Couple donates 535 acres to Great Smoky Mountains in park's largest ever gift

A couple has donated 535 acres of privately owned land in North Carolina to the National Park Service in what is described as the largest gift in Great Smoky Mountains history. The property, formerly a cherished family retreat, has been renamed the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. It will serve as a dedicated hub for environmental research and education, with a focus on studying the effects of climate change. The site also supports efforts to protect the biodiversity found in high-elevation ecosystems. Scientists and educators are already conducting ongoing work at the center to ensure the land's legacy endures for future generations.