2020 ANNUAL
REPORT
YEARS IN OPERATION
3 SITES IN STATES
48 850,000 +
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
5
ANNUAL SITE VISITORS
= 100,000
2 4 4
NATIONAL FORESTS
RANGER DISTRICTS 1981 1978 1974 1980 1977 1973 1979 1975 1976 1972 1991 1988 1984 1990 1987 1983 1989 1985 1986 1982 2001 1998 1994 2000 1997 1993 1999 1995 1996 1992 2011 2008 2004 2010 2007 2003 2009 2005 2006 2002
9
10 RECREATION & CAMPING AREAS
+1 LUXURY GROUP CAMPGROUND
+
VISITOR CENTERS GIFT SHOPS (+ 1 ONLINE STORE) 2019 2016 2012 2018 2015 2017 2013 2014
We are FIND Outdoors
In late 2019, the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA) began working on a major rebranding.
The rebranding process dug deep into the roots of where we have been and cut to the core of what we do, to reveal a new identity for our organization that clearly reflects both who we are AND where we are headed.
Our story is rooted in education about the FOREST.
Our passion is to help people become INSPIRED.
Our goal is to help people connect with NATURE
Our drive is to help people learn through DISCOVERY.
Forest. Inspired. Nature. Discovery. We are FIND Outdoors, and that is exactly what we help people do.
3
Navigating Outdoor Recreation in 2020
RECREATE RESPONSIBLY
Our teams worked quickly to implement comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols for all managed sites in order to ensure the safety of our visitors. This quick response allowed campgrounds and visitor centers to open with full safety measures, per CDC guidelines, and remain extremely busy throughout the season.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Throughout the summer, we offered “Virtual Forest Bathing” events that saw participants across 21 states and seven countries !
CRADLE TO GRAVE
The Cradle to Grave Trail Race, our annual fundraising event originally scheduled for May of this year, was postponed until September. We were proud to have the opportunity to convert it to a virtual event where participants could complete the distance on their own and still receive their shirts, medals and accolades.
SOCIALLY DISTANCED EVENTS
Amidst the pandemic, we were able to conduct more than 50 socially distanced, free educational opportunities at our campgrounds and visitor centers.
Fun, but informative, safety signage helped ensure visitor cooperation with FIND Outdoors safety requirements.
GOFINDOUTDOORS.ORG
Our new website officially launched October 1, 2020. The site features free online programming and educational materials, information on all FIND Outdoors managed sites, and a new online retail store.
5 FIND OUTDOORS 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Let’s Go!
A Year of New Opportunities!
NEW ADVENTURES
We were awarded the contract to operate the NORTHWEST TRADING POST along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. The Trading Post is a fixture for Parkway enthusiasts, offering visitors a chance to buy souvenirs and snacks, take part in programming opportunities, or simply sit on the front porch and enjoy the beauty.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
NEW CITIZEN SCIENCE LAB AT THE CRADLE OF FORESTRY
$130,000 in grant and private funding was secured for the new Cradle of Forestry Citizen Science Lab, introducing students and visitors of all ages and abilities to the importance of forest health and management.
A portion of the North Carolina Mountains to Sea trail runs alongside the Northwest Trading Post. We have partnered with FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL to help promote and support the MST.
We partnered with the PISGAH MAP COMPANY to develop the new Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness map for Pisgah National Forest.
6
NEW EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
The Natural Inquirer team released two new free, online materials in 2020—the Caves and Karst Natural Inquirer and the Advanced Fire Scientist coloring book which focuses on prescribed fire.
Both are perfect for in-school or at-home learning and are available at naturalinquirer.org.
Our education team at the Cradle of Forestry is now offering more ways to connect with Pisgah National Forest and the great outdoors online! The team has put together a series of fun, informative, video shorts offering exclusive educational content to children, teachers, and parents about local WNC history, nature, and science.
View all videos at cradleofforestry.com/video-series
NEW EXPANDED RETAIL
We expanded and improved retail and merchandising areas at all campgrounds and recreation areas. We also made improvements to our online store with the launch of our new website, and created a new store at our HQ office in Pisgah Forest, NC.
We expanded our Round-Up program at all FIND Outdoors visitor centers to benefit onsite programming, local partnerships, and exhibits. Whenever someone makes a purchase, they can choose to “Round-Up” their purchase to the nearest dollar, and the extra proceeds will benefit those programs.
7 FIND Outdoors 2020 Annual Report
THAN K YOU
There has been a lot of “NEW” this year, and we want you to know that it could not have happened without YOU!
We are so very grateful for your support.
