Friends of the Smokies :)

So if you know me, you know that I am not a frequenter of anything outside, which means this charity was definitely not in my realm of charities I frequent or even knew about. However, it is such an awesome organization! I can appreciate the beautiful Smokies from afar, and this organization makes sure the beauty is sustained. Their mission is to protect and preserve the mountains, and they do so by raising money and public awareness, while also rounding up volunteers for any projects that are needed to be completed. Since 1993 they have raised over 53 million dollars, having their first founding members all donate $1,000 to start the organization out. (just a small loan of $1,000). There is an office in Kodak, Tennessee and also in North Carolina. They host cool balls, barn parties, (and pint nights) to offer unique and fun ways to volunteer, as well as host volunteer days and hikes for volunteers to directly serve with the organization. They have helped return elk to the Smokies after a 150-year absence in 2001. Also in 2005, they dedicated a new laboratory at the University of Tennessee to raise predator beetles for the fight against the hemlock woolly adelgid.

Friends of the Smokies have made very important contributions to the wildlife around us, and help keep a beautiful part of East Tennessee just as nature-y and green as possible. They are currently still helping restore the mountains after the horrible fires, and are continuously accepting donations to keep this project going. While I might not see the contributions as much as the granolas of East Tennessee, I am very thankful organizations like this one exist.