Trust Summary
Protecting Our Little Corner of the Southern Blue RidgeOur Story
The Balsam Mountain Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was formed by the Balsam Mountain Preserve Company (BMP) LLC in 2000. Initially, the Trust’s role was to inventory and manage the Preserve’s land; conduct conservation education programming for Balsam Mountain Preserve members and the general public; be a consulting resource for homeowners, and provide regional environmental leadership.
Since those early days, the Trust has expanded its reach beyond the boundaries of the Preserve to become a regional leader in conservation education. Trust staff recognized the need for quality, accessible conservation-based programming in the local school systems and partnered with the Jackson and Haywood county school boards to design curricula that addressed state science standards while inspiring students to be stewards of the incredible natural resources of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.
Currently the bulk of the Trusts work centers around presenting wildlife and conservation programming throughout Jackson and Haywood counties. The Adopt-A-School program brings science curriculum to 10 partner schools in Jackson and Haywood counties at no cost to the schools. In 2014, the Trust became a host site for the Conservation Trust of North Carolina (CTNC) AmeriCorpsprogram. The AmeriCorps members have helped expand the Trust’s reach by providing free education programs in schools and libraries.
Most recently, the Trust has instituted a grant program for local conservation efforts. It continues to provide interpretive and experiential programs for the local community and Balsam Mountain Preserve members.
We look forward to many more years of interpreting, enjoying, and protecting our little corner of the Southern Blue Ridge.
Our Mission
Environmental Education
Environmental Education: enlightens and entertains audiences of all ages and provides them with the knowledge and tools to engage in lifetime stewardship of the natural and cultural
Experiential Opportunity
Natural and Cultural Resource Stewardship
Natural and Cultural Resource Stewardship: provides, through best management practices and engaged stakeholders, for the long-term health and preservation of all resources on Balsam Mountain Preserve
Regional Environmental Leadership
Scientific Research
Our Relationships
The Trust is uniquely situated as a nonprofit operating from within a private development. Although we serve a broader community across Western North Carolina, we remain closely tied to the Balsam Mountain Preserve community as a beneficial resource for everyone that calls the Preserve home.
The Trust’s talented professionals:
- Provide management expertise to maintain and interpret the bounty of natural and cultural resources found on the Preserve which belong to each member of the community
- Offer consulting services to each member before, during and after homestead construction
- Provide botanical inventories for each homestead
- Develop environmental education and cultural arts programs available to every age group for lifelong learning
- Produce publications that engage, enlighten and entertain members
- Cultivate and encourage participation which helps owners in developing a ‘sense of place’
- Maintain the Nature Center, the operational heart of the Trust and its activities
Our Board
The Trust is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees to which the executive director reports. The Board is comprised of Balsam Mountain Preserve owners and – when available – local community members and representatives of the North American Land Trust (the executor of the Preserve’s Conservation Easement).
2024 Officers
Joel Bradley, board chair – Sylva, NC
2022 Trustees
Dr. Stephen Barnett – Atlanta, GA/Sylva, NC
Sally Halevy – Sylva, NC
Dr. John Morse – Clemson, SC/Sylva, NC
Kathy Nervie – Sylva, NC