• Conservation Programs
• Man & Biosphere Reserve Program
• The Nature Conservancy
• Protecting Endangered Species
• Grandfather Goes Green
• Sixteen Distinct Natural Communities
• Blue Ridge Parkway Viaduct

• Interpreting What You See Here
• Naturalist Programs
• The Nature Museum
• Geology
• Birding
• Wildflower Bloom Calendar

 

Man & Biosphere Reserve Program

Grandfather Mountain was recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve in November of 1992. In May of 2009 there were 553 biosphere reserves in 107 countries.

Grandfather Mountain is a microcosm of its larger region.

• 16 distinct ecological communities in less than 5,000 acres
• History of scientific study
  • In 2006 there were six scientific studies being performing at Grandfather.
• Projects ranged from census studies of five different federally listed endangered species to reclamation of rare plant species on cliff faces.
• Habitat for 73 rare or endangered species
• Thirty-two (32) are critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity.
• Education and training
• Offers interpretive programs for the general public and excels in offering environmental education for school children.
• Grandfather also hosts educational programs and public forums on current environmental topics.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

The purpose of the Man and Biosphere program is to foster harmonious relationships between human beings and their environment.

The mission of the Man and Biosphere program is to identify and share information on ways that man can enjoy economic prosperity without destroying the environment.

What a Biosphere Reserve IS NOT.

A Biosphere Reserve is not land controlled by the United Nations. Grandfather Mountain, Inc. makes its own decisions regarding the operation of its business and management of its resources without any input from the United Nations.

Criteria for selection as a Biosphere Reserve

• each unit be a unique resource representative of a larger region
• with a legally protected core area that is shielded from unbridled development
• have a history of scientific study and be active in ecological research and monitoring
• be active in the education and training of resource management professionals
• be dedicated to consciousness raising among the general public.
• be a gathering place for regional dialogue about current environmental and economic growth issues.

 

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