Growing Resilience
After the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we clearly see a need to grow resilience. We also see powerful ways that conservation can make our communities safer and make us stronger as people.
During Helene we truly witnessed the power of natural floodplains. As we look to the future we see even more potential for restorations to make us safer during both floods and droughts. Conservation can also strengthen resilience for wild plants and animals, giving them the resources they need to survive, even under the stress of a changing climate.
Finally, conservation makes us more resilient as people. Nature gives us space to transform our struggles into a wellspring of strength. When we’re outdoors, we can find solace. We rekindle our joy. And we grow stronger — able to handle what we need to handle, and to help others.
Thank you for the very real ways that you are growing resilience. Because of you, we are all safer and stronger. Because of you, our landscape can grow back more beautiful and abundant. We invite you to explore our 2024 Annual Report and we are deeply grateful for the important work that you made possible last year!
Here are just a few of ways you made a difference for conservation last year. We are deeply grateful for your support!
1. Over 1 Billion Gallons of Water Stored During Helene
Natural floodplain restorations gave the water a place to go, with more than 1.25 billion gallons stored at just three restoration sites.
2. Land Purchased for Greenway and Wetlands
You helped us buy land next to Jackson Park to expand the Oklawaha Greenway and restore wetlands in a birding hotspot.
3. Two New Restorations Along the French Broad River
You helped restore two properties on the French Broad, one on private land at one on public land at Kings Bridge.
4. Fixing Trails After Helene
You helped us take care of downed trees, landslides, damaged bridges, and other damage so we can reopen trails closed after Helene.
5. Ecusta Trail Under Construction
2024 was an exciting year for the Ecusta Trail, with the first six miles under construction and planned to open in summer 2025.
6. AmeriCorps Leadership
Conserving Carolina leads AmeriCorps Project Conserve which placed over 30 members at 14 conservation organizations throughout WNC.
7. Connecting People and Nature
In 2024, we held over 350 community engagement events—even before Hurricane Helene put everything on hold for the last three months of the year!
8. Bell Park Opens
You helped open Bell Park in Saluda with 1.8 miles of hiking trails and an observation deck by a waterfall.
9. Expanding the Green River Game Lands
You helped create another 175 acres of public land, added to the Game Lands in Saluda—part of a larger effort to protect nearly 300 acres.
Map of Places Where You Made a Difference
Updated through 2024, this map shows all the places that Conserving Carolina has helped protect, with your support.
