Land Protection: Three Top Mountain

Michael and Michelle Leonard Stanback Conservation Leadership Award

In October, Blue Ridge Conservancy presented Michelle and R. Michael Leonard the second-ever Stanback Conservation Leadership Award at an intimate ceremony at Gideon Ridge Inn. This award is named for Fred and Alice Stanback, premiere conservationists in North Carolina and the Southeast. The inaugural honor was given to John and Faye Cooper in 2017 for their efforts to preserve the historic cultural landscape of Valle Crucis.

“The Leonards are truly the “First Family” of land conservation in North Carolina,” says Charlie Brady, Blue Ridge Conservancy’s Executive Director. “We honor their past accomplishments and successes with this award, but we are particularly excited about the future impact they will have throughout North Carolina and beyond.”

Environmental advocates separately and as a team, the Leonards have built a life focused on conserving the land and water resources of North Carolina and the Southeast. Michelle helped found High Country Conservancy, and was a leader during the merger process to create Blue Ridge Conservancy in 2010. She spearheads multiple conservation efforts and has served on several state and regional environmental boards. She is currently on staff with Muddy Sneakers and serves on the board of Audubon North Carolina. Mike is a longtime volunteer, attorney, and advocate for land preservation projects in North Carolina and Alabama. Their decades of tireless work for environmental causes have created substantial, sustained positive change in the state’s conservation landscape.

The impact the Leonards have made in the High Country is extraordinary, including the following conservation and historic preservation projects:

Junaluska Natural Area Valle Crucis Historic District Blue Ridge Parkway Grandfather Mountain Bear Paw State Natural Area Peak Mountain

Thanks to the Leonards and the Coopers for their continuing conservation work in the High Country. And thanks to the Stanbacks, whose support has transformed the ability of many land trusts, including BRC, to forever protect treasured environmental resources. They inspire others to be bold leaders in the protection of places we love, and The Stanback Conservation Leadership Award honors this legacy.

Stuart Mangum, M-Prints

Stuart Mangum is a longtime supporter of BRC’s work, and his screen printing and embroidery business, M-Prints, supplies all of BRC’s apparel needs and has for years. From shirts to hats, Stuart keeps our staff and supporters looking sharp and representing the Conservancy. The latest batch of M-Prints gear is always available on the BRC website.

Sarah and Shaw Brown, Boone Bike & Touring

Shaw and Sarah Brown have been dedicated supporters of BRC and the Middle Fork Greenway for many years. Boone Bike & Touring is consistently a community leader during the annual Round Up For the Greenway. This year, BRC worked with Boone Bike and DeFeet t to offer an exclusive pair of branded Aireators hiking and cycling socks. Thanks to Sarah and Shaw’s generosity, 100% of proceeds from sock sales came directly to BRC.

“We strongly believe land conservation contributes to our quality of life. Spending time outside every day is what keeps us happy…physically and mentally! Whether it’s hiking, biking, running, or paddling, the more land there is to explore, the better for all of us! We’re super grateful that Blue Ridge Conservancy does the hard work of securing and preserving so many beautiful places so we can get outside and play!” - Sarah and Shaw Brown, Owners, Boone Bike & Touring

Michael Whaley

More than a volunteer, Michael has worked with BRC since 2007 and is always on call. In the time he has been involved with the Conservancy, he has handled tasks ranging from moving our office furniture and setting up for events to installing garage doors and keeping the appliances in good order. His masterful woodworking skills are visible throughout the new office and we can count on him to show up when we need him with a smile on his face. We are thankful to have his expertise in so many areas. He helps keep BRC up and running!

Michael is retired after 43 years as a commercial and residential cabinet maker and owner of Ashe Woodworking, earning accolades as the very first Ashe County Small Business of the Year. He lives on a farm in Ashe County with his wife, Maria, and enjoys camping, fishing, kayaking and hunting.