25th Anniversary Running of the BRC 5K in Blowing Rock

It was a crisp, clear, picture-perfect morning on Saturday, September 20 for the 25th anniversary Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K and Kids Fun Run through the Mayview neighborhood of Blowing Rock, and there was record-breaking attendance and participation at the event, with 378 runners and over 40 volunteers.

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Leila Jackson
Charlie Brady Honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Blue Ridge Conservancy congratulates Charlie Brady, outgoing Executive Director, who was recently awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the state of North Carolina and Governor Josh Stein. This honor recognizes North Carolinians who have demonstrated extraordinary service and impactful contributions to the state. Those who are named become honorary North Carolina “Ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

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Leila Jackson
Blue Ridge Conservancy Announces Hiring of David Ray as Executive Director

The Blue Ridge Conservancy Board of Trustees is excited to announce the hiring of David Ray as Executive Director. “David brings 29 years of experience in conservation, real estate, land use, fundraising, and non-profit leadership,” says Katherine Dean, Board Chair. “He is known for his integrity, his highly collaborative approach, and his deep knowledge and passion for conservation. He spent the first 14 years of his conservation career in western North Carolina, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Blue Ridge mountains to advance BRC's mission.”

Ray has served as the Chief Conservation Officer at Lowcountry Land Trust in Charleston, SC, since 2018. He has also worked for The Nature Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and the Open Space Institute, leading or assisting in 70 land acquisition projects totaling almost 60,000 acres.

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Leila Jackson