Our Forest

The Blue Ridge Forest is an ancient ecosystem of global significance (click for more info) that is home to a rich diversity of species, including a growing human population.

The Blue Ridge Forest ecosystem extends throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and is the headwaters for numerous watersheds including the James, Roanoke, and New River valleys which provide water to downstream communities as far away as the Chesapeake Bay, Albemarle Sound, and Gulf of Mexico respectively. BRFC provides forest landcare services to the Virginia and North Carolina portion of the forest.

The Blue Ridge Forest is a degraded forest facing a number of threats:

• Exploitive forestry—such as the abusive practice of “highgrading” which removes the best trees and leaves the worst—has created a genetically impaired and devalued forest in need of reinvestment and restoration.


• Lack of forest stewardship—simple neglect and lack of forest maintenance—has contributed to a loss of green infrastructure and ecosystem services including soil and water quality, biodiversity, scenery, tourism and recreation opportunities.


• Unplanned development—including both residential and commercial projects—fragments the forest, contributing to habitat destruction, invasive species, and wildfire risk.

The forest needs help (including you)!
The Blue Ridge Forest is an ancient ecosystem and, while it has experienced centuries of neglect and abuse, there is hope for the future. It is one forest with many owners and neighbors who care. The Blue Ridge Forest needs help from people like you!

To learn more about the Blue Ridge Forest and how you can help improve its future, please visit the Our People, Our Services, and Our Products sections of this website or sign up for our Newsletter.

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