Mainspring Conservation Trust

Stewards of the Southern Blue Ridge

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Hyatt Returns to His Roots as Mainspring’s New Executive Director

September 10, 2025

When Sylva resident Jeremy Hyatt looks across the landscape of western North Carolina, he doesn’t just see beautiful scenery — he sees his childhood.

“These places are where I grew up — the rivers and streams I played in as a child with my brother and my cousins, the trails where I rode mountain bikes, and the woods I camped in,” Hyatt said. “They still are.”

Now, Hyatt is turning that lifelong connection into action as the new Executive Director of Mainspring Conservation Trust. A lifelong resident of western North Carolina and a Tribal citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), Hyatt steps into the role to lead the nonprofit, which has worked since 1997 to conserve the special places in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge for the benefit of all.

Hyatt’s leadership is backed by more than 15 years of experience guiding large-scale initiatives across government, natural resources, and cultural preservation. During his 14-year tenure with the EBCI, he served as Secretary of Operations, overseeing 17 programs and 400 employees while managing an $80 million budget. In that role, he spearheaded critical infrastructure and recreation projects, including the Fire Mountain Trails and Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary. Other roles within the Tribe and later, with the Museum of the Cherokee People, further shaped his ability to build partnerships and connect with people.

From the beginning of the search process, Hyatt’s qualities were clear. “Jeremy demonstrated a combination of vision, experience, and deep regional connection that immediately stood out,” said James Stork, Mainspring board member and chair of the Search Committee. “We were particularly impressed by his ability to build partnerships across tribal, public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and his proven success leading large-scale operations. Just as important, though, was Jeremy’s deep-rooted passion for Western North Carolina and his thoughtful, collaborative approach to community engagement.”

In his first few months, Hyatt plans to listen and learn, connecting with staff, board members, partners, community stakeholders, and funders to understand where his leadership can best serve Mainspring’s next chapter. “Conservation must be collaborative,” he said. “It must be anchored in the needs of rural communities, Indigenous voices, working lands, and the integrity of our natural systems. Listening to others will allow me to identify where I can best add value without disrupting the great success Mainspring has achieved and continues to build upon.”

The board hopes Hyatt’s leadership will bring both continuity and new energy. “With Jeremy’s experience managing complex initiatives and engaging diverse stakeholders, we believe he will strengthen Mainspring’s role as a regional conservation leader,” Stork said. “We hope his leadership will bring expanded opportunities for partnership, increased public engagement in our work, and creative approaches to land and water protection that reflect both environmental and cultural priorities.”

For Hyatt, the work is both professional and personal. “I consider myself of this place, so it’s incredible to be able to work with an organization that affirms that we are all responsible for the stewardship of our environment, cultural heritages, histories, and community ecologies,” he said. “I am looking forward to joining this talented team to make a positive difference for my family, my community, and my region.”

Stork said the board feels the same. “This decision was made with great care and intention. Jeremy’s appointment reflects our belief that conservation is not just about protecting land and water—it’s about people, place, and heritage. We invite the community to join us in welcoming him and look forward to all we will accomplish together under his leadership.”

Founded in 1997, Mainspring has conserved thousands of acres of land and working farms, along with miles of streams and riverbanks in the Southern Blue Ridge. With offices in Franklin and Andrews, the nonprofit partners with landowners, agencies, and communities to protect the region’s natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.mainspringconserves.org.

Filed Under: News, Press Room Tagged With: employment, General

Mainspring Opens Office in Andrews

August 20, 2025

Taking a step toward deepening its impact in the westernmost region of its service area, Mainspring has opened a new office in Andrews, North Carolina. Made possible by a generous grant from Dogwood Health Trust, this move reflects a commitment to serving the communities and landscapes of this unique and ecologically rich part of the state. 

The watersheds in the far west, including the Valley, Snowbird and Cheoah rivers, are as distinctive as the people who live there, each shaped by its own geography, culture and conservation challenges. Conservation in these areas requires an intimate understanding of local nuances, from land use patterns to community priorities. By professionally and personally embedding staff in the region, Mainspring can better support the people who live there and build trust with the communities we serve. 

The Andrews office will be home to two key staff members: Conservation Outreach Coordinator Alina Martin and Land Conservation Associate Graham Garrett. Alina, who joined Mainspring’s staff in February, builds on the ongoing work of Conservation Outreach Director Skye Cahoon. Alina will organize outdoor activities like guided birding hikes and educational workshops that help people connect with nature and one another. Her goal is to spark a love for the outdoors and inspire people to care for the natural and cultural treasures of the far western part of the state. 

Graham, who led the effort to secure the space, has been managing projects specific to the far western part of the service area since the Andrews resident began working with Mainspring in 2022. From this regional outpost, Graham can work more closely with local landowners, navigate the complexities of conservation agreements and respond promptly to emerging opportunities. 

The new Andrews office is the second satellite location Mainspring has established in the far western region of its service area. The first, in Murphy, operated successfully for several years until the pandemic prompted Mainspring to end its lease. 

“We’ve seen how effective conservation can be when it’s deeply connected to the community,” says Interim Executive Director Ben Laseter. “Reopening a regional office, now in Andrews, builds on that success. Having our team members live and work directly in the area is a meaningful investment in the people, the place, and the unique landscapes we are committed to protecting.” 

Laseter adds, “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our supporters and Dogwood Health Trust, whose belief in our mission allows us to continue expanding our reach and impact.” 

The office is located at 379 Memorial Drive in Andrews, North Carolina. 

Filed Under: News, Press Room Tagged With: Cherokee County, operations, press release

Now Open: Executive Director Position

June 13, 2025


Mainspring is currently seeking a strategic, relational leader who is ready to carry forward the mission of a trusted land trust while honoring the unique cultural and ecological landscape of Southern Appalachia. 

Interested? Click here for the full announcement and directions to apply.

Filed Under: employment, News, Press Room

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