ASHEVILLE and WAYNESVILLE, NC – On Land Trust Day, Saturday, June 6, the Asheville and Waynesville Mast General Store locations will donate 20% of their sales to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Representatives of SAHC will be present in Waynesville from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and in Asheville from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. to meet store guests, explain the vital initiatives their agency takes to protect local land and waterways, and plant native wildflowers during a special in-store event.
Land trusts preserve scenic landscapes, create accessible shared spaces, protect wetlands and wildlife habitats, and provide recreational opportunities for everyone. These non-profit organizations, also known as conservancies, work with landowners and other associations to purchase land and negotiate easements with private property owners, ensure a family farm is passed down to the next generation, and assist in expanding the boundaries of public, state, and national parks, among many other important roles.
Throughout Mast General Store’s region, land trusts make our communities more livable, generate local economic opportunities, and tell the story of the places we call home.
"I feel blessed that all Mast Store locations are hosting active land conservation groups. The work these partners do touches our lives every day in ways we can visibly see and in ways that we still benefit from,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast Store.
Established in 1974, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy today protects more than 90,000 acres in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. In doing so, it’s saving unique plant and animal habitats, such as the Highlands of Roan along the Appalachian Trail, freshwater sources, farmland, and pristine landscapes.
“Most people think about pastoral views when they hear the word 'conservancy,' but much of their work is saving and reestablishing wetlands that help reduce flooding and provide fresh water, creating alternative transportation routes like greenways, or protecting wildlife habitats. That's why it's important to our Mast Store team to support the work of these organizations and to help others understand what they do. We thank you for helping support their work for all of us,” said Cooper.
Drop by the Asheville and Waynesville Mast Stores on Saturday, June 6, to learn about your local land trust and the outdoor spaces it has conserved in your community. It’s a great opportunity to acknowledge how their work helps us all enjoy nature, breathe fresh air, and drink clean water every day. For more information about Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, visit its website, www.appalachian.org.
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