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Dawn high above Canaan Valley, in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia. — Bear Rocks Preserve Dawn high above Canaan Valley, in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia. © Kent Mason

Priority Landscapes

Central Appalachians

Scientists predict the iconic Central Appalachians will withstand climate change and help ensure nature’s survival.

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We're working across six states — Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee — to protect this critical stronghold. Adopt an Acre in the Appalachians and you’ll help protect the Appalachians now and for future generations.

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Ferns cover the woodland floor at The Nature Conservancy's Cranesville Swamp Preserve in northern West Virginia. — Central Appalachians Ferns cover the woodland floor at The Nature Conservancy's Cranesville Swamp Preserve in northern West Virginia. © Kent Mason

Places We Protect

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The Central Appalachians region spans six states and more than 50,000 square miles of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in America.

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Places in the Central Appalachians

Boardwalk through the wetlands of The Nature Conservancy's Cranesville Swamp Preserve in West Virginia. — Cranesville Swamp Boardwalk through the wetlands of The Nature Conservancy's Cranesville Swamp Preserve in West Virginia. © Kent Mason

Bear Loop overlook at Warm Springs Mountain, Virginia. — Endless Mountains Bear Loop overlook at Warm Springs Mountain, Virginia. © Jennifer Dalke / TNC

The forests of the Clinch Valley help filter and protect the last free-flowing tributaries of the Tennessee River system. — Clinch Valley The forests of the Clinch Valley help filter and protect the last free-flowing tributaries of the Tennessee River system. © Jon Golden

Autumn in the barrens at the Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain — Moosic Mountain Barrens Autumn in the barrens at the Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain © George C. Gress/The Nature Conservancy

West Branch of the Penobscot River and tributaries as it winds to the southeast of Mount Katahdin. — Penobscot River West Branch of the Penobscot River and tributaries as it winds to the southeast of Mount Katahdin. © Bridget Besaw

Bad Branch State Nature Preserve — Bad Branch State Nature Preserve Bad Branch State Nature Preserve © Devan King / TNC

Obed River — Obed River Obed River © Byron Jorjorian

Springtime scene at The Nature Conservancy's Bear Rocks Preserve in West Virginia. A flat, windswept expanse of subalpine heath barrens opens up to the sky. — Bear Rocks Preserve Springtime scene at The Nature Conservancy's Bear Rocks Preserve in West Virginia. A flat, windswept expanse of subalpine heath barrens opens up to the sky. © Kent Mason

Rafters at this popular West Virginia spot, which was protected thanks to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. — New River Gorge Rafters at this popular West Virginia spot, which was protected thanks to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. © Kent Mason