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 there’s a need for Blue Ridge conservancy to preserve this Carolina treasure for generations to come.
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 destroyed. 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 often grow through 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 in 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 Your Skills to Blue Ridge Conservancy 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.
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. For example, members can receive invitations to members-only events, newsletters about the group’s work, and even yearly gifts.
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.
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 a great way to stay in the loop about new events and programs.
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 take pride in their Blue Ridge community. They often show it through their sponsorship of conservation 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 made sustainably and sourced ethically is a good way to start.
Get Political for Blue Ridge Conservancy
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 have the power to put more legal protections in place. Electing officials who are environmentally conscious and willing to support long-term conservation goals can go a long way in securing the Blue Ridge Mountains in the future.
