The Southern Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most biodiverse regions in the country — and they need us. Together, we can defend public lands, keep forests healthy, and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving, resilient landscape.
of national forests protected
covered by our efforts
Invasive plants and insects crowd out native species and disrupt the health of the Southern Blue Ridge ecosystem. MountainTrue leads hands-on restoration projects that remove invasives, revive native habitats, and create space for native animals to survive.
Through partnerships and proven techniques, we’ve achieved up to 98% removal of invasives in key habitats like bogs and river corridors. Our team uses safe, science-based methods and trains volunteers to join in the work.
Whether you dig in at a removal workday, choose native plants for your garden, or spread the word, you’re helping restore the health of our forests. Together, we can protect the plants and animals that make this region unique.
The Southern Blue Ridge Mountains are home to some of the last remaining old-growth forests in the Eastern United States. These ancient ecosystems provide unmatched biodiversity, store carbon, and offer a living link to what our region looked like centuries ago.
From national forests to state parks, public lands in our region protect clean water, wildlife habitat, and outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. MountainTrue works to ensure these lands are managed responsibly and remain accessible for generations to come.
Each year since 2016, MountainTrue hosts a BioBlitz. This is a community science event where experts, enthusiasts, and lifelong learners team up to document as many species as possible in a short time frame. It’s a chance to celebrate the incredible biodiversity of our forests and help track the health of local ecosystems.
Our Next BioBlitz will be Summer 2026. Stay tuned for details
MountainTrue is actively challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s revised Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan. Despite extensive public input and collaborative efforts, the finalized plan significantly increases logging activities and fails to implement binding protections for vital ecosystems.
In response, we’ve joined forces with several conservation groups to file a lawsuit aimed at safeguarding these important public lands.
Join a community of volunteers protecting and restoring the forests of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forest Keepers help care for public lands through hands-on projects like invasive species removal, wetland restoration, and our annual Bioblitz, while connecting with fellow conservation-minded neighbors.
Earn badges for your contributions, get recognized for your impact, and see the difference your work makes in sustaining healthy forests.
