Blue Ridge Conservancy - 2022 Annual Report

BLUE RIDGE CONSERVANCY Saving the Places You Love

ANNUAL REPORT: FISCAL YEAR 2022

Board of Trustees

Our Mission

Exceptional levels of financial transparency and accountability earned BRC a four star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent evaluator of nonprofit organizations.

The Platinum Seal of Transparency indicates that the Foundation shares clear and important information with the public about our goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements, and progress indicators.

On the Cover: Former BRC intern Tristan Thomas pauses at the top of Flag Rock to take in the autumn color. Tristan is currently solo thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, and we’re watching her adventures from afar!

Photography by: Leila Jackson, Eric Hiegl, Beth Jacquot, Jasyn Klamborowski, Craig Lancaster, Ben Lucas, Jim Magruder, Sydney Phillips, and Lynn Willis.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

Every year the Annual Report is our opportunity to share with you Blue Ridge Conservancy’s proudest achievements in land conservation. The successes you see on these pages are yours. Without your support and commitment natural areas such as Paddy, Pond, and Three Top Mountains would not have been protected. Public recreation projects such as the Middle Fork Greenway, Boone Gorge Park, and Northern Peaks State Trail would not be progressing. Critical farmland in Wilkes County would have been lost to development. We thank you for your role in making all these efforts a reality.

Land protection makes good economic sense and helps build healthy, interconnected communities. Publicly accessible land for recreation stimulates the creation of small locally owned businesses. It is an amenity sought out by businesses seeking to relocate or expand. New businesses lead to better paying jobs and a higher quality of life. In addition, the physical and mental health benefits of green spaces, trails, rivers, and strong local food supplies cannot be overstated. Therefore, merely protecting land is not always enough. When conserved lands benefit everyone, our communities thrive.

We continue to be good stewards of your investments in BRC. Once again, we were able to leverage $12.00 for land conservation projects for every $1.00 you invested in our work. Your support enabled us to achieve important conservation victories and fulfill the commitment promised to you as a partner in these efforts.

With this momentum and BRC’s track record of success, grit, and determination, there is so much more we can and must achieve. We are constantly uplifted by your strength and dedication to BRC’s mission. Thank you for working alongside us. Your continued support will ensure the future success of land conservation in North Carolina.

BRC Staff: Sydney Phillips, Jordan Sellers, Caroline Poteat, Wendy Patoprsty, Charlie Brady, Eric Hiegl, Maria Whaley, Ben Lucas, and Leila Jackson.

The BRC Staff and Board worked diligently in 2022 to update the organization’s Strategic Plan, including a full day work session at Valle Crucis Conference Center with facilitator John Curtis.

Ann Hayes Browning

Ann is a native North Carolinian, having grown up in High Point. Her first career spanned 23 years with Bank of America where she was involved with corporate banking, investment banking, and private equity investing.

When she chose to pursue a second career, Ann wanted to focus her efforts on preserving the natural resources and character of her native North Carolina. When the Carolina Thread Trail, a 15-county initiative to connect trails, open space, and regional attractions, was being initiated by Foundation For The Carolinas, the Catawba Lands Conservancy, and the Trust for Public Land, she joined as the first full time staff person. As the Carolina Thread Trail Director, she worked on community outreach, branding, public and private fundraising, and the development and oversight of The Thread’s community grants program.

Ann is excited to rejoin the BRC Board, having served as former chair, head of the executive director search committee, and first director of the Middle Fork Greenway. In 2019 she was appointed to the North Carolina Land and Water Fund Board of Trustees.

She, husband Ric, and labrador Cricket love playing on their Ashe County property along Three Top Creek, as well as hiking and paddling throughout the spectacular High Country.

Jennie Derby

Jennie Derby hails from Richmond, VA and attended Western Carolina University. She was a financial advisor (CFP®) in Charlotte, NC for 30 years, selling her firm, Lifeworth Financial, in 2019. Jennie resides in Boone with her husband, Leigh.

Jennie was a founding member of the Women’s Impact Fund of Charlotte and on the board of Conservation Trust for NC in Raleigh, NC, including two terms as Board President. Locally, she co-chaired the associate pastor search committee, and served on the capital campaign and finance committees of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. She is Treasurer of The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, and volunteers for Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation workdays.

Jennie and Leigh’s daughter, Tiffany Crenshaw, and her family live in Greensboro, NC. Their son, Quinn Derby, and his family live in Charlotte. For fun, Jennie enjoys tennis, hiking, gardening, entertaining friends and family, traveling, reading, and playing word and board games.

Sydney Phillips Administrative Assistant

Sydney wears many hats, both at BRC and in life. Teacher, mentor, volunteer, champion - the list goes on and on.

Sydney lives near Boone with her husband Taylor, two dogs, four chickens, and George the Rooster.

She is most proud of her work with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, where she works to support local farmers to bring nutritious food to the community. In her free time, Sydney is a fan of European football, and devoted to the Premiere League and Liverpool FC (and of course App FC!). When she isn’t trail running or spending time with her sons, “spectacular humans” Sam and Wyatt, she’s practicing her newest hobby, playing guitar.

Jordan Sellers Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator

As the inaugural Northern Peaks State Trail coordinator, Jordan comes to BRC with the skills and enthusiasm to get the job done. Always community-minded, Jordan was MountainTrue’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year, and spent three years as a Community Based Mentor for Western Youth Network. Jordan is a graduate of Colorado State University

Global, and comes to BRC after working as a real estate agent in the High Country. In his spare time he enjoys beekeeping with his partner Sammi, and trail running with his dog Junior (or being lazy with his dog Kala).

STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

BRC’s Eric Hiegl Named Land Conservationist of the Year

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation named BRC’s Eric Hiegl the state’s 2022 Land Conservationist of the Year. Hiegl has worked in land protection for 22 years, completing over 100 fee simple and conservation easement projects in NC and Virginia in that time. A presenter at the national Land Trust Rally in 2019, he has continued to expand his knowledge of easements, stewardship, and baseline documentation.

Hiegl joins an elite group of dedicated conservationists with BRC ties to win this award, including 2021 winner and former BRC Executive Director Walter Clark and 2017 winner Margaret Newbold, current BRC Trustee and past Board chair. Mike Leonard, winner of BRC’s Stanback Conservation Leadership Award in 2021, was recognized in 2011, and James Coman, former Director of Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust, was honored in the early 2000s.

“It is a distinct honor to work with Eric Hiegl. He is the consummate professional, having devoted his entire working life to land conservation in North Carolina. The achievements realized over his twenty-year career are substantial and have earned him the respect of others in this field. He possesses immense knowledge of the technical requirements necessary to acquire land and conservation easements.”

- Charlie Brady, BRC Executive Director

Wendy was a featured speaker and honored guest at the Watauga Women in Leadership Gala, where she shared the stage with Emmy winning news anchor Molly Grantham. Wendy was previously named WWIL’s “Woman of the Year”.

Caroline was named the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s “4 Under 40” Winner in the Nonprofit category. She was previously a finalist for this award, and in 2021 she was honored as a “Trailblazer” by Business North Carolina magazine .

Eric poses with BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady (L) and 2011 Land Conservationist of the Year Mike Leonard (R).

Eric and his wife Nicole attended the 58th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards reception.

Caroline Poteat, Director of Development

Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director

THE BRC CONSERVATION CAMPUS

The Conservation Campus Trail

BRC’s Conservation Campus is home to a 2.2 mile loop trail, which is open to the public. The route takes hikers on a beautiful, winding path through rhododendrons and around boulders. The trailhead is located at the parking area, which also serves the picnic area, pollinator meadow, agricultural area, and stream.

The trail and pollinator meadow are home to many plant and animal species, including at least 12 species of salamander. The entire area is a designated eBird Hotspot, so visitors can log avian species they observe.

The Debbie L. Swartzel Education Center

Pollinator meadow

Trail parking area

Office

2.2-mile trail

Agricultural area

An aerial photo of the BRC Conservation Campus shows improvements including a trail parking area and sign, new plantings in the pollinator meadow, and significant progress on the education center.

The Conservation Campus Story

In 2013, Audrey Bentley chose to preserve the legacy of her 46-acre family farm by donating a conservation easement on her property. Her commitment to the protection of our region’s natural resources was so great that upon her passing in 2019, Mrs. Bentley donated that land and her family home to BRC. The selfless gift has provided a permanent home for the Conservancy, and a recreational resource for the community.

Richard and Debbie Swartzel believe so much in the mission of BRC that they contributed the majority of funds to remodel the existing home, build the 2.2 mile trail, and turn the detached garage into an educational center. They generously contributed to the project as a memorial to their friends and Richard’s “adopted” parents, Barbara and EC Morris.

Staff moved into the new office in July of 2021, and renovations and improvements have continued since. The pollinator meadow and trail are currently open to the public, and we invite you to come for a visit!

Partnerships and Pollinators

Center

One of the most exciting current projects at BRC is the remodel of the detatched garage into an education center and flex space. We hope to have the facility open and ready for visitors by late summer 2023.

Thanks to donors and community partners, BRC has made progress on making the Campus match the vision of our Board, staff, and friends. The pollinator meadow has improved greatly in the last year, thanks to the work of our volunteers, the High Country chapter of the Audubon Society, and the NC Native Plant Society. Highlights include:

• “Monarch Waystation” designation

• Continued removal of invasive plants

• Planting native species to attract pollinators and birds

• Preparing Aho Branch creek for restoration to stabilize the banks and provide a healthy environment for native fish

• Installation of a kiosk at the trail head with a map and information about BRC

The pollinator meadow in autumn, abloom with native milkweed, ironweed, and goldenrod.

The Debbie L. Swartzel Education

Blue Ridge Conservancy has protected

25,000 acres in 260 places

14,300 acres through 148

Three Top Mountain Game Lands

Ashe Co, 1,150 acres

J. Douglas Williams Park Sugar Mountain Avery Co, 14 acres

Peak Mountain, Seven Devils Avery & Watauga Co, 403 acres

Pond Mountain Game Land Ashe Co, 2,900 acres

Moses Cone Old Growth Forest Watauga Co, 60 acres

Paddy Mountain Ashe Co, 335 acres

Penland Preserve Mitchell Co, 141 acres

S. Toe River Conservation Area Yancey Co, 206 acres

Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area Watauga Co, 130 acres

Foscoe Wetland Birding Trail Watauga Co, 10 acres

Bear Paw State Natural Area Watauga Co, 385 acres

High Haven Avery Co, 100 acres

Camp Lutherock Avery Co, 518 acres

Grandfather Mountain State Park Watauga Co, 367 acres

Cane River Conservation Area

Yancey Co, 118 acres

BOONE GORGE PARK

BRC purchased 33 acres of land just outside Boone, providing a critical link for the Middle Fork Greenway, which will connect Boone to Blowing Rock. The property features 2,000 feet of frontage along the Middle Fork New River and will be known as Boone Gorge Park.

In addition to the public access and recreational opportunities provided by the property, protecting this portion of the river is hugely important because it is located just upstream of Boone’s primary source of drinking water. The property was purchased from the family of Artie Hollars, and BRC is grateful for their help in conserving this exceptional tract of land. Funding for the project came from the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority and the NC State Capital Infrastructure Fund.

“The site of the future Boone Gorge Park along with the adjoining land connecting it to Payne Branch Park, is spectacular. When completed, the Boone Gorge Park and trail to Payne Branch Park will be a gem to be enjoyed and treasured by current and future generations of County residents and visitors. I’m pleased to have been involved in a small way with the project.”

- Joe Furman, Former Watauga County Planning & Inspections Director

Middle Fork Greenway Director Wendy Patoprsty is excited about what the purchase means for the continuation of the trail: “This is an essential link for the future connection of the Middle Fork Greenway, and we are partnering with Appalachian State University to extend the trail onto their land. We are fundraising for the construction costs and working on design, engineering, and permitting, and expect to have the park completed in two to three years.”

“The Boone Gorge Park acquisition is a major investment in public access and recreational opportunities in Watauga County. The purchase is another example of BRC’s commitment to protect land that can be enjoyed by everyone. We are extremely grateful for the support provided by Senator Deanna Ballard, Representative Ray Pickett, and the Watauga County TDA. Without their commitment this conservation success and many others in the region would not have happened.”

- Charlie Brady, BRC Executive Director

Prehistoric Visitors to the Blue Ridge

To assure that no native or prehistoric sites would be disrupted by the development of the park, it was recommended by the State Historic Preservation Office that an archaeological survey of the area be completed.

BRC partnered with Dr. Alice Wright from Appalachian State University, and over several weeks in the summer of 2022, she and her team of 14 students completed systematic shovel test surveys and small-scale test excavations in the proposed Boone Gorge Park bottomland. The results were consistent with other findings in the area, and suggest that nomadic indigenous people have been visiting the High Country since the prehistiric era. BRC plans to use the findings for educational programming and signage in the park.

Above: MFG Director Wendy gives a tour of the property, and shows longtime MFG supporter Judith Phoenix where on the map the trail will go.

Right: Surveyors marked the trail in fall 2022.

Pond Mountain Game Land, Ashe Co, 217 acres

BRC transferred 217 acres to Pond Mountain Game Land in Ashe County to be managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). The property will create a new public access to the Game Land bringing the total access points to four. Located on the southern slopes of Pond Mountain with elevations reaching 4,200 feet, this property protects the headwaters of Big Laurel Creek, classified as “Outstanding Resource Waters” and “Trout Waters” by the NC Division of Water Resources. It is located in the Pond Mountain Natural Heritage Area, protecting significant natural communities and wildlife habitat.

BRC purchased the property from two different landowners in 2012 and 2013 and managed the land over the past decade to maintain its environmental integrity.

This brings the total size of the Game Land to 3,900 acres designated for recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and cross country skiing. “BRC is proud

THREE TOP MOUNTAIN

Three Top Mountain, Ashe Co, 90 acres

“We are excited about adding these tracts to the Game Land program. These properties will help solidify the protection of natural resources and provide an additional public access point to Pond Mountain Game Land.”

- Paul Thompson, Northern Mountains Land Management Biologist

to conserve unique mountain land and expand recreational opportunities in Ashe County,” stated Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection & Stewardship. To learn more about Pond Mountain, including history and directions, visit BRC’s website. Funding for this project was provided by the generosity of Fred and Alice Stanback.

BRC continues to protect land on Three Top Mountain in Ashe County with the recent purchase of 90 acres. This property, plus an additional nearly 450 acres already owned by BRC, will eventually be added to the Three Top Mountain Game Land. The Game Land currently covers 3,100 acres in Ashe County.

The remote property is entirely forested, with elevation ranging from 3,320 feet to 4,280 feet. A mature Carolina hemlock forest is located on the eastern ridge of the property and a headwater stream originates on the property, which eventually flows into the North Fork New River. The adjacent tracts are also forested, tying into BRC’s mission of protecting ecology and habitat, and protecting and creating recreational opportunities.

“Purchasing this land has been part of a focused effort by BRC to protect large forested tracts,” says Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection and Stewardship. “Forests support biodiversity, help stabilize the climate, and provide recreational opportunities for the community. We’re excited to eventually add this acreage to the Three Top Mountain Game Land.”

Like Three Top, this property is part of the Amphibolite mountain group, a mountain chain containing a calcium-rich rock rare in the southern Blue Ridge. Located in Ashe and Watauga counties, the Amphibolites also include Howard Knob, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Phoenix Mountain, Paddy Mountain, and Mount Jefferson. Funding for this acquisition was provided by the generosity of Fred and Alice Stanback.

MCNEELY CONSERVATION EASEMENT

McNeely Property, Wilkes Co, 562 acres

In 2021, landowner Scott McNeely purchased 562 acres of land in the Ronda area of Wilkes County with the goal of keeping the property intact to bolster wildlife populations. As part of his ongoing effort to return the land to a pristine state, Scott is converting an old cattle farm into a wildlife haven by establishing a mix of habitat types throughout the property. He and BRC reached an agreement for a conservation easement on the property that will allow for habitat management and recreational use that are in harmony with wildlife conservation.

The McNeely property meets several of BRC’s focus area criteria to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic value. The land contains diverse and varied habitat beneficial to wildlife species including large and small game, migratory songbirds, and pollinators. Specifically, the property provides food, shelter,

breeding ground, and migration corridors for several wildlife species including white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, black bear, foxes, squirrels, salamanders, crayfish, box turtles, painted turtles, and pollinator species such as bees (various species), butterflies, moths, and bats. The property’s wildlife habitat includes early successional habitat, riparian zone habitat, and forestland edge habitat. The land provides natural habitat for several bird species, including red tailed hawks, bald eagles, osprey, Cooper’s hawks, sharp shinned hawks, great horned owl, barred owl, screech owl, martins, blue birds, and wood ducks.

It includes 4.2 miles of streams including West Swan Creek and East Swan Creek, both of which are rated Water Supply IV by the NC Division of Water Resources. In addition to its ecological value, the property has 300 acres of Prime Farmland as classified by the United State Department of Agriculture.

Blue Ridge Conservancy Implements Remote Monitoring Technology to Increase Efficiency

“Maintaining landowner relationships remains paramount to our monitoring program. Remote monitoring has increased our ability to spend more time with landowners and our capacity to address other conservation easement and land management issues. The implementation of remote monitoring has greatly increased efficiency as our portfolio of lands and stewardship responsibilities continue to grow.”

- Ben Lucas, BRC Stewardship Director

BRC’s Stewardship Director Ben Lucas annually monitors over 200 conservation easements and preserves throughout our seven-county service area. Traditional monitoring consists of boots on the ground site visits to each property at least annually and includes visiting with landowners, discussing land management issues, documenting any changes to the protected property, and walking and posting boundaries.

Remote monitoring, on the other hand, can be defined as monitoring from an off-site location. In 2021, BRC was one of 18 land trusts in the country to be awarded a grant through the Land Trust Alliance’s pilot Remote Monitoring Grant Program. The grant allowed BRC to test the use of high spatial and

temporal resolution satellite imagery for property inspections. Over the course of the year, this technology provided BRC with recently captured imagery of its properties from a variety of commercial sources on a regular basis.

We are now in our third year of remote monitoring, and it has proven to be an effective tool that has saved the organization valuable resources. Many of BRC’s properties are large, rugged, remote mountainous tracts that can take a day to walk, and hours of travel time. Additionally, BRC tracked its return on investment and compared the cost of remote monitoring with on-site monitoring and the time and cost savings were substantial.

StateTrail

The Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST), one of twelve State Trails in North Carolina, was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 2019. Blue Ridge Conservancy is the primary partner organization for the construction of the trail. The planned corridor for the trail is approximately 40 miles long, connecting Howard Knob Park in Boone to Mount Jefferson in Ashe County. The Northern Peaks are often referred to as the Amphibolite Mountains and include Howard Knob, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Three Top Mountain, The Peak, Paddy Mountain, and Mount Jefferson.

Several parts of the trail are currently in the planning stages, including a significant portion of Elk Knob State Park. Plans are in place for a loop portion of trail in the backcountry camping area of the Park, and a North Carolina Natural Heritage Program inventory along several of the possible trail routes was recently completed. “Our number one priority is the environmental impact of the trail. We are working diligently to do things the right way and to build a trail that is consistent with BRC’s mission of protecting the places we love,” says NPST Coordinator Jordan Sellers, noting that the survey data will be used to select a route that does not disrupt sensitive natural areas.

Another portion of the trail currently in development is a park on BRC’s recently acquired land on Paddy Mountain in West Jefferson. Plans for this park include three miles of stacked loop hiking trail, a parking area, restrooms, and a pavilion. The park will serve as a trailhead for the NPST, and has received overwhelming support from residents of Ashe County and West Jefferson.

Unlike State Parks, which are operated and managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation, State Trails are composed of multiple connected sections and depend on regional partnerships. Each section of the trail is sponsored by a federal, state, or local government agency, nonprofit organization, or private landowner. Sellers considers this one of the many positives of the project, and believes this will lead to its success: “This is an opportunity to work with community members, local governments, and various other stakeholders in creating what will be one of the most unique and beautiful trails in the region.”

The NPST is a partnership between Blue Ridge Conservancy, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, Ashe County, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority, and the Town of Boone.

Elk Knob

Snake Mountain

Three Top Mountain

Howard Knob

The Peak

Paddy Mountain

Mount Jefferson

“BRC is fortunate to have Jordan join our staff as our NPST Coordinator. His singular focus on the trail and concern for building it in an environmentally responsible way greatly advance the project. Jordan’s career in real estate is a specific asset as we work to connect the communities of Boone and West Jefferson via this hiking trail.”

-Charlie Brady BRC Executive Director

The Trail so Far

2019 - Northern Peaks designated as a State Trail by the General Assembly

2022 - Funding for Biological Survey and Trails Coordinator secured

Since then:

$3.4 million awarded to Elk Knob State Park by PARTF for:

• 4.5 mile Northside Loop

• ~2 mile Southside Summit Approach Trail

• Southside Trailhead, Parking, Bridge, Restrooms

• Breaking ground 2023

• NHP survey complete on Northside

Currently in Progress:

• NHP study complete on Three Top Mountain, Seeking trail alignment

• Planning for Paddy Mountain Park and trails system

NPST Coordinator Jordan Sellers gives an overview of the proposed Paddy Mountain Park and answers questions from Ashe County residents and elected officials.

Members of the NPST Committee had their inaugural meeting at BRC’s Conservation Campus.

An initial map shows the general route the trail will take. The NPST joins the other current NC State Trails: Dan River, Deep River, East Coast Greenway, Fonta Flora, French Broad River, Hickory Nut Gorge, Mountains-to-Sea, Overmountain Victory, Roanoke River, Wilderness Gateway, and Yadkin River.

MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY

Middle Fork Greenway supporters and BRC staff and Board celebrated the opening of the 321 Trailhead with a “ribbon-tying” ceremony to signify connecting the communities.

321 Trailhead

2022 Middle Fork Greenway Highlights

The 321 Trailhead provides access to about a mile of greenway that includes the two large bridges, parking, benches, and picnic tables on Highway 321. Over the summer there was a “ribbon-tying” ceremony to open and connect the section of trail from Goldmine Branch Park to just before Tweetsie Railroad, and the event also served as an opportunity for businesses to drop off their “Round Up for the Greenway” checks. Speakers at the event included Blue Ridge Conservancy’s Charlie Brady, Boone Tourism Development Authority’s Wright Tilley, former BRC Board Chair Margaret Newbold, NC Land and Water Fund’s Will Summer, State Representative Ray Pickett, State Senator Deanna Ballard, and Middle Fork Greenway’s Wendy Patoprsty.

NCDOT Feasibility Study Completed

NCDOT hired McAdams Engineering to implement an expedited Feasibility Study on the MFG. These studies can take years to develop, and this one was completed in 8 months to help keep the momentum moving forward on greenway trails. With the study in hand, MFG has moved forward on two phases of trail development. Thanks to the NCDOT for this gift!

Girl Scouts on the Greenway

A Blowing Rock Girl Scout Troop designed, raised funds, and installed their very own pollinator garden at Sterling Creek Park. They are maintaining it and keeping an eye out for Monarch butterflies and caterpillars.

A Trash Trout on the Middle Fork

Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill and his crew installed the High Country’s 4th “Trash Trout” along the MFG corridor to clean garbage out of the river.

Trash Trouts are purpose-built stormwater litter traps that are moored in creeks and streams, keeping human made trash from entering main waterways. These devices are built to withstand the rigors of flashy rain events, yet passive enough not to harm the local aquatic life.

Boone Gorge Park (See p. 10-11)

BRC purchased 33 acres just outside Boone in 2022 with funding from Watauga Tourism Development Authority and a grant from the State of NC with help from Senator Ballard and Representative Pickett.

Grants awarded for the project in 2022:

• NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund ($500K)

• Water Resources Development Grant ($500K)

• State of NC Grant from SCIF ($950K)

• Thanks to other private donations, $2.3 million of the $3 million needed to begin construction in 2024 has been secured.

“When we were visiting Blowing Rock, we wanted to march in the Fourth of July parade with our puppy. The MFG folks invited us to join! They were our kind of people. Because we are passionate supporters of Rails to Trails and our local greenway in Greensboro, we thought this was a perfect place for us to share our resources. We look forward to hiking and biking and meeting more like-minded friends!”

- Jeb and Molly Burns Middle Fork Greenway Supporters

L-R: Vulcan Materials donated materials for the MFG, Lenny and Lisa Cottom funded a bench at the new 321 trailhead, Hellbender Bed & Beverage took gold in the 2022 Winterfest Chili Challenge, and the Blowing Rock Rotary Club installed custom pavers at the Blowing Rock trailhead.

We appreciate those relationships, and work with local businesses and organizations to keep those connections strong.

The Mandela Washington Fellows Program

BRC staff were excited to serve as peer collaborators for environmentally focused Mandela Washington Fellows this summer.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Since 2014, nearly 5,100 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Fellowship. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished leaders and have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries.

NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative

BRC and the MFG partnered with Western Youth Network (WYN) to distribute helmets to local youth through a grant from NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative. Staff visited WYN’s after school program in October, handing out a total of 50 helmets and assisting with fitting and safety education.

Since 2007, the Bicycle Helmet Initiative has equipped thousands of children with a helmet – a simple and essential means of reducing bicyclist injuries and fatalities. Funded by proceeds from North Carolina’s “Share the Road” specialty license plate, the program distributes helmets to government and non-government agencies. BRC was one of 261 organizations across the state awarded a total of 20,000 helmets in 2022, a record number for the program.

Making the Places You Love Safer

Over the summer, members of BRC staff and Board received First Aid and CPR training from Kristina Shableski of Innovative Solutions in Healthcare Education. The training included Automated Exterior Defibulator (AED) training. According to the American Heart Association, use of an AED more than doubles the survival rate of a heart attack victim versus CPR alone. After the training, BRC purchased an AED device for the campus and for guided hikes.

BRC Staff Community Involvement

Being an active part of the High Country community and giving back is important to the BRC staff. Some of the organizations and boards the staff devotes time to include Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Green Valley Community Park, Watauga Arts Council, Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, Boone Sunrise Rotary, Watauga Riverkeeper, Health and Hunger Coalition, Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development, and Watauga Women in Leadership.

Staff participate in Hunger & Health Coalition’s “Simple Gesture” food program

Blue Ridge Conservancy is fortunate to have a history of support within the communities we serve.

Valle Crucis Park’s “Bioblitz”

In April, BRC participated in Valle Crucis Park’s biannual “Bioblitz,” where professionals and enthusiasts come together to catalogue species of plants, animals, and fungi at the park.

BRC volunteer Gina Diggs joined naturalists, mycologists, and biologists, as well as students from Watauga High School’s Mountain Alliance program, for a daylong search for the native species at the park.

VCCP’s naturalist Paul Laurent holds a juvenile northern water snake found during the Bioblitz.

Camp “Girls on the Run”

Over the summer we were invited to visit Girls on the Run camp for 3rd-5th graders. Wendy taught the campers how to catch, identify, and catalog critters in streams and rivers to assess the health of the water.

We tested sections of the East Fork and Middle Fork on the Greenway in Boone. Thanks to Girls on the Run for having us!

Community Support for the Middle Fork Greenway

From the “Round Up for the Greenway” to individual business contributions, the High Country community always steps up to raise money for the Middle Fork Greenway.

Elk Knob Heritage Festival

BRC particiapted in the 15th annual Elk Knob Heritage Festival, answering questions about the new Northern Peaks State Trail.

Ronnie Marks, Ben Powell, and Charles Hardin present MFG a check with proceeds raised by Symphony by the Lake

Jimi Combs and TSUGA donated proceeds from the Gear Swap to the MFG.

Charlie Brady accepts a check from David Jackson of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for the “Round Up for the Greenway.”

Community Fundraisers

We are fortunate that so many individuals and businesses in our area care as deeply about protecting land as we do. Throughout the year, many of these hosted fundraisers and donation drives to benefit BRC.

Wood Valley Farm

In April of 2022, Matt and Beth McKeon from Wood Valley Farm teamed up with Lost Province Brewing Co. to make a blueberry sour beer called Blue Ridge Blue. The resulting beer was sold on draft at Lost Province, with $1 from each pint donated back to the Conservancy.

Wood Valley Farm also hosted an afternoon with a group of Mandela Fellows, giving a tour of the farm and orchard, and explaining what goes into maintaining and running the property. Matt also donated lovely custom woodworking to the 2022 BRC Fundraising Auction.

Revolution Boone

BRC was Revolution Boone’s “Pedal with a Purpose” organization in March, and donated a portion of the profits that month, as well as hosting a BRC-themed “community ride.”

Draba Boone’s Spring Fling

Draba Boone donated proceeds from their “Spring Fling” music event to BRC in April.

Kids Supporting BRC

BRC received several donations in 2022 thanks to the fundraising efforts of young conservationists! One group of kids arranged an art sale and donated the proceeds to BRC, and another group of enterprising youngsters gave out popsicles on a hot summer day in exchange for donations to the Middle Fork Greenway.

Mast General Store & Land Trust Day

The first Saturday in June is Land Trust Day, and our friends at the Mast General Stores have been wonderful partners, donating a percentage of that day’s sales to BRC.

Last year BRC Trustee

Lee Carter and Stewardship Director Ben Lucas were on hand for the day to talk to customers about the mission of BRC and the work that has been done to preserve the beauty of Valle Crucis.

Ray’s Weather Blue Ridge Calendar

BRC was again the beneficiary of proceeds from the Blue Ridge Calendar, presented by Ray’s Weather. Pictured above is the cover photo for the calendar and pictures from the photographer reception, held in October at Booneshine Brewing in Boone.

Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction

The popular Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction finally returned to the High Country in June, at the Mill at Rock Creek. A summer afternoon storm gave way to a breathtakingly beautiful evening, with racing clouds and a spectacular sunset as guests ate, drank, and celebrated the work of BRC.

Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road entertained guests during dinner before Executive Director Charlie Brady and Board Chair Don Mikush said a few words to the crowd about conservation wins and the Northern Peaks State Trail. Auctioneer Jessie Miller then took the stage to raise funds by auctioning off several lovely donated items to the raucous crowd. As usual there was a lively silent auction, and many guests took home excellent finds.

Thanks to our event sponsors Deal Moseley & Smith, LLP, Ashemont Title, Destination by Design, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine Brewing Co., Lost Province Brewing Company, Blowing Rock Brewing, Reid’s Catering, Gamekeeper, Booze & Bouquets, Stick Boy Bread Co., Miss Match Rentals, The Whole Shebang Event Planning, and Mountain Linens.

Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K and Fun Run, Sponsored by Stick Boy

It was a beautiful autumn Saturday for the annual BRC 5K and Kids Fun Run through the Mayview Neighborhood of Blowing Rock, NC. Sponsored as always by Stick Boy Bread Company, the event welcomed runners from all over the region to tackle the challenging course for prizes, glory, and of course, beer, and sticky buns!

Thanks to Lynn Willis and Jim Magruder for the photos, and to all of our sponsors, including M-Prints, Blue Ridge Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Hemlock Inn, The Rosemyr Corporation, Bistro Roca, Booneshine Brewing, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Mountain Running Company, Bald Guy Brew, Snake Mountain Iron Works, Mananalu Water, and Mast General Store.

Fred and Lois Adams

Fred and Lois Adams have been ardent supporters of Blue Ridge Conservancy’s mission since moving to the High Country in 2017. With several BRC conservation easements visible from their home, they appreciate on a daily basis the work the Conservancy does with their generous support.

“We care about our Blue Ridge Mountains and find it a great pleasure to help preserve our most cherished landscapes and ecosystems through BRC. Where the land is taken care of, it remains healthy and protected and makes a happy place for the animals, birds, and people.

Taking in the beauty of the mountains is so relaxing and peaceful, so let’s all of us do what we can to preserve these beautiful mountains for all of us to enjoy for now and many generations to come and create the best health for everyone!”

- Fred and Lois Adams, Members of BRC’s Peak Society

Carson and Mindy Coatney

The Coatneys are longtime supporters of Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work, both personally and through their business, Boone’s beloved Stick Boy Bread Co. Among other ways Stick Boy supports the Conservancy, they have long been the title sponsor of the popular BRC 5K.

“Being involved with BRC makes us feel incredibly linked to this community in a hands-on way. The work they do from the Greenway development to land protection is something we are always proud to support.”

- Carson and Mindy Coatney

Carson and Mindy at the 2022 BRC Auction.

Some of the Stick Boy Bread Co. crew at the 2021 5K.

Leave Your Legacy on the Land

Estate gifts protect undeveloped land in perpetuity and demonstrate a deep-rooted commitment to conservation. This means that our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations will be blessed with the same clean mountain air, fresh drinking water, and healthy local foods that we enjoy today. It means they will have even greater opportunities to explore the natural world. And it means the inherent spirit of this region, the natural and cultural heritage that makes our mountains such a special place to call home, will endure. What better way to make your own contribution to this legacy than to include a gift to BRC in your will?

There are many ways to make an estate gift to Blue Ridge Conservancy:

Bequests: A bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to leave a gift to BRC through your estate. Gifts of cash, securities, or other property can be included in your will or living trust.

Retirement Accounts: You may designate BRC as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401k, or other retirement savings plan.

Life Insurance. You may name BRC as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

Real Property: BRC can accept gifts of real estate, with or without high conservation value. Properties with high conservation value will be preserved. Properties without high conservation value will be sold, and the income used to support BRC’s mission.

Life Income Gifts: Life income gifts allow you to make a gift to BRC while guaranteeing income for yourself or your family in the future. Gift options include Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, and Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts.

know BRC, the type of people they hire, and the work they do. Our gift is unrestricted and we have all the confidence that it will be well used.”

Don and Audrey Bentley Legacy Giving Society

Thank you to the following donors for including BRC in their estate planning, assuring the important work of the conservancy will endure.

Mike and Catherine Aiken

Anonymous

Bill Barrier

Judith Beale

Don and Audrey Bentley

Greg Bradley and Lee Carter

Kathryn Charles

Roger Clark

Kristan Cockerill

Henry E. Dillon Jr.

Jennifer Dotson

Bob and Susan Hambright

Jeff Tiller and Ingrid Kraus

Bill Pelto and Linda Larson

Mazie Levenson

Bonnie Weyher McLamb

Todd and Wendy Patoprsty

Cynthia Payne

Harold (“HP”) and Susan Phipps

Caroline Poteat

Elizabeth Redding

Wade and Kathy Reece

Marilyn Reid

Mark File and David Soyars

Pauline Thompson

Ben Henderson and Mary

Underwood

Dewey Wells

Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie

James and Katherine Zisek

If you have included BRC in your estate plan, we would appreciate the opportunity to thank you for your support. To notify us of an estate gift or to learn more about planned giving opportunities, please contact BRC’s Development Director at 828-264-2511.

“We’ve seen changes here in the last 40 years, and it’s important to preserve as much undeveloped space as we can. It’s simple- we do a lot outdoors, and it’s important for future generations to experience that. If our gift is combined with others and encourages people to give, that increases its impact. Every bit helps, and we are happy to know that the remainder of our assets will help make the world a better place. We

- Ben Henderson and Mary Underwood

Audrey and Don Bentley

Blue Ridge Conservancy depends on the help of our volunteers

Whether it’s picking up trash on BRC’s “Adopt A Highway,” doing trail maintenance, giving expertise in the office, or helping weed out invasive plants on our properties, we get by with a little help from our friends. If you haven’t already, sign up for our volunteer list today!

“We support the Blue Ridge Conservancy because we like the combination of conserving land and maintaining controlled access to the land. We also know that the staff at BRC are incredibly dedicated to the mission of conservation and double as educators to Blue Ridge communities. Many of the projects we support will long outlive us. We are investing in the next generation so that they can enjoy the outdoors as much as we do.”

Earth Day Cleanup at the Conservation Campus

The Conservation Campus has been an incredible addition to BRC, but it is a lot of land, and a lot of work. In April of 2022 we held the inaugural Earth Day Campus Cleanup, and with the help of over 20 volunteers, managed to get much of the campus cleaned up, including:

• Cleaning the Adopt a Highway stretch of road on Aho Road

• Removing invasive plants from the stream and meadow

• Removing trash from the stream

• Performing needed trail maintenance

• Removing construction debris left over from the office renovation project

Thanks to everyone who participated! We hope this will become a successful yearly event for BRC and the community.

- Steve and Carolyn Trinkle, Longtime BRC Volunteers

High Country Audubon Society & Native Plant Society

Some of our best volunteers are with the High Country Audubon Society and the North Carolina Native Plant Society. They have been instrumental in removing invasive plants from the pollinator meadow and replacing them with native plants and trees. Their work encourages the return of birds and pollinator species to the area.

“High Country Audubon has been thrilled to collaborate with BRC to establish a demonstration area of natural communities at the BRC campus, featuring the newlyplanted pollinator meadow. Research has shown that one of the most critical factors in protecting wildlife and pollinators is the accessibility of native habitat. Both the Native Plant Society and High Country Audubon appreciate the opportunity that BRC has provided with the campus and are looking forward to utilizing the campus natural communities to help educate landowners as to how they can duplicate such natural areas in their own yards in order to help birds and wildlife.”

- Debbie Shetterly, High Country Audubon and Native Plant Society

Being a volunteer for BRC does not necessarily mean digging up multiflora rose or clearing trails. In the case of Lynn Willis, it means donating time and years of expertise as a professional photographer and designer to tell the story of our various events.

A locally and regionally award-winning photographer, Lynn is a longtime supporter of BRC, getting up early to capture runners at the 5K and staying up late to document the excitement of the fundraising auction. He also donates physical work to the Conservancy, including beautiful prints for the auction and art to adorn the walls at the office space.

His wife Abby works for Stick Boy Bread Co, and is also an avid supporter of BRC’s work. Thanks for all you do!

Lynn Willis - High South Creative

Blue Ridge Conservancy leveraged operating expenses of $837,575 to generate $10,027,029 for programs, including Middle Fork Greenway, Northern Peaks State Trail, and land conservation projects.

Stewardship

Land Conservation Projects

Middle Fork Greenway

Northern Peaks State Trail

Fundraising Operations

RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS

We appreciate our 2022 donors!

Peak Society

These donors have committed gifts of $5,000 or more per year for at least three years

Fred and Lois Adams

Ric and Ann Browning

Greg Bradley and Lee Carter

Rob and Kathy Connelly

John and Faye Cooper

Leigh and Jennie Derby

Curtis L. Andrews and Ellen Harrell

Bill and Susan Leonard

Dan McLamb and Bonnie Weyher

McLamb

Richard and Debbie Swartzel

Steve and Carolyn Trinkle

Walter and Jean Wilkinson

Conservation Ambassadors

(These donors have committed gifts of $2,500 or more per year for at least three years)

Appalachian Framing and Carpentry

Bill and Laura Barrier

The Bent Family Foundation

Jimmy and Marci Bent

Hanes and Lida Boren

Tom O’Brien and Kadie Dean

Bob and Julie Gates

Andy and Pam Guion

Bob and Susan Hambright

Ken Nelson and Julie Hettiger

Kevin and Sandy High

Tim and Carolyn Hilton

David Brendle and Torre Hinnant

Ken and Donna Lewis

Kenneth and Angela Melcher

Dyke and Deborah Messinger

Tim Gupton and Brent Moore

Cynthia Payne

Emma Pickett

Lou and Holly Pierce

David and Julia Ralston

Pete and Zika Rea

Tom and Elizabeth Redding

Wade and Kathy Reece

Tim and Lori Rowe

Bob and Janet Stout

Joe Craig and Larry Tilson

Jeff and Shirley Vestal

Bart and Robina Walker

Bill and Judy Watson

Brad and Carole Wilson

Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie

David and Susan Yount

Leadership Circle

These donors have committed gifts of $1,000 or more per year for at least three years

Dale and Nancy Allison

JJ and Jennifer Brown

Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler

Kristan Cockerill

John and Sally Gentille

Pat and Nancy Grantham

The Bryant and Nancy Hanley

Foundation

Juliana Henderson

Tom and Donna Medlin

Don and Sandra Mikush

Mark and Maloo Murrey

Mike and Rosemary Nelson

Martha Brown and Cynthia Perrino

Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps

Shawn and Gigi Poole

Tom and Susan Ross

Mark File and David Soyars

Margaret Newbold and Liz Watson

John and Ashley Wilson

Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg

Eric Hallman and Elizabeth Woodman

David Witsell and Kyle Worsham

Evergreen Circle

These donors have made gifts to BRC

everyyear since 2013

Charlie and Ann Baker

Bill and Laura Barrier

John and Anne Barry

Jimmy and Marci Bent

Alex and Anne Bernhardt

Jim and Berta Blecke

Glenn and Teri Boone

Hanes and Lida Boren

Judi Brown

Ric and Ann Browning

John and Ann Chalk

Bob Cherry

Johnny Burleson and Walter Clark

Kelly Coffey

Ida Maude Collins

Fairley Bell Cook

John and Faye Cooper

Russ Curtis and Lisa Cooper

Joe DeLoach

Mike Madritch and Laura England

Mike and Jeri Gray

Bob and Susan Hambright

Gary Swartz and Sally Hatch

Bill and Jo Herring

Pam Hoffman

Frances Huber

Clyde and Eva Ingle

David Janes

Bill and Kay Layton

Hal and Holly Levinson

Skip Sickler and Lisa Loveday

Larry and Sarah Manning

Mast General Store

John and Connie McLendon

Kincaid and Allison Mills

Tim and Heather Murphy

Richard and Janet Paulette

Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps

Deborah Pope

Pete and Zika Rea

Wade and Kathy Reece

Reid’s Catering

Reginald and Annice Rhue

David Rice

Pat Rusch

Jack and Leslie Samler

John and Deborah Sherrill

Jack and Marie Shirey

Brian Caldwell and Robert Shore

Caroline Smith

Paul and Caroline Stahlschmidt

Fred and Alice Stanback

Martha Stearns

Stick Boy Bread Co.

Cullie and Sylvia Tarleton

Jim and Alicia Toomey

“B” and Martha Townes

Roger and Arameta Warren

Bill and Judy Watson

Joel and June Weaver

Lynn Weis

Dewey Wells

Jeff and Joanne Williams

John and Ashley Wilson

Roger Winsor

Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie

BLACK BEAR SOCIETY

Sustainers: $25,000+

Curtis L. Andrews

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

Ashe County

Jeb and Molly Burns

Walter and Gloria Cheatham

Clayton and Juanita Dean

Janes Charitable Lead Trust

Mast General Store

NC General Assembly

NC Land and Water Fund

Robert Dehart and Nancy Nygren

Fred and Alice Stanback

Brian and Marilyn Sturgell

Richard and Debbie Swartzel

Town of West Jefferson

Watauga County TDA

Preservers: $10,000 - $24,999

Fred and Lois Adams

Ashe County Chamber of Commerce

Laura Blackwood

Blue Ridge Energy

Ric and Ann Browning

The Anne Cannon Trust

Greg Bradley and Lee Carter

Al Cheatham

Conservation Trust for North Carolina

Myles Standish and Shelley Crisp

Leigh and Jennie Derby

The Keith and Lu Ann Driscoll

Foundation

Andy and Robin Ebert

Frontline Conservation Real Estate

Tom Webb and Kathryn Heath

High Country Pathways

Patrick Hollowell

McLendon Family Foundation

Scott and Cindy McNeely

Caroline Capps Miller

Carol B. Phelon Foundation

Bob Flanigan and Annie Pipes

Jeffrey and Mary Scott

Walter and Jean Wilkinson

Jon Wilson

Protectors: $5,000 - $9,999

Greg and Missie Alcorn

Robert and Phyllis Andrews

Anonymous

Charles and Ann Baker

William S. Barnickel Foundation

Bill and Laura Barrier

Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation

Mike and Wendy Brenner

Judi Brown

Rob and Kathy Connelly

John and Faye Cooper

Couch Family Foundation

Mannon Eldreth

Alton Louis Eubanks

Kent Davis and Carlos Garcia-Velez

Scott Ramming and Diana Godfrey

Jason and Heather Hammer

Ken Nelson and Julie Hettiger

Frances Huber

Bill and Susan Leonard

Dayn and Suzanne McBee

Dan McLamb and Bonnie Weyher

McLamb

Tim Gupton and Brent Moore

Mountain Construction Enterprises

Michelle Novacek

Pete and Zika Rea

John Thompson and Lee Rocamora

Stick Boy Bread Co.

Brett and Greyson Summey

Steve and Carolyn Trinkle

Pamela Vinson

VirPack

C. John and Mary Wiley

Advocates: $2,500 - $4,999

Mike and Catherine Aiken

Franklin and Frances Amburn

Anonymous (4)

Appalachian Custom Builders

Appalachian Framing and Carpentry

Ashemont Title

The Bent Family Foundation

James and Marci Bent

Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

Billy and Kathy Combs

Russ Curtis and Lisa Cooper

Deal, Moseley & Smith, LLP

Tom O’Brien and Kadie Dean

Marc Chabot and Cynthia Dillon

Bob and Julie Gates

Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc.

Glenn Eagle Lending

Andy and Pam Guion

Bob and Susan Hambright

Hawksnest Zipline

Kevin and Sandy High

Tim and Carolyn Hilton

Pam Hoffman

Hugh Criswell and Greta Lee

Ken and Donna Lewis

LifeStore Bank Community Fund

John and Connie McLendon

Kenneth and Angela Melcher

Robert and Roey Mendel

Dwight and Deborah Messinger

Don and Sandra Mikush

M-Prints

Murphy’s Naturals

Cynthia Payne

This list represents donations made to Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Middle Fork Greenway during the 2022 calendar year.

RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS

Lou and Holly Pierce

David and Julia Ralston

Ray’s Weather

Tom and Elizabeth Redding

Wade and Kathy Reece

Fairfax and Ann Reynolds

Jeff Roberts

Tim and Lori Rowe

Bob and Janet Stout

Michael and Virginia Tate

Kip Kingree and Martie Thompson

Eli Tiller

Joe Craig and Larry Tilson

Jeff and Shirley Vestal

Bart and Robina Walker

Bill and Judy Watson

Margaret Newbold and Liz Watson

Brad and Carole Wilson

Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie

David and Susan Yount

Partners: $1,000 - $2,499

Dale and Nancy Allison

Peter and Jean Anderson

Anna Banana’s

Anonymous

Arete Engineers

Marshall and Kellie Ashcraft

George T. Baker Foundation

Karen Baucom

Alex and Anne Bernhardt

Carol Black

Blowing Rock Brewing Co

Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent

Medicine

Raymond and Mary Boardman

Boone Bike & Touring

Hanes and Lida Boren

William Kreutzberger and Janine

Boudreau

Thad Throneburg and Kathy Boyd

Lillie Brady

Frank and Kathy Bragg

Joe Brank

Chris Souhrada and Alyson Browett

Jim and Patty Butler

Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler

Lance and Linda Campbell

Catalyst Construction

Caterpillar Foundation

Kyzer and Amanda Cauthen

Carrie Caviness

Chetola Mountain Resort

Korey and Heidi Coon

Hobart and Lora Davis

Jim and Sheila Deal

Frank Denny Memorial Fund

Destination by Design Planning

Paul and Debra Dickenson

Paula Dinnerstein

Jak Reeves and Tamara DiVenere

Ken and Diane Dulaney

George and Randi Edmiston

Jason and Marya Fancey

John and Pam Farthing

Bill and Karen Fioramonti

Adrian Brown and Keith Flynn

James and Linda Fogleman

Jamie Forbes

Anthony and Kimberly Forman

Steve and Sandy Forrest

Jim and Darlene Gale

Patricia Geiger

John and Sally Gentille

Gideon Ridge Inn

The Giving Block

GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

Jon Goldberg

David and Paula Goodson

Judy Goodwin-Rosenberg

Mark and Liza Gosnell

Robert Sherrill and Greta Grall

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Pat and Nancy Grantham

John Drake and Melissa Gray

Cecil and Julie Gurganus

The Bryant and Nancy Hanley Foundation

David and Barbara Harman

Wesley and Amret Hawfield

Richard and Eileen Hayes

Hellbender Bed & Beverage

Hemlock Inn

Juliana Henderson

Robert and Kristen Henderson

Jim Henson

Bill and Jo Herring

Ernie and Patricia Hiegl

David Brendle and Torre Hinnant

Lyle Schoenfeldt and Wanda Hinshaw

Dan and Karen Howard

Thomas Pile and Barbara Idzkowski

T. Cooper and Glinda James

Jenkins Realtors

Scott Gray and Bethany Jewell

Laurence Keech

Joe Kelleher

Thomas S. Kenan III

Nancy Kish

Tom Hollinshed and Kathy Lange

La Quinta & Sleep Inn

Michael Miller and Michelle Lee

Lost Province Brewing Company

Larry and Sarah Manning

Kimberly Marland Architecture

Susan Martin

Leslie McKinney

Tom and Donna Medlin

Jesse and Lindsay Miller

Wayne and Jenny Miller

Miss Match Rentals

John and Stephanie Mitchell

Mark Mittelman

Gary and Fuschia Moss

Tim and Heather Murphy

Mark and Maloo Murrey

Mystery Hill

Mike and Rosemary Nelson

New River Building Supply

Lawrence Pearson

Edgar Peck

Martha Brown and Cynthia Perrino

Pat and Debbie Phillips

Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps

Kristopher and Jennifer Pickler

Shawn and Gigi Poole

St. Mary of the Hills Parish

Reid’s Catering

Revolution Boone

Tom and Susan Ross

Mr. and Mrs. James Ryan

Gary and Julie Schreiber

John and Peggy Schug

Jordan Sellers

Dan and Carolyn Shepherd

Don and Kim Sherrill

Caroline D. Smith

Walt and Sharon Smoski

Ted and Melissa Smyth

Mark File and David Soyars

The Speckled Trout

Joanna Sturm

Russ and Julie Suddeth

Mike and Sharon Sweeting

Jay Biles and Dan Swift

“B” and Martha Townes

Valle Crucis Conference Center

White Fence Farm

Monty and Nancy White

Nathan and Kathy White

The Whole Shebang Events

Brian and Mira Williams

John and Ashley Wilson

Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg

Eric Hallman and Elizabeth Woodman

David Witsell and Kyle Worsham

Sheldon and Nikki Yarborough

YMCA Camp Harrison

James Young

James and Katherine Zisek

Samuel Tallman and Mike Zuravel

MEMBERS

$500 - $999

Jon Cassidy and Cynthia Anderson

David and Shannon Andrews

Anonymous (2)

Julien Balkany and Raya Abid Balkany

Bank of America

John and Anne Barry

Frank and Ranlet Bell

Ed Speas and Deborah Beroth

Chip and Cathy Blackwelder

Ernest Young and Erin Blondel

Blue Ridge Hiking Club

Walter and Susan Bogushefsky

Bonomo Family Foundation

Boone Drug, Inc.

Booneshine Brewing Co.

David and Laura Bourne

Charlie Brady

Joseph M. Brantley III

JJ and Jennifer Brown

Walter and Jennifer Browning

Brushy Fork Environmental

Baird and Harriette Buchanan

Anne Burgess

Dale Caveny

Rob and Catherine Clegg

Dillon and Tama Coleman

Bill and Kristi Cook

Fairley Bell Cook

Larry and Nancy Cornwell

Creekside Electronics

Deer Valley Athletic Club

Henry E. Dillon Jr.

Draba

Jack and Susan Duncan

Michael and Angela Earnhardt

Equinox Environmental

Sean and Paula Finneron

Richard and Polly Gambill

Green Park Inn

Thomas and Susan Griffis

Marc and Jill Guerra

Kyle and Susan Hall

George and Agnes Harvin

Gael Hawkins

High Country Neurology

High Gravity Adventures

High South Creative

Larry Turnbow and Marjory Holder

David L. “Chuck” Hood Jr.

Hound Ears Club

Inn at Ragged Gardens

Jerry and Nina Jackson

Joe and Beth Jackson

Tom and Charlene Johnson

Daniel Jones

Gordon Leker Family Fund

Hal and Holly Levinson

Isadore Lewis

Eleanor Lieberman

Joseph Thomas and Allie Lin

Henry and Sandra Loehr

Mananalu

Brent Garrett and Glenda Marker

James and Margaret Massagee

Tom and Cindy Matthews

Matt and Beth McKeon

Wes and Sheryl McNair

Brian and Heather Metzler

Jay and Jennifer Mills

Kincaid and Allison Mills

Julia Morton

Joe and Jessie Moseley

Arnold and Rosemary Nelson

Todd and Jess Nolt

Outdoor Supply Company

Clifford and Cynthia Parks

Becky Pearson

Michael and Andrea Pell

Chuck Smith and Amanda Perry

Matthew Perry

Charles and Elizabeth Philipsen

Claudia Prose

Robert and Janet Reese

F. Traylor and Diana Renfro

Bob and Marge Rogers

Rosemyr Corporation

Omar and Catherine Sangueza

Carrie Simpson

Sky Valley Zip Tours

Judy Carter and Susan Sluyter

Gary Smith

Solid Rock Engineering

Robert and Lori Souther

The Spice and Tea Exchange of Blowing

Rock

Paul and Caroline Stahlschmidt

Martha Stearns

Stepping Stone of Boone

Super 8 of Boone

Marian Taylor

Andrew and Lois Thompson

Hank and Carol Thompson

Paul and Karen Tobben

Tsuga Canopies

Don and Mary Tucker

Brooks and Norty Turner

Todd and Sara Turner

Village Jewelers

Chet and Christine Walker

Watauga Riverkeeper

Dewey Wells

Weyerhaeuser

Turner and Cathleen Whitted

Wildlands Engineering, Inc.

Clyde Williams

The Withrow Family Foundation

Douglas and Debra Woodbury

Mark Everhart and Lavonda Wyatt-

Everhart

Gayle and Ann Wylie

Peter and Avis Yount

$250 - $499

Kenneth J. Abrams

Jon Wells and Maryam Ahmed

Lex and Ann Alexander

Perry and Donna Aliotti

Chris Almerini

Scott and Suzan Anderson

Anonymous

David and Paula Applegate

David and Lyn Batty

BE Natural Market

Mitchell and Elizabeth Blair

Jim and Berta Blecke

Blue Bear Mountain Camp

Blue Ridge Apiaries

Glenn and Teri Boone

Miles and Elizabeth Britton

Dawn Burks

Laura Callahan

John and True Campbell

Dave Chilton

Cisco

Dell Vance and Ann Coleman

Pace and Sarah Cooper

Ken Abrams and Lyn Croft

Linda Curran

Susan Curtin

Doug Blackford and Martha Cutler

Gerald and Maureen Denny

Robert and Kristen Dicks

DNV

Merideth Dolan

Footsloggers of West Jefferson

Brandon Fowler

John Mann and Ellen Freeze

Fun ‘n Wheels

Goode Chiropractic

Mike and Jeri Gray

Abigail Grubb

Steve and Ann Hammond

Elizabeth Harris

Gary Swartz and Sally Hatch

Dick and Pam Hay

Wildon and Laura Hayes

Eric and Nicole Hiegl

Highland Hills Motel

Joe and Donna Hightower

Andy Heckert

Jon and Patricia Hlafter

Bob and Marjorie Hrozencik

Clyde and Eva Ingle

IQVIA Inc.

David and Leila Jackson

Jack and Sue Jezorek

Sophie Jordan

Marc and Sandy Kadyk

Angela Kelly

David Koren

Patrick Lantz and Shelley Kreiter

Craig and Jessica Lancaster

Bill Pelto and Linda Larson

Bob and Jane Lassiter

Lazy Bear Lodge

Sherry Lear-Park

Nancy Little

Van and Leigh Lucas

Robert and Robin Mason

Frank and Jerri Mayberry

Mike and Sara Mayhew

Kimberly McCrea

Michael and Amie McPherson

Mellow Mushroom of Blowing Rock

Mellow Mushroom of Boone

Microsoft

Harold and Patricia Miller

Steven Prediletto and Brigid Murray

Tony Horney and John Neal

Richard and Joyce Newman

Old Orchard Creek Farms

John and Neal Orgain

Eric and Diane Overcash

Richard and Janet Paulette

Kevin and Lisa Pearce

Steven Petrow

Peter and Joni Petschauer

Wayne Powell

Jason Prindle

Sam and Missy Rankin

Red Onion Cafe

Bill Reed

Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters

River & Earth Adventures

Matthew and Sarah Rupp

John and Leslie Samler

Brett and Catherine Scantlin

Beth Shanklin

John and Joan Shannon

John and Deborah Sherrill

Mark Palkovic and Thomas Shessler

Jim and Debra Shetterly

Jack and Marie Shirey

Ed and Beth Shuford

Gerald and Jo Sims

Linda Lacy Sipe

Rob and Dell Slack

Joan Smyth

Pat Reighard and Elizabeth Smythe

Snake Mountain Iron Works

The Spice & Tea Exchange of West

Jefferson

Chris and Hope Squires

Bill Cockett and Sharon Stafford

Storie Street Grille

Adam and Adrienne Stumb

Jim and Cantey Tanner

The Tavern

Michael and Alice Taylor

John Carlson and Katy Thompson

Caleb and Jennifer Thorp

Wright and Tracy Tilley

Neil and Jacqueline Tilton

Allen and Kate Torrey

Don and Laurie Trexler

Scott and Jane Vandiver

Wayne and Lee Vason

Wendy Waring

Lynn Weis

Wesley Whited

David B. Williams

Jeff and Joanne Williams

Roger Winsor

Rita Wiseman

Dave and Carolyn Yawars

$100 - $249

Jeffrey Adolphsen

Michael Lemanski and Guenevere

Abernathy

Juin Adams

James Aldridge

Brian and Laura Alexander

Chase and Holly Ambler

Bill and Christine Anderson

Judy Andrews

Anonymous (4)

Mark Kirkpatrick and Debbie Arnold

ASU Office of Arts and Cultural Programs

Patricia Austin

Ellis and Barbara Aycock

Bald Guy Brewing

William Baird

Timothy and Catherine Ballard

Barney and Pam Barnhardt

Sadler and Debbie Barnhardt

Thomas Barrie and Lisa Grele Barrie

Bill Holman and Stephanie Bass

Bob White and Patricia Beaver

Ty and Nancy Bell

George and Jane Bingham

Blue Ridge Mountain Club

Ben and Molly Bonner

Michael Black and Mike Bost

Kyndall Boyle

Barbara Brank

Damon and Cori Braxton

Jim Brooks

Jack Knight and Margaret Brown

Robert and Ann Buys

Alan Ellstrand and Karen Byers

Seo-Young Byun

Cafe Violette

Carolina West Wireless

Jack Cassidy

Robert Archer and Danielle Chabot

Dorothea Chambers

Richard and Dorothy Chesnutt

Indra Chilakala

Roger Clark

Heather Coats

Ida Maude Collins

Eric and Barbara Crissman

Nigel and Susan Davies

Fran Davis

Jane Davis

Dell Technologies

Wayne and Karin DellaMaestra

Kyle and Becca Dion

Robert and Roddy Dixon

Jennifer Dotson

Donna Drinnen

Duke Energy Foundation

Charles and Adele Dunbar

Susan Dunlap

G. Reid and Catherine Dusenberry

James Dye

Bruce Eckard

Lynda Eckard

Derrick and Dawn Ely

Mike Madritch and Laura England

Meridith Entingh

Epic Nature Tours

Susan Evans

Fred and Suzanne Falchook

Edwin Farthing

Jeff Foulkes

Howard and Janice Friedman

Wes and Renee Fulk

Joe Furman

Harry and Debra Gandy

David and Jackie Garner

Charles Gill

Leora Goetschel

Stephen Zoufaly and Deborah Gooch

Jeff Deal and Jamie Goodman

Go Postal Boone

Rustin Gray

George Antczak and Kristin Grieneisen

Dorothy Griffith

Carolyn Gummerson

Owen and Darri Gwyn

Joe and Betsy Hackney

Gene and Holly Hafer

Thomas and Lise Haizlip

Douglas and Constance Hall

Jonathan Halsey

Karl and Holly Ham

Antoinette Hamilton

Douglass and Julie Hammond

Jack Apple and Michelle Handler

Bill and Amanda Hans

David Hardage

Phillip and Pam Hardin

Thomas and Michele Harrison

Bill and Carol Hassell

Ben and Linda Hawfield

Eric and Mason Heistand

Joe Helton

Denise Henderson

Rick and Kay Herndon

Robert Hess

High Country Audubon Society

Henry and Jill Hobson

Carol Banaitis and Sarah Hogan

Dennis and Linda Holcomb

Kendra Holcomb

Philip and Lynette Holman

Jerry Cantwell and Tina Houston

Tony and Melinda Howell

Hal Minis and Pat Hughes

Beth Bartholomew and Susan Hurrell

Incredible Toy Company

Greg and Janet Jennings

Tom Kenney and Wendy Jodry

Johnson & Johnson

Brad and Christa Johnson

Thomas M. and Diane Johnston

Leslie Sargent Jones

Dale and Deborah Kirkley

Rita Kluck

Ben Koren

Bill and Cathy Kratt

Barbara Krause

Keith and Pamela Larson

Kenneth Laws

Bill and Kay Layton

Darrell and JoAnn Lewis

Jack and Andrea Limehouse

Ron and Alice Linville

Melanie Litchfield

Little Saps

Skip Sickler and Lisa Loveday

Jim Baize and Beth Lyons

Tom and Carolyn Maddox

James and Frances Magruder

Grant Seldomridge and Laura Mallard

Jack and Debbie Mason

Susan Mast

Patricia Mauldin

Andrew and Pamela Mayberry

Bill and Annette McCarter

Tom and Ann McConnell

Susan McCracken

Fred Martin and Michele McCubbins

Jason and Craig McDaniel

Craig McFadden

Aspen McKenna

Lynnwood Brown and Elise McLaughlin

Jean McLaughlin

Robin Meysenburg

Ann Miller

Mark and Elizabeth Miller

Sue Miller

James Walling and Amy Millette

William and Cynthia Milliken

RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS

Sheila Mirchandani

Pamela Mitchem

William Mohr

Mommani Threads

Robert and Beth Monaghan

Marshall Montgomery

Joe and Kay Morgan

Lou and Diane Morrison

David and Maureen Moses

Mountain Linens

Russ and Jean Moxley

Marc and Emmy Murphy

Scot and Colette Nester

Michael Nguyen

Optimal Performance PT

Kenneth Otterbourg

Mike and Laura Page

Amy Parsons

Todd and Wendy Patoprsty

Laura Paynter

John and Cathy Pfeil

Harold (“HP”) and Susan Phipps

Judith Phoenix

Deborah Pope

Mike Evans and Julie Poppell

John and Jeanice Porta

Jesse Suh and Jenna Powell-Malloy

Richard and Carolyn Pressley

Tom and Geri Purpur

Frank and Charlotte Revels

Ben Floyd and Lisa Reynolds

Robert Elliot and Suzanne Reynolds

Reginald and Annice Rhue

Priscilla Rich

Reid Wilson and Karen Rindge

Tim and Stephanie Roberts

Russell and Sally Robinson

Ryan and Nikki Robinson

Michael and Kathryn Rominger

Samuel and Penny Rothrock

Judy Rubin

John and Celeste Rudolph

Barbara Rule

Roger and Gayle Rulifson

Scott and Cameron St. Clair

Alton Franklin and Carolyn Sakowski

James and Elizabeth Savely

Daniel and Christina Scagnelli

Genevieve Scalan

Karen Schaaf

Terri Polson and Jill Schrage

David and Peg Schroeder

Ronald and Denise Schwartz

Bill and Judy Sears

Marcia Sentell

Shoemaker Appraisal Services

Raleigh and Katy Shoemaker

Bob Oelberg and Katherine Shoffner

W. Cabell Smith

Susan Stark

James and Gwen Steele

Dennis Grady and Martha Stephenson

Aaron Stumb

Eric Stumb

Roger and Cilie Sutton

Cullie and Sylvia Tarleton

Bob and Angela Todd

Jim and Alicia Toomey

Jason and Mitzi Triplett

John and Debbie Troxler

Twigs Restaurant & Bar

Bert and Donna Valery

John and Caroline Vance

VMWare Foundation

Jonathan and Kelly Vogel

Robert and Beth Vonnegut

Virginia Wallace

Dorothy Walters

Shelly Warder

James Warren

Jim R. Watson

Waypoint Outfitters

Craig Weaver

Joel and June Weaver

Mindy Meade and Mary Weber

John and Erin Welsh

Julian and Jill West

Mike and Maria Whaley

Bill and Pat Wheeler

Whit and Mary Whitaker

Jim and Vicki Williams

Gary and Dawn Wilson

Ansel Strickland and Audrey Wolford

Cameron Gokee and Alice Wright

Theodore Yawars

Joshua Blair and Emma Zisek

Donald Zobel

$50 - $99

Herman and Kathy Anderson

Anonymous (3)

Ashe County Arts Council

ASU Athletics

Greg and Cindy Barr

Jamie and Julie Beth Bean

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

Michael and Joan Bell

Barbara Bevington

Shruti Bhandari

Birdies Coffee

Mark and Judy Bokorney

Frank and Kay Borkowski

Brian Burton

Paul and Alyson Caldwell

Will and Rebekah Canu

John and Ann Chalk

Billy and Amy Chamblee

Bob Cherry

Elsa Claverie

David and Courtney Clem

Gary and Astrid Coffey

Kelly Coffey

Jim and Deb Collins

Daniel and Betsy Couper

Cathy Credle

David and Lynn Crimmins

Dale and Mary Crosby

Cecil and Barbara Cross

Celeste Crowe

Brian Crutchfield

Oscar and Lillian Danner

Joseph A Davant III

Jon and Jenny Davenport

David and Freda DeGruchy

Amy Newell Denker

Fred and Helen Dorman

Finley Dula

Jacqueline Dunbar

Scott Ernest

Fred Fedewa

Dawn Fellers

Joseph and Michelle Fink

Beth Flora

Florence Thomas Art School

Suzette Foster

Glen Cutting and Kelli Fuller

Linda Fulper

Doug and Mary Galke

Amy Galloway

John and Sandy Glasser

Herman and Renee Godwin

Eric Strickler and Jennifer Grady

Annette Graham

Nancy Gray

Wes Greene

Laird and Carol Griffin

John Hand

George and Jean Harrison

John Hawke

Sean and Dale Hershelman

High Country WATCH

Al and Carolyn Hines

Douglas and Amy Hoogervorst

Benjamin Horne

Grover and Ellen Huffines

Steven and Debra Huffines

J. Sterling Hutcheson

Charles and Lisa Hypes

Conrad and Liz Jones

Gordon Hinners and Rebecca Keeter

Cynthia Keller

Mandy Kline

John Dwyer and Rachel Knoepfel

Hillel and Charlotte Koren

Mervyn and Lani Kowalsky

Paul Koza

Sarah Larson

Robert Lenn

LifeStore Bank

Neal and Katie Lineback

Benjamin and Emily Link

Lindsey Linker

Doug Lisenby

Mike Lobban

Jane Lonon

James and Adah Loscheider

Greg and Claudine Lovins

Dominique Lowitz

Joseph and Betsy Lowman

Todd Loy

Dick and Livy Ludington

Christian Ludwig

Laurence Maloney

Mastercard Impact Fund

Dave and Sharon Matney

Mike and Misty Mayfield

Randy and Andrea McDonough

Thomas and Kathleen McGowan

Josh and Angela McMann

Mark McNeill

Tim Meigs

Ellen Milford

Theresa Morr

Jeffrey and Louise Morris

Mountain Running Co.

Doug and Carol Murison

Shari Nicholl

Ken Goldsmith and Ashley OvermanGoldsmith

Judy Owen

Tyler Pait

Nate Bush and Celena Patella

Katherine Patterson

Chandrajeet Pawar

Arthur and Miyoung Pazik

Jon and Ann Pershke

Anna Phillips

Stephen Phillips

Jesse and Meredith Pipes

Louis and Janet Pittard

Nicholas and Sara Placentra

Dakota Poindexter

Jeff and Cathie Poor

Carl and Debbie Powers

Smith Raynor

Brandon Redding

Josh Rees-Jones

Marilyn Reid

Ruth Renfro

Dave and Harriet Reynolds

David Rice

David and Gail Richardson

Amy Roberts

Robert Franklin and Cheryl Roberts

Jon Robertson

Dan Chait and Aisling Roche

Alexandria Rowland

Patricia Rusch

Mike and Joni Salzano

Mary Sheryl Horine and Stacy Sears

Will and Gail Sears

Ben Massey and Darlene Sekerak

Patrick Setzer

Bill Seward

George and Gwen Shafer

Teresa M. Shook

Brian Caldwell and Robert Shore

Jim and Cindy Slamin

C.D. and Sally Smith

Carolin Spiegel

Lori Spivey

Bill and LaRose Spooner

Dean Huff and Kim Stahl

Miranda Stone

Mickey Maloney and Betsy Templeton

David Testa

Tristan Thomas

Rob and Ellen Thompson

John and Candace Tippett

Bill and Jane Tucker

Zach Loncar and Mary Conyers Tucker

Steve and Lisa Turner

Shelda Upchurch

Zan Valliant

John Matuszak and Mary Vasseur

Tony and Elizabeth Voiers

David Walker

Roger and Arameta Warren

Wes and Lynne Waugh

Bill and Stephanie Whitesides

Leslie and Beth Wickham

Aaron and Jaime Windeler

Susie Winters

Mary Wood

Up to $49

AbbVie

Sharon Abee

William Aldridge

Ameriprise Financial Services: Walker and Associates

Anonymous (6)

William Barbour

Anna Begich

Katherine Betz

Steve and Ronda Blayer

David Broderdorp

Ken and Susan Broderick

Edward and Virginia Brooks

G. David Brown

Gregory D. Buckner

Ellen Gwin Burnette

Barbara Campbell

Howard Neufeld and Claudia CartayaMarin

Chevron

Judy Clarke

Kevin Eckardt and Yvonne CliftonYoung

Dan Greene and Patti Connor-Greene

Philip Cooper

Belinda Dining

Richard Elledge

Todd Elledge

Mathias and Linda Engelmann

Eric Erdman

Lara Eventide

Dave and Valerie Everett

Facebook

Kevin Farrar

Virginia Fox

Tim Garrison

Sarah Grady

Faith Gray

Judah Grieme

Robert Gurley

Tom and Ginny Harris

Ann Haynes

Lauren Hayworth

Marcia Hoffman

Rob Holdsambeck

Ashley Honeycutt

Liz Hynson

Jordan Jackson

Sabrina Jones

Nicholas Poggioli and Stephanie Kelley

Michael Knott

Erin Kohler

Jennifer Laws

Ireland Laxton

David and Lisa Macdonald

Brad and Michele Makrucki

Lara Marshall

William and Caitlin Massey

Janet Maxwell

Steve Gurganus and Kathleen McQuaid

Jessica Meeks

Dan Miller

Julie Mullis

Denise Murray

Frank Naccarato

Rusty and Carrie Painter

Marcia Prill

Carol Query

David and Tina Rizor

Anthony Schultz

Garrett Sharpe

Charity Shatley

Keith and Keena Sidden

Julia Simmons

Hayes and Susan Smith

2023 Events

Marian Smith

Susan Speckman

State Farm

Sarah Stephenson

Claire Sullivan Target Corporation

Lila Taylor

Ellen Thomas

Sarah Thompson

Three Crows Metalworks

David and Kristen Travis

Bailey Vonnegut

Kathy Waites

Ann Wall

Jane Wallace

Jenny Ward

Lorelei Watts

Justin Wells

Cheryl Westbrook

John and Deb Wieskamp

April 21 - Earth Day Cleanup at BRC Conservation Campus

May 20 - Guided Hike at Beech Creek Bog

June 3 - Land Trust Day at Mast General Store

June 8 - BRC Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek

June 24 - Guided Hike at Bear Paw State Natural Area

July 8 - Guided Hike & Blueberry Picking at Old Orchard Creek Farm

August 19 - Guided Hike at Camp Lutherock

Sept. 16 - Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K & Kids Fun Run

October 28 - Guided Hike at YMCA Camp Harrison

June 8

Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek

Enjoy great food from Reid’s Catering and The Gamekeeper, music from The Burnett Sisters Band, local craft beers, a variety of fine wines, and live and silent auctions - all to support saving the places we love!

Hiking Series - Guided Hikes

You’re invited to join BRC for group hikes across our northwestern North Carolina region. Come along with us to reconnect with nature, learn more about our ongoing conservation work, and simply have some fun with fellow conservation supporters. Hiking sign-ups will be available on a rolling basis.

BRC 5k & Kids Fun Run

Enjoy the scenic views of the Blue Ridge as you challenge yourself with a climb up Wonderland Trail Road alongside other Blue Ridge Conservancy supporters. Run the 3.1 miles as fast as you can knowing that sticky buns, coffee, and even beer await as you cross the finish line. Sponsored by Stick Boy Bread Co.

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BECOME A MEMBER

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