Asheville, NC – The Cradle of Forestry educates the public on the founding of forest management on the Biltmore Estate and Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club members learned about these and other activities at its September meeting.
A representative of FIND Outdoors spoke about the success of the program and dozens of other offerings from the private / public partnership. Natalie Britt, president and chief executive officer, talked about the company’s goals of helping people connect with nature and instilling good stewardship of natural resources to manage forests for future generations.
FIND Outdoors maintains and operates outdoor recreation, education, and camping facilities across the southeast. These include tours and events that create meaningful connections with public lands, Britt said.
FIND manages facilities at:
•Cliffside – Highlands, NC
•Cradle of Forestry – Pisgah Forest, NC
•Anna Ruby Falls – Helen, GA
•Brasstown Bald – Hiawassee, GA
•Lake Winfield Scott – Suches, GA
•Gladie – Red River Gorge, KY
•Tipsaw – Tell City, IN
Britt said the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA) was established in 1972 “to promote and protect the Cradle of Forestry and provide support to the US Forest Service.” Successful management of the Cradle site paved the way for further partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service in the realm of campground and visitor center management as far as Texas and Pennsylvania.
FIND Outdoors was established with the acronym meaning Forest Inspired Nature Discovery. The agency website is www.gofindoutdoors.org.
The ALC hosted golf and sporting clays events earlier in the day.
The next meeting of the ALC is Nov. 8, 2022 at The Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, TN.
For more information, visit www.lumberclub.org.