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Who
We Are
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Why
We Exist
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MountainKeepers
is an alliance of individuals, groups and organizations who are committed
to the safekeeping of the special character of our communities and region,
the preservation of our natural resources, unique heritage and culture,
and an enhanced quality of life for all citizens.
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MountainKeepers nurtures and champions initiatives and efforts that help communities in the area become sustainable. These Sustainable Communities conserve and protect their natural resources, preserve their unique character and values while fostering the development of a prosperous business climate. This balance can be achieved without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own economic, cultural and environmental needs. |
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Our Strategic Priorities |
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To
advocate for and be active in improving the character of our community.
Included in this priority are continuation of the accomplishments
and momentum of the grass-roots Stop the Litter! initiative, focus
on landscaping and signage, and attention to other matters which impact
the quality of life and preservation of the cultural and natural
heritage of Watauga County.
To advocate for and be active in supporting sustainable development. Included in this priority are issues which impact and ideas which can promote the economic vitality of the region (e.g., the Choose 'N Cut industry, various forms of tourism -- agri-tourism, eco-tourism, heritage tourism, etc.). Cutting across, or embedded in, both of these outwardly focused priorities is a need to communicate and share information with the members of our community about our work, about roles that can be can assumed, and about the responsibility we all share for the economic and environmental future of our region and the quality of life here. To strengthen and expand the organization. |
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What We Are Doing |
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Proud Co-sponsors ofTHE HAROLD AND MAZIE JONES LEVENSON
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Mountain KeepingStarting in December 2006, MountainKeepers began partnering with High Country Press in a weekly column Mountain Keeping. The purpose of the column is to share ideas and thoughts on why and how to practice more sustainable approaches to how we live our lives. Click Here to see the list of columns or find one to read
The inaugural issue introduced the concept of our ecological footprint. Ecological footprint is a tool to assess our resource use (demand) relative to nature's ability to regenerate those resources (supply). A score of one would mean we are in balance. The US ecological footprint is five. Want to know what your individual ecological footprint is? Just fill out the eco-footprint questionnaire, send it to MountainKeepers and read Mountain Keeping to see your anonymous score Click here to download the Eco-footprint questionnaire |
2006 Environment SummitSustainability in the High CountrySeptember 23, 2006 Raley Hall, Appalachian State UniversityA morning spent in learning about and discussing efforts in the High Country related to sustainability. Our goal is to improve and expand activities that promote a positive economic, social and environmental futurefor our mountain home.Click Here to Download Proceedings |
Help us Stop the Litter!How do you feel about litter?Why do Some people litter and others do not?Are some types of litter worse than others?Give us your thoughts and opinions about litter.Click here to download our litter survey.orClick here to get our "Litter Fact Sheet"See How We Celebrate Litter Stoppping!MountainKeepers Honors Litter HeroesNovember 2, 2005 |
2005 Environment SummitPopulation Growth, Expansion and the Quality of Life in Watauga CountySeptember 10, 2005 - A day that explored the current scientific data on the status of natural resources in Watauga County with a focus on water - Its quantity, quality and its implications for Quality of Life in the County, Now and in the Future Click Here to read the Report of an amazing day |
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MountainKeepers President honored on Earth DayAt the Earth Day festivities on the Appalachian State University campus,
Nancy Reigel received a Community Sustainability Award from the Sustainable
Development Program. She was acknowledged for her outstanding work to
promote clean, healthy, and economically viable communities in North Carolina's
High Country. Congrats Nancy! |
MountainKeepers help with Kraut Creek cleanupAbout a dozen folks showed up on a rainy April Saturday to venture into
Boone Creek to pick up litter. Some "interesting" finds included
roofing tiles used as bank stabilizer and subsequently disintegrating
into the creek; a large "No Parking" sign and its 7-foot post;
a really large banner reading "Students Register Here"; along
with the usual beer cans, soft drink bottles, and fast food wrappers.
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"Stop The Litter" An Ongoing Community Wide Project
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Support a bill requiring driver's license applicants to sign a"I Will Not Litter" pledgeClick here to learn about NC House Bill H1125 and find sample letters of support |
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Boone Creek Report |
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"Forces of Change"Now Available Online
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2003 Conservation Expo - Oct. 16, Broyhill Inn
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This Page Revised October 5, 2007
