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.

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