PROTECTING THE CAROLINAS

Help conserve this rich landscape for future generations, plus our favorite organizations to consider supporting.

words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photos JAMEY PRICE OR JP GRICE

As part of the ancient Appalachian region, the Blue Ridge Mountains have millions upon millions of years of history etched deep within their stones. They stood tall as the first humans trekked across North America, and they became an unyielding safe haven to those who settled the area. That safe haven was shared by the thousands of plant and animal species that thrived because of the unique topography and seasonal changes of the region. Even now, the Blue Ridge Mountains remain one of the most bio-diverse areas in the United States.

But while the Blue Ridge Mountains might seem invulnerable, a closer look at their ecosystem will tell a different story. After generations of pollution, deforestation and other human-driven threats, the area is slowly being compromised. Fortunately, there’s hope for the Blue Ridge Mountains. With enough people willing to help, we can protect the area’s biodiversity and conserve its breathtaking beauty for future generations to experience.

This list of activities to do and organizations to support can help everyone get started:

Visit the National Parks

There are two official national parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains—the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park and the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park. While irresponsible tourists can cause more harm than good, having people visit these parks is the best way to get them to learn about the problems they face. Those who are truly interested in conserving the Blue Ridge Mountains can experience their scenic routes and beautiful trails firsthand. Plus, they can speak to park rangers and learn more about the interesting species that call the area home.

Spread Awareness About the Issue

People can’t support conservation efforts if they know nothing about them. Many local and national conservation organizations have started as grassroots movements, which are often built upon word of mouth. That’s why it’s important to take part in their local outreach groups and educational programs, whether as an attendee or a volunteer.

Volunteer for a Cleanup

For those who live close to the Blue Ridge Mountains—or even better, those who live in one of the many towns dotting the area—volunteering is a great way to make an impact. One way to help out is to join one of the many trash collection crews that set out around the area. Organizations like Conserving Carolina schedule trail maintenance and litter cleanup events each year, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you want to sign up.

Offer Up Your Skills to Local Organizations

It’s not always easy to help out a cause when the most popular forms of volunteering don’t seem accessible. Fortunately, organizations like Blue Ridge Conservancy, the National Park Foundation, and Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of ways to get involved. In addition to needing people for cleanup activities and educational programs, they also need people to donate professional services. Photographers, web designers, writers, and even administrative experts are all needed to keep these organizations running smoothly. Reach out to one today to find out how you can help with your professional skills.

Support Native Flora and Fauna

Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains comes with the unique opportunity to impact the surrounding ecosystem firsthand. Growing a garden with native wildflowers and other plants can help offset the loss of habitat in other areas. Don’t live nearby? Why not donate some plants, instead? Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains continue to run a tree donation program for their Sleeter Lake Park project. This project aims to revitalize the Sleeter Lake area by bringing in wildlife and building a town recreation area. For just $50 - $500, donors can purchase a sapling for the organization to plant in their honor. Tree types range from sassafras and sweet gums to sycamores and Virginia pines.

Shop Smarter

Becoming a smart consumer can be more helpful than most people realize when it comes to conservation efforts. Many local businesses like Mast General Store, Bistro Roca and Stick Boy Bread Company take pride in their Blue Ridge Mountain community, often showing it through their sponsorship of conser- vation organizations. In addition to shopping locally, people can support conservation efforts by simply being more conscious of what they’re spending money on. Buying things that are sustainably made ethically sourced is a good way to start.

Donate to Local or National Organizations

Can’t donate any time for volunteer work? Why not donate money, instead? These conservation groups rely on monetary donations to fund everything from cleanup equipment and educational programs to scientific studies and land surveys. Plus, many organizations offer memberships for those who commit to recurring donations. These memberships grant all sorts of perks, such as invites to members-only events, newsletters about the group’s work, and even yearly gifts.

Get Political

Unfortunately, local conservation efforts can only get us so far. When it comes to large-scale solutions, the cooperation of the local, state and even federal government is important. This is in part because government agencies are the ones that have the power to put more legal protections in place. Electing officials who are environmentally conscious and are willing to support long-term conservation goals can go a long way in securing the Blue Ridge Mountains in the future.

Like, Comment, and Subscribe

Another small but impactful action is to harness the power of social media for everyday conservation efforts. Look up local businesses and nonprofit organizations that are focusing on the Blue Ridge Mountains and support their efforts online. Sharing videos, joining in on discussions, and liking posts can all help to boost engagement. Plus, following these entities on social media is also a great way to stay in the loop about new events and programs starting up.

Organizations to Consider Giving Your Support

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

This organization works to protect the natural heritage of the Southern Appalachian region, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, through land conservation and stewardship.

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps preserve the Parkway's natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s mission is to bring together communities and volunteers to build, maintain, and advocate for an enduring footpath connecting North Carolina’s natural, historic, and cultural treasures.

Nature Conservancy North Carolina

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization that works to protect lands and waters around the world, including in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Blue Ridge Conservancy

This nonprofit organization works to protect land and water resources in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, with a focus on conservation easements and land purchases.

Foothills Conservancy of NC

The Foothills Conservancy is a land trust that works to protect and conserve natural resources in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Blue Ridge Forever

This coalition of conservation organizations and agencies works to protect the Blue Ridge Mountains through various aspects including land conservation, education, and advocacy.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership

This partnership works to preserve and promote the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, including through support for local communities and economic development.

Appalachian Voices

This nonprofit organization does amazing work to protect the environment and promote sustainable energy solutions in the beautiful Appalachian region, including our Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

Conservation Trust for North Carolina

This statewide land trust works to protect natural areas and working landscapes across North Carolina, including in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

MountainTrue

This nonprofit organization works to protect the environment and promote sustainable communities in the mountains of western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The High Country Conservancy

This nonprofit organization works to protect and preserve the natural resources of the High Country region of North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Green Built Alliance

This nonprofit organization promotes sustainable building practices and ener- gy efficiency in the mountains of western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League

This organization works to protect the environment and public health in the Appalachian region, including the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

This organization works to protect and maintain the Appalachian Trail, a longdistance hiking trail that runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains and other scenic areas of North Carolina.

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

This nonprofit organization works to preserve and protect the natural resources of Grandfather Mountain, a popular destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Blue Ridge Parkway Association

This nonprofit organization supports the Blue Ridge Parkway, promoting its preservation and enjoyment for visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hemlock Restoration Initiative

This nonprofit organization works to protect and restore hemlock trees in the southern Appalachian region, including the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Friends of Roan Mountain

This nonprofit organization works to protect and preserve Roan Mountain, a scenic area in the Blue Ridge Mountains that is home to a unique ecosystem of high-elevation plant species.