In 2004 the Mountain Retreat Association (MRA) placed about 2,500 acres of wilderness property into a conservation easement. This action was brought about by the vision, urging, and work of members of the community, staff, and the MRA Wilderness Committee. Prior to...
Wildfire Safety: Firewise Many Montreat residents, as well as absentee property owners and visitors who watched from a distance, can remember the 2016 wildfire that was so near to us–and the smoke drifting into the community–at Chimney Rock. A couple of...
Children Outdoors in Montreat: Experience, Fun and Education Across Generations Our vision is that Montreat will be a place where children (and their mentors) joyfully experience a healthy outdoor environment and build caring lifelong engagements with the natural...
Galax is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant of the Southern Appalachian Highlands, now endangered in the Montreat wilderness. The leaves are in great demand by florists, but cannot be cultivated commercially. Consequently, distributors of floral materials pay...
More than ever, native plant species should be the preferred choice of homeowners, businesses and institutions for their gardens. A native plant is adapted to local climate and seasons, and offers advantages concerning drought hardiness and resistance to disease and...
