“Earth Day should be every day!”
It’s something I’ve said often, and a sentiment that many share. When I was younger and things were simpler, this seemed like a reasonable declaration. The call to action to respect Earth was a no-brainer. The trouble is that not everyone shares this perspective. In an economy where some people are scraping by to survive and others are striving for large profits, nature and the planet as a whole are afterthoughts. It falls to others to take up the mantle and celebrate the Earth, while also protecting it.
The same tactics school teachers use for grade school students are sometimes necessary to draw the attention of both children and adults to essential topics, such as conservation and the education of natural resources and one’s local environment. To keep the conversation at the forefront, sometimes we need to fly the save-the-planet banner. Earth Day is the one day a year when everyone is bombarded with blue and green marketing, praising those who participate in or acknowledge environmentally friendly activities.
Organizations hold lectures and events to keep communities engaged in their environment. From garbage clean-ups to water testing, from public discussion panels to Earth Day celebrations, those who are emotionally and financially invested in the well-being of the Earth continue to reach out to others in the hope of making a difference and encouraging others to take positive actions in their surroundings.
While I encourage you to care about your surrounding environment every day, especially the fragile and special ecosystem within Western North Carolina, consider dedicating a moment to learning more about some local organizations, causes, and places on this specific Earth Day. Take five minutes to step outside and notice the fantastic place that so many people strive to protect. If you have the urge to do more, consider joining the local conservation community. Below are just a few of the organizations that help keep our area beautiful.
Sincerely yours,
Bridget Herbig, Local Forest Wanderer and BRNHA Communications Manager
Conserving Carolina
https://conservingcarolina.org/
In its own words, Conserving Carolina’s mission is “to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world.”
Foothills Conservancy
https://www.foothillsconservancy.org/
The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina perseveres in conserving land and water throughout Western North Carolina, benefitting people and flora and fauna alike.
Blue Ridge Conservancy
https://blueridgeconservancy.org/
Blue Ridge Conservancy aims to protect natural resources within the realms of agriculture, recreation, ecology, and culture in northwestern North Carolina.
RiverLink
https://riverlink.org/
RiverLink focuses on the French Broad River and its watershed, promoting and preserving a strong environment and economy.
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
https://appalachian.org/
This organization focuses on the unique flora & fauna, waterways, farmland, and scenic beauty of the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. It strives to protect the land for future generations through long-term conservation efforts with private landowners and public agencies.
MountainTrue
https://mountaintrue.org/
MountainTrue focuses on clean water, healthy communities, and resilient forests.
