500-Year Forest Foundation: The Newest Addition to The SHARE Greater Lynchburg Family
Written by Lucy White, E.C. Glass Summer 2024 Intern
One of the newest nonprofit organizations to join SHARE Greater Lynchburg is the 500-Year Forest Foundation.
The 500-Year Forest Foundation is dedicated to conserving older forests and the diversity of wildlife they nurture. They partner closely with private landowners to secure long-term protection for their forests. Through the establishment of conservation in existing agreements, the Foundation ensures the preservation of designated forests, safeguarding these incredibly valuable ecosystems for future generations.
The 500-Year Forest Foundation credits some of their beliefs to the biologist Robert Zahner, especially the fact that old-growth forests are seen as crucial to biodiversity. The longer a forest is healthy and thriving, the more biologically rich the area will be.
The forests being protected by the foundation are incredibly endangered, and some aren't even considered national parks or wilderness areas, and are being solely protected by the 500-Year Forest Foundation. Unfortunately, even with this kind of protection, these areas are still highly threatened by tree killing fungi, invasive species, and much more.
Their website also provides many great resources to learn more about each of the forests they protect. Their 500-Year forests include the Biasiolli forest, The Chestnut Ridge forest, Clinch Mountain, Edgeworth forest, Edmunds, Forks of the Tye forest, The Gill forest, Helms Phillips forest, The Kolb forest, Ravens forest, Saunders, and the Sunshine forest.
Overall, the 500-Year Forest Foundation has been an asset in preserving historical nature all across Virginia. If you want to learn more, or if you believe that you may have an older forest on your property, please click here!
Walk in the Woods at Blackwater Creek Trail
Join us for a Walk in the Woods at the Blackwater Creek Trail on Saturday, August 24. Experience a peaceful walk through nature while learning about the many benefits of mature forests and the species they foster, as well as our program in protecting future old growth! No purchase necessary, though donations are welcome.
When: Saturday, August 24, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Blackwater Creek Trail, Ed Page Entrance