The road to recovery after Hurricane Helene will be long and difficult in western North Carolina. Our mountain chapters were hit hard and have reported extensive damage to their nature preserves and partner parks.

There may be opportunities in the future to support chapters as they rebuild. In the meantime, consider giving to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund or the American Red Cross Relief Fund.

Updates on western NC chapter activity, trails, parks, and public lands:

Follow Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter on Facebook for updates on Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, other local parks, and bird walks. Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary sustained significant damage but portions of the sanctuary are now open to the public.

Follow High Country Audubon Society on Facebook for updates on local parks, including Valle Crucis Community Park, and volunteer opportunities.

Highlands Plateau Audubon updates.

Pisgah National Forest: substantial closures across the forest, closure alerts here. Pisgah National Forest will reopen the Pisgah Ranger District on Friday, October 18.

Nantahala National Forest: limited closures, with most campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas now open. Closure alerts here. Nantahala National Forest will reopen some areas closed due to Hurricane Helene Oct. 11.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park: parts of the park remain open but there are ongoing road closures. Full updates here.

Blue Ridge Parkway: certain areas closed. Updates here and Oct. 23 update here. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's website for more information and how to help.