Southern Highlands Reserve

The Southern Highlands Reserve, a native plant arboretum located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, showcases native plants and the rare ecology of high-elevation Southern Appalachian forests. The garden, consists of 7 properties protected by the North American Land Trust, is designed to uphold and honor the spirit of the land. Southern Highlands Reserve has been aptly described by some as “the largest and most diverse collection of native Southern Appalachian plants and their cultivars.”  Upon request, academics, teachers, students, horticulturists, and others of like mind use the Southern Highlands Reserve for scientific research and as an area for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of information.  In addition to natural areas that are used for research projects, the Reserve maintains what will likely become the largest, or at least most diverse collection, of native southern Appalachian plants and their cultivars.  From an ecological perspective this provides a “safe harbor” for a dwindling floristic gene pool in light of unchecked development in the southern Appalachians, and thus, their work, research, and partnerships help preserve threatened species.