Every Step Protects What Matters
On May 1st, I'm hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) to challenge myself and raise money for the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT - www.hcltnc.org), an organization dedicated to conserving special places in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Support my Spotfund (https://www.spotfund.com/.../8d00bfc5-c6cb-4e69-9852...) campaign to learn more!
That's why I'm raising money for the Highlands/Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) - https://www.hcltnc.org/
HCLT has been conserving land in western North Carolina since the early 1900's, making it one of the oldest conservation organizations in the country. I live here. I hike here. I've watched this plateau change over the years, and I know firsthand how much pressure development puts on these special lands. The Highlands-Cashiers area is not only one of the most biologically rich places in the eastern United States — cold headwater streams, old-growth forest, rare plants found almost nowhere else- but it is steeped in history too! When that land gets developed, it doesn't come back. HCLT is conserving these uniquely interesting and critical habitats so that we, our families, and future generations can enjoy them.
My goal is to raise at least $10,000. Seventy percent of the first $10,000 will go directly to HCLT. The other 30% will help offset the remaining costs of trekking 3,100 miles — food resupply boxes mailed to trail towns, gear that wears out (shoes! - more than 5 pairs will be needed), flights, buses, and shuttles between trailheads. After $10K, 100% goes to HCLT. I've already put over $4,000 of my own money into this. I'm asking you to help HCLT and me do something incredibly difficult - conserve southern Blue Ridge lands and walk the CDT to highlight their efforts.
I'll be posting updates, photos, and trail reports (here and on FB/LinkedIn) throughout the hike. If you donate, you'll know where I am and what I'm seeing.
This campaign stays open until I reach the northern terminus — whenever that is. I'll give everything I've got to both the miles and the goal.
If you've ever hiked the southern Appalachian Mountains, swum in its streams, or just felt grateful that some places are conserved and remain natural, this fundraiser is for you.
Please donate and help the HCLT. Come hike with me.
