Nestled within some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Southern Blue Ridge is steeped in beauty, history and extraordinarily diverse tree species and aquatic life. Mainspring is the land trust for this special region, which spans seven counties: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain in North Carolina, and Rabun County, Georgia. Since its beginning, Mainspring has helped conserve more than 31,000 acres.

Formed in 1997 by a group of visionaries, the organization grew to become the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee, until it transitioned to Mainspring Conservation Trust in 2016. Mainspring’s goal is to conserve and restore the lands and waters of the Southern Blue Ridge, and to connect the people to these natural treasures. Mainspring works with landowners to conserve their land through conservation easements for agriculture, beauty and other values. Streambank restoration initiatives ensure that waterways continue to support rich aquatic life. Education and citizen science initiatives teach hundreds of adults and kids about the importance of clear, healthy streams.

The organization’s mission includes efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of this landscape. Mainspring recognizes the connection between Native Americans and European settlers and leads initiatives to support the reuse of historical buildings and preserve farmland and historic sites. Mainspring has worked on numerous cultural heritage projects, from restoring native species to aid in Cherokee artisan basket weaving, to clearing sites for archaeological research. Of great significance, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail crosses or runs adjacent to several Mainspring properties and conservation easements.

For more information about Mainspring Conservation Trust, please visit: https://www.mainspringconserves.org/