Thirst for Good Partner: Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
At Highland Brewing, community isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we build, protect, and celebrate together. One of our longest-standing partnerships is with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), a nonprofit doing critical work to preserve the landscapes that define Western North Carolina and the surrounding region.
Through shared values, seasonal traditions, and a love for these mountains, our partnership continues to connect great beer with meaningful impact.
A Partnership Rooted in Place
From the very beginning, Highland’s identity has been deeply tied to the mountains we call home. Many of our earliest seasonal beers were named after peaks and places protected by SAHC — including Little Hump Pale Ale, Clawhammer Oktoberfest, Cold Mountain Winter Ale, and Cattail Peak.
These names weren’t just inspiration — they were a reflection of what matters here: clean water, open land and access to the outdoors.
Today, while our beer lineup has evolved, our connection to SAHC remains strong. As part of the “For the Love of Beer and Mountains” partnership, we continue to support their mission through seasonal releases, events and shared experiences that bring people closer to the land.
Turning Seasonal Beer Into Conservation Action
Every seasonal release at Highland is an opportunity to give back. During our release parties at the Tasting Room, SAHC joins us on-site to connect with guests, share their work and inspire support. A portion of sales from these events directly supports SAHC’s conservation efforts.
But the partnership doesn’t stop at the brewery.
For many releases, SAHC organizes guided hikes to nearby mountains, often the very landscapes that inspired the beers themselves. After a day on the trail, hikers are invited back to Highland for a celebratory pint — a full-circle experience that ties conservation, recreation and community together.
Whether it’s a challenging Clawhammer hike or a scenic outing along the Blue Ridge, these events are a reminder of what we’re working to protect.
Giving Back Beyond the Pint
Our partnership with SAHC also shows up through boots-on-the-ground stewardship. Over the years, Highland staff have spent time volunteering at SAHC’s Community Farm, supporting the hands-on work that keeps conserved land productive and thriving.
From planting to harvest, these volunteer days offer a deeper connection to SAHC’s mission. Pictured here is our team in 2021 harvesting garlic — one of many moments where our crew rolled up their sleeves to give back to the land that gives so much to us.
A Milestone Collaboration for Conservation
In 2024, we were proud to celebrate a major milestone alongside SAHC — their 50th anniversary — with a special collaboration brew alongside our friends at Wicked Weed Brewing.
This limited release honored five decades of conservation work across the Southern Appalachians and highlighted what’s possible when local businesses come together in support of shared values. The collaboration helped raise awareness and support for SAHC’s ongoing efforts to protect land, water and access to the outdoors for future generations.
About Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Founded in 1974, SAHC has helped protect more than 90,000 acres across North Carolina and Tennessee. Their work focuses on preserving the natural and cultural resources that make this region so special, including:
- Clean water in streams and rivers
- Habitat for wildlife and rare plants
- Farmland that supports local food systems
- Scenic views that define the Southern Appalachians
- Outdoor spaces for recreation and connection
Beyond land conservation, SAHC is deeply involved in stewardship and community engagement. Their team works alongside volunteers and landowners to maintain trails, remove invasive species and ensure protected lands remain healthy for generations to come.
They also help lead collaborative efforts to restore fragile ecosystems, including the globally significant landscapes of the Roan Highlands near the Appalachian Trail.
Connecting People to the Land
SAHC’s mission goes beyond protection — it’s about connection.
Through hikes, workshops, farm programs and community events, they create opportunities for people to experience the land firsthand. Because when people feel connected to a place, they’re more likely to care for it.
As they put it, going to the mountains is going home. That sense of belonging is something we see every day at Highland — in our taproom, on our event lawn and out on the trails.
Join Us in Giving Back
Our partnership with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is built on a simple idea: great beer can help protect great places.
When you join us for a seasonal release, sign up for a hike, volunteer alongside us or raise a glass after a day in the mountains, you’re part of that impact.
We invite you to:
- Attend a seasonal release party at Highland
- Meet SAHC at the brewery and learn about their work
- Join a guided hike and experience protected lands firsthand
- Explore volunteer opportunities like the Community Farm
- Support conservation efforts that keep our region thriving
Together, we can ensure these mountains remain a source of connection, adventure and inspiration for generations to come.
Learn more about SAHC, upcoming hikes and ways to get involved — and we’ll see you at the next release.