"In the (Southern Appalachian mountains) occur that marvelous variety and richness of plant growth which have led our ablest business men and scientist to ask for its preservation by the Government for the advancement of science and for the instruction and pleasure of the people of our own and of future generations…”   - Theodore Roosevelt, 1902

The Southern Appalachian Region

The Southern Appalachian region encompasses over 38 million acres in the mountainous portion of 6 states ranging from Virginia to northwest Alabama.

Why We’re So Unique

The Southern Appalachian region is rich in natural history. It has witnessed millions of years of stability, has served as the center of evolution for species, and has served as a refugia during periods of climatic change.

•   The Southern Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest on earth,

•   These Mountains provided refuge for northern species during glaciations,

•   Our forest is one of two remnants of the original temperate forest formed 50-65 million years ago,

• The geologic and climatic stablity of our region over the past 65 million years has allowed a great number of species to evolve specifically to this region