A major goal of Evolving Appalachia is to get users outside rather than simply providing information on species and ecosystems alone. We have therefore linked this website with a spatial platform via MapBox that allows users to view representative locations of featured ecosystems and species across the Appalachian region. This map can be easily browsed on our homepage or, alternatively, can be searched directly by typing a location in the search bar at the top of the map screen. We also provide a list of these locations on the writeup page for each topic.
However, outdoor exploration comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most important of these challenges is user safety. The guides featured on this site are for educational uses only and should not be viewed as tools for backwoods navigation, trip planning, or detailed hiking guides. If you are planning to explore any outdoor areas, be sure instead to plan accordingly, using actual travel guides, careful preparation and common sense. As with any outdoor adventure, individuals travel at their own risk. Detailed information that may be helpful in trip planning for destinations mentioned on this site can be found by contacting the appropriate federal or state agency responsible for the management of local public lands.
Lastly, an additional challenge of outdoor exploration lies in ensuring that our public spaces remain preserved for current and future generations. Be sure to never handle or antagonize wildlife, pick wildflowers, or otherwise disturb natural areas when visiting a destination. We strongly recommend the use of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics when in the woods.
