There are many ways to get involved with conservation of North Carolina’s natural areas.
Become involved with one of these 3 major efforts working cooperatively to ensure the future of North Carolina’s environment and its citizens. |
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You can also explore the many special places our state has to offer. See for yourself what makes North Carolina’s exceptional quality of life worth keeping for our descendants. |
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Land for Tomorrow
Land for Tomorrow is a commitment to preserve and protect North Carolina’s critical land and historic places. Backed by a diverse partnership of businesses, preservationists, farmers, environmental groups, health professionals and community groups, Land for Tomorrow is North Carolina’s best chance to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the benefits of the goodliest land.
Land for Tomorrow will be working with the General Assembly to reach the state's goal of conserving a million acres, and ensuring that working farms, forests, land bordering streams, parks, greenways, and historic places and more will be there to enhance the quality of life for generations to come. On June 8, Land for Tomorrow announced a plan to help North Carolina meet its goal of saving one million acres and challenged the state to invest an additional $200 million annually for five years.
Many organizations across North Carolina are involved as Partners in Land for Tomorrow. You can join the effort now to help preserve and protect clean drinking water, working farms and forests, historic places, game lands and parks for future generations to enjoy. Saving our goodliest land will be one of the smartest investments ever made by North Carolina's citizens.
Download Saving the Goodliest Land: A Five Year Plan for Investing in North Carolina’s Land, Water, History and Future at http://www.landfortomorrow.org/
Contact Land for Tomorrow at 919-403-8558, ext. 1009 or info@landfortomorrow.org.
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Horizon 2100
In cooperation with a panel of leading North Carolina conservation scientists, Environmental Defense compiled a report that envisions the health of the state's environment and natural systems in 100 years. "Horizon 2100" contrasts the healthy and prosperous North Carolina environment that would result from aggressive and comprehensive conservation with the impoverished environment that will likely result from continuation of current sprawling development, casually managed growth and limited conservation.
Download Horizon 2100: Aggressive Conservation for North Carolina's Future at www.environmentaldefense.org/go/nchorizon.
Contact Environmental Defense at 919-881-2601.
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One NC Naturally
The One NC Naturally initiative is leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide conservation plan. This program, based in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, coordinates the conservation efforts of government agencies, private organizations, landowners and the public. One priority is the development of regional open space plans through the involvement of people in the community.
Developing awareness of the need for conservation planning among the citizens and decision-makers of our state is critically important. One NC Naturally’s message is designed to get people involved from municipal officials to parents, business leaders to civic organizations, and developers to young people (our future leaders).
For more information about Outreach and Education opportunities, call 919-715-2700.
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Conserved Lands in NC
North Carolina has one of the most diverse natural environments in the nation, stretching from the mountains to the sea. Such diversity contributes to the integrity of ecosystems that support water and air quality, plant and wildlife populations and natural resources. Our challenge is to conserve habitat for our native species and protect the state’s key natural features.
While there are still many areas that need to be protected for future generations, some special natural areas have already been set aside for conservation purposes. Many of these sites are public lands which are managed as parks, game lands, forests, and refuges. Most of the featured locations encourage visitors to come and enjoy these unique open spaces. http://www.onencnaturally.org/pages/conserved.htm
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Agritourism
Take an online tour of Agritourism farms that offer hay rides, barnyard animals, corn mazes, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, bird watching, farm roadside stands, wineries, fishing, hunting, camping, pumpkin patches, flowers – let your imagination take you to your own field of dreams.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has made it easy to take a drive through the countryside and find just what you are seeking. Search by county to find a farm near you along with directions for how to get there.
http://www.ncagr.com/agritourism/
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Agri-Cultural Tourism
The HomegrownHandmade Web site, a collection of art roads and farm trails, will get you in tune with the rhythm of the countryside. Feel it in the winding road. Hear it in the language. Follow it where you've never been and be awed by things you didn't know existed ...until now. From farm path to sidewalk cafe, vineyard to gallery, berry patch to heritage fair, pick a trail and start planning an authentic homegrown, handmade experience today!
HomegrownHandmade is sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.
http://HomegrownHandmade.com
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