Stewardship Begins Here

Pisgah National Forest has always felt a little like home. It's our local national forest, and for many of us, it's where we first fell in love with these mountains. We've wandered its trails for years, returning to swim beneath waterfalls, hike through rhododendron tunnels, and chase long-range views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This visit had a different purpose. 

To celebrate Smokey Bear's 82nd birthday, our team spent the day at the Cradle of Forestry, learning how modern forestry in America began before joining FIND Outdoors to help care for one of the property's historic sites.

Before getting to work, we toured the grounds with Bob, a retired forester and longtime volunteer who shared the story of how forestry in the United States took root here. Walking the property with someone who has spent a lifetime caring for forests gave us a deeper appreciation for a place we've visited many times. More than a century ago, the ideas developed here helped shape the way forests are managed across the country today.

Then, we got to work.

Our assignment was straightforward: clear vegetation around several of the site's historic buildings, maintaining an eight-foot perimeter around each structure. Over time, shrubs, vines, hostas, poison ivy, and other undergrowth slowly creep toward the buildings. Left alone, that vegetation becomes more than something that simply looks overgrown.

Creating defensible space around historic structures helps reduce wildfire risk, gives firefighters room to work if a fire ever threatens the property, and keeps moisture and vegetation from accelerating the deterioration of these century-old buildings. It's routine maintenance, but it's the kind of work that quietly protects places like this for years to come.

By the end of the morning, we removed more brush than we cared to measure, discovered poison ivy in places we'd rather not have, and gained a new appreciation for the volunteers who do this work week after week.

Our efforts were guided by FIND Outdoors, one of our conservation partners. Through its partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, FIND helps care for recreation areas, historic sites, and visitor experiences across several national forests in the Southeast. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but it's a big reason these places remain welcoming and accessible year after year.

The Cradle of Forestry has been especially meaningful to us since Hurricane Helene caused significant damage across western North Carolina. After the storm, we were grateful to contribute toward the purchase of lumber and other materials needed to rebuild damaged bridges and boardwalks throughout the property. Those materials were only one part of the recovery. The real accomplishment belongs to the volunteers who dedicated thousands of hours to rebuilding trails, bridges, and structures so visitors could once again experience this special place.

We spend a lot of time talking about protecting public lands. Days like this are a reminder that stewardship is usually made up of small, practical jobs like clearing brush. It’s not particularly glamorous, but together those efforts help ensure these places will still be here for the next family, the next school group, and the next generation of curious visitors.