sept. 5 also show a continuing trend of strong retention rates for the fall 2019 semester.

It’s that time of the year again: Students flocking back to school. For many students in college, it’s the time of the year when getting enough nutritious food to eat is a struggle. On average, Appalachian State University serves 10 students every day at the sustainability office food pantry.