Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy celebrates 50th anniversary

Elizabethton, TN – May 15, 2024

This year, the nonprofit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) celebrates 50 years of conserving clean water, plant and wildlife habitat, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for all people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The 50th anniversary will be marked with a special celebration event on Friday, May 31 – “Rooted in the Past, Growing for the Future” – at the TN Welcome Center on I-26 near the NC/TN border. The location overlooks the 10,000-acre Rocky Fork watershed, one of SAHC’s keystone conservation success stories.

Growing Conservation Efforts

“SAHC has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers into a sophisticated, multi-state organization at the forefront of nationally recognized conservation efforts,” says Carl Silverstein, SAHC’s executive director. The celebratory event will highlight milestone achievements of the past 50 years and announce major projects for the future of conservation. Special guest speakers include Dr. Mamie Parker, ground-breaking biologist and former Head of Fisheries for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash.

Protecting the Environment and Heritage

Milestone achievements of SAHC’s 50 years of conservation include protecting rare plant and animal habitat in diverse locations, ongoing land protection and active land management efforts with a broad coalition of partners, and preserving headwater streams in various river systems. The organization has also safeguarded farmland in both TN and NC and provided myriad places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation including expansion of state parks and areas in national forests.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Mamie Parker, Former Head of Fisheries for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been breaking barriers as a professional fish and wildlife biologist. Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author of four novels, will also be speaking at the event, sharing insights and stories to inspire the audience.

SAHC Executive Director’s Contributions

SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein, with 24 years of experience, has guided the organization through countless obstacles and navigated successful conservation outcomes for some of the most significant projects in the 50-year history of SAHC.

Celebration Details

The celebration event is open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Attendees can enjoy music by the East Tennessee State University’s Old Time Band and participate in an optional guided group hike at TN’s Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park after the event. The gathering promises to be a day of sharing stories, reminiscing with friends, and appreciating the beauty of protected land.

As SAHC commemorates 50 years of conservation efforts, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission of preserving the Southern Appalachians and embarking on ambitious conservation plans for the future. The event aims to inspire both long-time members and new supporters to cherish the benefits of conservation in the region.

Safe Boating Week and Local Fundraisers

In other news, Safe Boating Week will be celebrated from May 18-24, promoting boating safety for all enthusiasts. Additionally, a local senior center will be hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser to support community initiatives. Dallas Danger will be featured at a Maker’s Market event on May 19, showcasing local talent and creations.

Contact Information

For more information about the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and its 50th-anniversary celebration, please visit their website at southernappalachian.org.