Media
Op-Ed
Appalachian 'Trail Magic' Makes Us Grateful for the Smokies, George Masa
Asheville Citizen-Times - December 31, 2023
On a chilly March morning, I unzipped my sleeping bag and emerged from my tent, greeted by subfreezing temperatures and the remnants of sleet from the night before. I couldn't help but marvel at my nephew Benji's proficiency in building fires — a skill honed in the snowy landscapes of Minnesota. Soon, I found comfort by the warm, crackling flames, savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Our mission for the day was to prepare breakfast for the eagerly anticipated thru-hikers. I maintain this 2.5-mile stretch of the trail for the Carolina Mountain Club, and I wanted to share this unique experience with my nephew, who had devoted his college spring break to visiting me. - Read more here
“Most people don't know that public lands — national forests, state parks and national parks — that consist of miles and miles of trails are most of the time not maintained by the government but by volunteers, and without volunteers, the trails aren't kept. Conservation is a big thing here. We're here in the outdoors advocating, supporting and conserving the wild spaces in the public lands.” – Asheville Citizen-Times - July 14, 2023
“George Masa was an ordinary person who simply followed his passion for preserving wild places. Rather than being paralyzed by the ecological destruction he witnessed, he chose to tell the story of this place through his photography, help to create an organization dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources and advocate for the protection of these mountains. We want to inspire young people to tap into their own creativity as they face the challenges of a rapidly changing planet.” – The Laurel of Asheville - March 2023
“We live on a rare planet. My hope is that through contests like this (Scenic America), we will both celebrate the beauty of this earth and remember the responsibility we have to take care of it.” – The Laurel of Asheville - February 2023
