The Asheville-based Dogwood Alliance began in 1996 and, since that time, has successfully cultivated the movement to protect Southern forests through advocacy. Together with its grassroots network of tens of thousands of regular activists, the organization has increased protection for more than 90 million acres of forests across the region.
On Saturday, December 3, Dogwood Alliance will celebrate its 20th anniversary by hosting the Woods & Wilds Festival at the Salvage Station. “The festival will be a fun, family-friendly celebration filled with evocative storytelling, great local and regional bands and the opportunity to join together in community,” says Danna Smith, executive director.
Dogwood Alliance has an impressive track record of demanding change from governments and corporations. One current area of focus is pushing back the threat from the biomass industry that turns whole trees into wood pellets to be burned to provide electricity. “We need to value our forests for their benefits to our climate rather than simply as products,” Smith says.
An upcoming initiative will protect valuable forested wetlands, which provide wildlife habitat, clean drinking water and protection from flooding. “Together with a powerful coalition,” Smith says, “Dogwood Alliance aims to bring Southern wetland forests to national prominence and ensure their protection.”
The celebration will highlight all that has been achieved with the help of loyal activists, volunteers and donors. “We are excited,” says Smith, “for the opportunity to take a step back from the seemingly never-ending threats to our forests and to collectively celebrate these special places and all of those who have worked so hard defending the South’s wild spaces.”
The Salvage Station is located at 468 Riverside Drive in Asheville’s River Arts District. Learn more about the Dogwood Alliance at dogwoodalliance.org.
