Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

The principal program services are as follows:1) preservation of Grandfather Mountain by protecting and monitoring endangered species, eradicating and managing invasive species, creating and implementing a resource management action plan, reducing light pollution in the night sky, developing and executing citizen science programs to better understand our natural communities, preserving our forests to increase carbon sequestration and seeking ways to reduce our greenhouse emissions from the nature park. 2) active participation in the southern appalachian man and biosphere program, a unit of the unesco man and biosphere program. Work collaboratively with community partners, agencies and non-profit organizations to determine best practices in natural resource management.3) educating the public through hands-on immersive environmental education experiences both in the field on Grandfather Mountain and in school classrooms across the region. Education staff work closely with teachers and other community partners to provide high quality educational experiences that expand learners' understanding of the natural world. Educational curriculum for grades k-12 with two new in-depth partnerships with all first grade students through a program called wild watch in all avery county, nc elementary schools to better understand their local natural ecosystems and the flora and fauna that live here. Growing educational partnerships for 5th grade students the ecowatch program. 4) operating the nature park for public enrichment, enjoyment and understanding. Provide ongoing maintenance and upkeep, adequate staffing levels to provide high-level experiences in one of the most biologically diverse mountains in the eastern united states. Park engagement opportunities include native animal exhibits, natural history museum exhibits, cultural museum exhibits, gift shops, restaurant and food service, miles of hiking trails, paved road and walkways, special events, and the historic mile high swinging bridge. Work in conjunction with the adjacent Grandfather Mountain state park to provide emergency response support, educational programs and trail maintenance.5) partner and collaborate with organizations and agencies within the community to form and nurture relationships with those who share the Foundation's values, including the Grandfather Mountain highland games, blue ridge conservancy, blue ridge natural heritage area, north carolina audubon, blue ridge parkway, lees-mcrae college, appalachian state university, mayland community college, chambers of commerce in the local region, girl scouts of the usa and other organizations. Promote a family culture where employees feel a sense of ownership of our mission, pride, value and satisfaction in their daily activities and in their contributions to the Foundation's mission. Act as an economic driver within the region by positively influencing the local economy by drawing visitors to Grandfather Mountain. Engage with donors and operate fundraising campaigns to further our mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain.