Member Recommendation: Bedrock Sandals & Atlantic Packaging
Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is dedicated to permanently protecting natural resources in northwest North Carolina. Formed in 2010 through the merger of two regional land trusts, BRC has protected over 27,000 acres across its history — including the fulfillment of its founding mission: saving Howard Knob.
Located directly above downtown Boone, NC, Howard Knob stands at 4,396 feet and is the southernmost peak of the Amphibolite Mountains, one of the most high-conservation-priority landscapes in the southeast. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program recognizes the area as one of the state’s most important sites for species and landscape connectivity, and among the most biodiverse landscapes in the southeast. Howard Knob’s high-elevation northern oak forest and unique ecological composition position it as a vital climate refugia — offering cooler, stable microclimates that allow plant and animal species to adapt as regional temperatures rise. The regional importance of forested land for flood resilience was further underscored by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Howard Knob also holds tremendous recreational potential. The property will support hiking, trail running, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, and a range of bouldering opportunities from beginner to advanced. Once trail infrastructure is complete, The Knob will be accessible on foot from downtown Boone via the Northern Peaks State Trail. Howard Knob represents a rare convergence of ecological preservation, climate resilience, and community-centered outdoor access.
