Conservation Celebration: Planting Hope
Saturday, September 19, 2026
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC
The Conservation Celebration is our signature fundraiser, bringing together our incredible community to celebrate Conserving Carolina’s accomplishments in protecting the natural wonders of our region and to raise vital funds for a more resilient future. This year’s event features a special program: Planting Hope.
We are excited to feature a keynote by Leigh Ann Henion, the bestselling author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glow Worms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark.
Event Features
-
Keynote speaker: Leigh Ann Henion
-
Hosted by Board Director Mark Campanini
-
Planting Hope program
-
Video premiere
-
Trip raffle drawing
-
Buffet dinner by Black-Eyed Susan Catering
-
Wine by Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard
-
Beer donated by New Belgium Brewing
-
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Help Us Meet the $51,000 Matching Gift!
We have the exciting opportunity between now and Sept. 19, the date of Conservation Celebration, to meet a generous $51,000 matching gift! Use this form to make your contribution to the matching gift. You can help us meet the match, whether or not you attend Conservation Celebration. When you contribute to the matching gift, your donation will be doubled!
Contribute to the matching gift
Enter the Trip Raffle
We are also offering an exciting trip raffle! Tickets are $100 and only 200 tickets will be sold, so every ticket has a good chance to win! We will draw the winner at Celebration, but you don’t need to be present to win.
We offer three trip options for you to choose from:
- Blue Ridge Mountain Escape
- Azores & Lisbon Escape
- Custom Trip of Your Choice
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsors make Conservation Celebration possible, helping us raise vital funds to protect the lands and waters of our region while inspiring others to invest in conservation. Sponsorships are still available for businesses and individuals, with recognition before, during, and after the event.
Conservation Celebration Sponsorships
Thank you current premier sponsors!
Scarlet Oak
Jerry McAninch
Larry & Nancy Pellegrini
Janis Tutor
River Birch
Dale Henderson
Lynn & Russ Pitts
Making a Difference Together
As we celebrate conservation together with our friends, partners, and supporters – it’s important to highlight that the work we do is only made possible through people like you. Thanks to your support, we’re able to:
- Protect vital lands: Conserving Carolina has protected over 51,000 acres, including iconic landscapes like Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont State Forest, and Headwaters State Forest.
- Safeguard clean water: We work to protect the headwaters of rivers and streams, ensuring clean drinking water for our communities and healthy aquatic ecosystems.
- Restore critical habitats: We restore degraded natural areas, improving habitat for wildlife and promoting biodiversity.
- Create and maintain trails: We build and maintain miles of trails for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
- Inspire the next generation of conservationists: We offer educational programs and outreach initiatives to connect people with nature and foster a love of the outdoors.
- Strengthen our community: By protecting our natural resources, we enhance the quality of life for everyone in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.
- Partner with landowners: We work closely with private landowners to develop conservation easements and other tools to protect their land for future generations.
- Advocate for conservation: We engage in public policy and advocacy efforts to promote sound conservation practices and protect our natural resources.
- Build a stronger, more resilient region: By protecting our natural assets, we contribute to the economic vitality and resilience of our communities.
