Category: Conservation

Important Perspectives On Working Together To Ensure A Vibrant Future For The Outdoor Economy And Our Outdoor Communities w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin & D. Reid Wilson

Posted on By Exploration Local
Adventure, Conservation, Land Management, Mental Health & Well-Being, Mountains, Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Industry Economy, Tourism

Outdoor Economy Conference I recently had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina, where 600 outdoor industry businesses, conservationists, public land managers, development experts, nonprofit & government leaders, and entrepreneurs are looking to grow the outdoor industry in their communities and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to … Read More “Important Perspectives On Working Together To Ensure A Vibrant Future For The Outdoor Economy And Our Outdoor Communities w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin & D. Reid Wilson” »

Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter Barr

Posted on By Exploration Local
Adventure, Chimney Rock Village, Conservation, Hiking, Lake Lure, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing

The Hickory Nut Gorge is a magnificent jewel in the mountains of Western North Carolina. This 14-mile-long canyon cuts a picturesque pass exposing spectacular sheer granite cliffs, and contains an abundance of undisturbed forests. In this episode, I sit down with Peter Barr who led the development of more than 20 miles of new sustainable … Read More “Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter Barr” »

Mast General Store: Still Serving Communities The Down-Home Way

Posted on By Exploration Local
Conservation, Family, Mountain General Store, Mountain Town

  In this episode, I head to Banner Elk, NC to visit with Tracy Tilley & Sheri Moretz for a behind the scenes look at the iconic Mast General Store. We take a trip back in time and learn how the Mast’s down-home way of doing business is still alive today. Drawing on it’s own … Read More “Mast General Store: Still Serving Communities The Down-Home Way” »

Mountain True: Championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities, with Josh Kelly

Posted on By Exploration Local
Conservation, Land Management

Our public lands are among the most visited in the Southern Blue Ridge. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests receive over 10 million visitors annually, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in the top 3 most visited parks in the Country. DuPont State Recreational Forest had its most crowded … Read More “Mountain True: Championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities, with Josh Kelly” »

Conserving Carolina: Protecting Wonderful Places For Nature And People

Posted on By Exploration Local
Chimney Rock Village, Conservation

In this episode, I sit down with Kieran Roe, Executive Director of Conserving Carolina and we talk about how this organization works to protect & restore natural resources, as well as inspire others to love and care for our natural world. We talk about some of the areas that make up the 46,000 acres Conserving … Read More “Conserving Carolina: Protecting Wonderful Places For Nature And People” »