You're Invited

Join us for the inaugural Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch Earth Day Social and Chartering Ceremony. Meet Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch and NC Wildlife Federation leaders to learn more about our plans and objectives, for only together can we Keep the Smoky Mountains Wild

Western North Carolina is one of the fastest growing regions in the Southeast, putting extraordinary pressure on our forests, wetlands and wildlife corridors.

Over the last couple of decades we have lost over 1.2 million acres of forest statewide, and another 5 million are projected to be lost over the next 2 decades.

Without action on our part countless wildlife species will lose the places they depend on to survive.

Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch objectives are to make a lasting difference for wildlife and our landscape throughout our region by:

• improving habitat for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators
• providing clean waterways for brook trout, river otters and other aquatic species
• protecting elk and guarding against declining bird populations through on-the-ground habitat restoration projects and working hand in hand with community partners
• connecting people of all ages to nature through community hikes, cleanups and our Environmental Education Initiative

Location: Balsam Mountain Inn

Timeline: April 23, 2026 from 6 to 8PM

Social is open to the public, free of charge. Space is limited so please register.

Event Registration: Smoky Mountain Wilderness Watch Earth Day Social In 2026, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch, a chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, begins its journey to become one of the leading voices in the Smoky Mountains.  

With your support, we can help secure landmark protections, advanced science-based conservation, and reshape how people in the Smoky Mountains think about living alongside wildlife. That legacy belongs to the advocates, scientists, donors, volunteers, and partners who believe, often against long odds, that the Smoky Mountains deserve a wild future.

Today, that work is more urgent than ever. Habitat fragmentation, accelerating development, climate pressures, and political headwinds are placing unprecedented strain on Smoky Mountain wildlife populations and the landscapes they depend on. Too often, fear-based narratives and outdated management approaches continue to drive policy, undermining solutions that can protect both people and wildlife.

As we enter our first decade, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch is focused on increasing our impact and reach. We will promote strong advocacy at the local levels, working to ensure wildlife policy is grounded in sound science, ethical management, and long-term conservation outcomes. We are also committed to supporting and translating research to inform better decision-making and more effective conservation strategies. 

At the same time, we recognize that conservation is as much about people as it is about wildlife. Equally central to our work is expanding coexistence programs that equip communities with practical, science-based tools to live safely alongside Smoky Mountain wildlife through clearer public-facing materials, strengthened education initiatives, and outreach that replaces fear with understanding. In partnership with other organizations, we will be working to correct misinformation and elevate balanced, fact-based narratives about Smoky Mountain wildlife and their role in healthy ecosystems.

Going forward, we will emphasize collaboration with state and local agencies to advance pragmatic conservation programs that prioritize both wildlife conservation and public safety, recognizing that durable sustained solutions require partnership and trust.

We consider our first year as a call to act with urgency and purpose. With your support, the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch will build a leadership group dedicated to ensure that the Smoky Mountains not only survive, but flourish, for generations to come. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. 

Can you help us with a $25 donation? Your generous gift will help fund our nature based initiatives.





Join the Smoky Mountains Wilderness Watch and help fund local habitat projects, educational programs, community events and advocacy, all for wildlife. With your membership of $25 or more you will not only receive our monthly newsletter and notices of our events, tours and workshops, you will also receive the NC Wildlife Federation's quarterly magazine as well as special invitations and access to NC conservation news, events and happenings in the Smokies and throughout the state.