George Masa Foundation

Join us on Friday, April 25, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the North Carolina Arboretum for a special evening celebrating the winners of the George Masa Foundation Youth Conservation Photography Prize! This inspiring event showcases the incredible work of young photographers committed to conservation and the natural world. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the prize winners, view their outstanding photography, and honor the legacy of George Masa, whose work continues to inspire future generations. As part of the evening, attendees can also explore National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs, an extraordinary exhibit featuring some of the most breathtaking nature photography ever captured. Admission to the North Carolina Arboretum is free for this special event. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. We look forward to celebrating with you! RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eR9aagbp

I'm thrilled to share this fantastic article by Emma Castleberry for The Laurel of Asheville Magazine highlighting the achievements of three talented youth from Western North Carolina in the inaugural George Masa Foundation Youth Conservation Photography Prize! Their inspiring work captures the beauty and importance of our natural world, reminding us why conservation and creative expression matter so much. https://lnkd.in/eqC2bP7r

Congratulations to the Winners! We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the Youth Conservation Photography Contest in the Ages 11-14 Wildlife category! 🥇 1st Place – "Kermit" by Khloe Miles 🥈 2nd Place – "Wry Elk" by Norah Swann 🥉 3rd Place – "Before Touchdown" by Leo Richmond These young photographers have captured the beauty and wonder of the natural world through their incredible talent and unique perspectives. Stay tuned as we highlight more winners in the coming days! #YouthConservationPhotography #Wildlife #PhotographyContest #ConservationInAction

Volunteering: The Backbone of Recovery and Community After Tropical Storm Helene, thousands of volunteers stepped up across Western North Carolina, bringing supplies, clearing debris, and rebuilding our trails and communities. Their work wasn’t just helpful—it was essential. Volunteerism fills gaps that no government agency or private organization alone can address. It strengthens communities, fosters camaraderie, and creates meaningful change. Whether it’s disaster recovery, trail maintenance, or simply helping a neighbor, every volunteer hour counts—not just in economic value but in the relationships and resilience it builds. I’m grateful to the Asheville Citizen-Times for publishing my opinion piece. I invite you to read it and reflect on how we can continue to celebrate and support the volunteer economy that keeps our communities thriving: https://lnkd.in/eimSth3U Appalachian Trail Conservancy Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Carolina Mountain Club The Great Trails State Coalition Outdoor Business Alliance -WNC WNC: MADE X MTNS Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Explore Asheville Land of Sky Regional Council Dogwood Health Trust #CarolinaMountainClub #TrailRecovery #Conservation #WesternNC #HurricaneHelene #VolunteerPower

Wow! 🎉 The @GeorgeMasaFoundation Youth Conservation Photography Prize Contest winners have been chosen, and their photos are absolutely stunning! 🌿📸 This year, we received an incredible 763 submissions from 266 talented students across 26 states. The creativity and passion of these young conservationists are truly inspiring! Take a look at the fantastic winning photos here: https://lnkd.in/eGVvsp8v This was our first annual contest, and we’re blown away by the response. What do you think — should we do it again next year? Let us know in the comments! 👇 Thank you @sarahjonesdecker and @showandtell_creative for judging!

📸 Calling all young photographers! 🌿 The George Masa Youth Conservation Photography Prize is open for submissions until October 31st! 🎉 If you’re a middle or high school student (ages 11-18), this is your chance to showcase your passion for nature and conservation through photography. With categories like Wildlife, Landscape, Water, Climate Change, and Sustainable Practices, there's plenty of room to explore your creativity and capture the beauty of our natural world. 🌎✨ Winners will receive cash prizes and have their work highlighted on the George Masa Foundation’s website and social media! Learn more and submit your photos here: https://lnkd.in/e6ZJcg7G Spread the word and let’s inspire the next generation of conservationists! 📷💚

Dear Friends, Western North Carolina has been hit hard by Hurricane Helene, leaving many people without homes, food, or essential supplies. The devastation is heartbreaking, but together, we can make a difference. As part of the George Masa Foundation, I’m helping raise funds to directly support those in need. Every donation will go toward providing emergency shelter, food, water, medical supplies, and clothing for those affected. We're also focusing on long-term recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild after the storm. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign and share this post with your network. Even a small contribution can bring hope and relief to those who need it most. Let’s stand together to help our neighbors in Western NC during this challenging time. Thank you so much for your support! David https://gofund.me/a4cc198a

George Masa advocated for Cherokee names when the park was created. This is good news! “The highest point on the Appalachian Trail will now officially be known by its indigenous name! The U.S. Board of Geographic Names has restored the name Kuwohi (pronounced kuh-whoa-hee) for the highest peak in the Smokies. The federal board unanimously approved changing the name of Clingmans Dome to the Cherokee name for the mountain that translates to "mulberry place." In Cherokee syllabary, the name is ᎫᏬᎯ. Efforts are already underway to update NPS signage and other materials with the Kuwohi name. Kuwohi is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 650,000 visitors per year. It is the tallest point in Tennessee, the tallest in the national park, the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River. “The Great Smoky National Park team was proud to support this effort to officially restore the mountain and to recognize its importance to the Cherokee People,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash in a NPS press release. “The Cherokee People have had strong connections to Kuwohi and the surrounding area, long before the land became a national park. The National Park Service looks forward to continuing to work with the Cherokee People to share their story and preserve this landscape together.” — Great Smoky Mountains National Park