Letter from the Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends, I began writing this letter to you on the autumn equinox, Sunday, September 22, looking forward to a new season at Southern Highlands Reserve. Little did I know what would befall our beloved mountain region less than a week later. With our staff,...
Champion of Conservation

Champion of Conservation

Every year since 2021, Garden & Gun Magazine honors 10 Champions of Conservation. These are “scientists, advocates, and groundbreakers” doing their part to save the natural world. This year, Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks received this incredible honor. Read...
Storm Stories from SHR

Storm Stories from SHR

Storm water mitigation in action last winter   Gardener Kody Stanley stayed on site at Southern Highlands Reserve with his young family while Hurricane Helene roared through our region. I’d like to start by expressing my gratitude for SHR and our team. I’m...
The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

A Report from Southern Highlands Reserve Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented devastation to the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, and the aftermath of this natural disaster is still unfolding. It destroyed lives, homes, and businesses and changed the shape of rivers...
Gardener’s Corner — Fall 2024

Gardener’s Corner — Fall 2024

With Kelly Holdbrooks Fall carries similar energy felt in spring, creating a sense of urgency. As conditions change in the environment, we humans shift just like the plants and animals in wild spaces. Cold nights, first freeze, and fall color signal winter is coming....
Gardener’s Corner — Summer 2024

Gardener’s Corner — Summer 2024

With Director of Horticulture Eric Kimbrel Just as gardening is an action, gardens are dynamic. Planting designs evolve over time. This spring and early summer, we created new plantings for the Maple Entrance, Woodland Glade, and Azalea Walk. We added native...