Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023 - 98

LEADERS BY NATURE: THE MOUNTAIN Q & A
HARRIS PREVOST:
Servant to Grandfather Mountain
Harris Prevost is former vice president of Grandfather Mountain
and continues to serve after 50 years, saying " running the mountain
was never work. " He is also newly inducted into The Order of the
Long Leaf Pine-North Carolina's highest honorary society.
Interview by MARY LEIDIG | Photo courtesy HARRIS PREVOST
Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, a nature preserve and
attraction at 5,946 feet, is also known for its mile-high swinging
bridge, America's highest suspension footbridge.
You're a long-time voice for Grandfather Mountain
and its former vice president. How did it all begin?
My grandfather on my father's side was my hero and a
hero to many. I wanted to be like him, so I spent most
of a day asking him questions and writing down his answers.
He told me to give of my time and talents to help
build up my community, not take from it.
One day while watching the news, I saw Hugh Morton,
owner of Grandfather Mountain, being interviewed. He
reminded me of my grandfather, and I wanted to work
for him. Long story short, I did! He served on boards for
many organizations and preferred being out doing things.
So I ended up representing Grandfather Mountain for
many organizations-19 boards and executive committees
at one time, I remember. It is rewarding to be a part
of a good cause. When you believe in something and love
what you're doing, it's not work! I'm 78, but I don't feel it.
Congratulations on being a new inductee into
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine! You're in great
company with nationally known individuals. What
does this honor mean to you?
Receiving this distinguished award never entered my
mind. I never thought of me that way, so I'm processing
what it means. It's inspirational to see people dedicate
their lives to others and serve North Carolina. I grew up
seeing this kind of public service at work in my family.
Maybe something rubbed off on me. I do care about and
love people. Serving and making our world a better place
is rewarding. I recommend it to anyone reading this.
You've been part of many successes at Grandfather
Mountain. Share a favorite milestone that
characterizes a stewardship triumph.
The triumph is Grandfather Mountain being the first privately
owned entity recognized as a United Nations designated
International Biosphere Reserve-a rare honor.
98 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Qualifications include being a place of global environmental
significance. We have over 60 significant plants
with some only found in five or fewer places on the planet.
We have 16 environmental communities from hardwood
forests to windblown scrub pines on the high rocky
cliffs. We have ongoing research and public access. No
problem there! We remain inspired by Hugh Morton, and
we're taking good care of Grandfather Mountain.
Another cause is the fight against the hemlock woolly
adelgid that kills our majestic hemlock trees. I'm on the
board of WNC Communities, an organization deeply involved
in saving the hemlocks. We have a three-pronged
strategy: inject chemicals into the base of the trees, release
beetles to eat the adelgid and also plant seeds from hemlocks
naturally resistant to it.
Share a Grandfather Mountain moment that resonates.
A moment that is just me and the mountain is experiencing
its overwhelming rugged beauty. I never tire of that
view, and I feel the beauty driving to work. Those Grandfather
moments are always there. I also experience Grandfather
moments with staff. We operate as a family and care
for each other. This is enhanced during peak visitation
when we reach down deep and do a superb job serving our
guests. I'm so proud to be a part of that team for 45 years.
What's next for Harris Prevost?
Grandfather is part of my identity. I still love to introduce
myself, " I'm Harris Prevost and I work at Grandfather
Mountain. " Being semi-retired, a major part of my job is
serving on organizational boards important to the mountain.
I especially enjoy interacting with them to make a
difference in their missions. Having more time to spend
with my family, friends and church means a lot. Oh, yes,
I get to spend more time on the golf course! My successor,
Jesse Pope, and his team are doing an incredible job of
taking Grandfather Mountain to new heights.
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Blue Ridge Country January/February 2023

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