Press release from The Pisgah Conservancy:
Pisgah Forest, NC – More than one hundred volunteers gathered at Sycamore Flats the first two Fridays of November to kick off the cleanup of one of Pisgah’s most popular and cherished recreation sites.
The cleanup events were part of The Pisgah Conservancy’s ongoing efforts working alongside the U.S. Forest Service in response to Hurricane Helene.
Volunteers travelled from several states to assist with tasks such as dismantling damaged split rail fencing, consolidating debris piles for pickup, and returning washed away gravel to picnic pads.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the community’s commitment to caring for Pisgah,” said Gail Kinard, member of The Pisgah Conservancy Board of Directors. “While we’ve made significant progress at Sycamore Flats, there’s still much work to be done across many of Pisgah’s special sites. We remain dedicated to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of this beloved forest.”
The volunteer days were led by The Pisgah Conservancy’s field staff, a team of dedicated professionals specializing in trail work and invasive plant management.
“It’s essential to have staff on the ground who can operate heavy machinery and tackle the complex challenges of recovery beyond their usual responsibilities,” said Jeff Maitz, Chief Operating Officer and Program Director of The Pisgah Conservancy. “We’re also grateful for the enthusiasm of the volunteers who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”
To stay updated on recovery efforts and ways to help Pisgah, visit www.pisgahconservancy.org.
The Pisgah Ranger District reopened to visitors on Friday, October 18. The other two districts of Pisgah National Forest – the Appalachian Ranger District and the Grandfather Ranger District – remain closed until further notice due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
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