Discover ECNCO's Mission: Preserving the East Coast
East Coast North Carolina Overlanding (ECNCO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the region's natural beauty. Their mission is to foster a deep respect for nature and inspire a generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Goals of ECNCO:
Promoting Responsible Overlanding:
- Minimizing Environmental Impact: ECNCO advocates for low-impact practices like choosing established trails, avoiding sensitive areas, and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
- Educating Overlanders: They provide resources and workshops to educate overlanders about best practices, such as proper campsite selection, waste disposal, and wildlife conservation.
- Advocacy for Forest Use: ECNCO actively advocates for responsible forest use within the overlanding community, working with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure sustainable access to public lands.
Community-Driven Conservation:
- Organizing Clean-Up Events: ECNCO mobilizes volunteers to participate in regular clean-up events, removing litter and debris from trails, campsites, and waterways.
- Restoring Ecosystems: They work to restore damaged ecosystems, such as planting trees, stabilizing shorelines, and improving water quality.
- Partnerships with the US Forest Service: ECNCO collaborates with the US Forest Service to implement conservation projects, promote responsible recreation, and protect public lands.
Youth Education and Empowerment:
- Engaging Young People: ECNCO offers educational programs and workshops for youth, teaching them about environmental issues, conservation practices, and the importance of outdoor recreation.
- Inspiring Future Leaders: By empowering young people to become environmental stewards, ECNCO is cultivating a new generation of conservationists.
- Collaborating with Teen Court Programs: ECNCO partners with local teen court programs to provide opportunities for youth to give back to the community through conservation projects.
By combining education, action, and advocacy, ECNCO is making a significant contribution to the preservation of the East Coast North Carolina region. Their efforts not only benefit the environment but also inspire individuals to become responsible stewards of the land.