Threats to the Tree of Life

oak tree at sunrise

Magnificent, strong and once thriving in Appalachian forests, oaks now struggle to regenerate. As deadly diseases spread in other regions, a new alliance is emerging to protect this key species.

Read More

Red Spruce Restoration Underway

man planting spruce tree

Conservationists across the region have teamed up to help restore the red spruce to its natural habitat after unsustainable logging practices in the early 1900s, coupled with wildfires, nearly wiped out the tree in Appalachia.

Read More

Groups Aim to Reshape Nantahala-Pisgah Plan

Top-of-Mt-Mitchell

Conservationists, recreation enthusiasts, the timber industry and more have played a major part in the U.S. Forest Service’s ongoing effort to make major changes to the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest Management Plan for the first time since 1994.

Read More

Nantahala-Pisgah Plan Q&A: Deirdre Perot

Deirdre Perot

Deirdre Perot is the national public lands representative for the Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina, a nonprofit organization that works to maintain backcountry horse trails. She is also a co-founder of the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Partnership, a collaborative group of conservationists, cultural interests, recreational users, timber industry representatives and more who are seeking to shape…

Read More

Rescuing the Red Spruce Ecosystem

After a hike up a mountain, Andrea Brandon gently places a red spruce sapling into the rich West Virginia soil. Though only twelve inches tall, this small tree and others like it are a promising start to the restoration of an entire ecosystem.

Read More

Bored to Death

By Amber Ellis Originally from eastern Russia and northeastern Asia, the emerald ash borer found its way to southeastern Michigan through infested cargo ships in 2002 and quickly became North America’s most destructive forest pest. Since then, the invasive beetle has plagued forests in 22 states, including most of Appalachia and, as of June, five…

Read More