High Country makes 'Natural Wonders' list

The High Country had a place in four of the 10 natural wonders in the state, as determined by a recent statewide poll.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, the New River and Mountains to Sea Trail were among the 10 selected by the 3,000 voters and 1,300 nominations. Land for Tomorrow, a coalition dedicated to supporting the preservation of North Carolina's land and water resources, hosted the survey and vote for "North Carolina's Ten Natural Wonders Contest" yesterday.

The contest is part of Land for Tomorrow's effort to highlight past generations' conservation successes and urge North Carolina lawmakers to continue supporting conservation in our state.
Participants were encouraged to nominate any landscape, natural feature, wildlife or plant life that is unique to North Carolina and should be considered among the state's greatest natural wonders.

The other "Ten Natural Wonders" are: Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lumber River, Merchants Millpond State Park and Ocracoke Island.

"North Carolina has something to offer to nature lovers of every description, and the excitement this contest generated is proof of that," said Reid Wilson, executive director of the Conservation Trust for North Carolina. "We had a great time reading everyone's arguments in favor of their favorite spots - each one is worthy of that affection, no matter how small or little-known.

"People who live in North Carolina and those who love to visit are passionate about protecting their favorite places and - with their support - we'll continue to put that passion into action to safeguard these beloved natural wonders."

Visit the Land for Tomorrow Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/L4TNC for comments and photographs from participants' favorite natural places and things in North Carolina.