Venture Unknown Foundation

05/28/2026

As we approach our next Nimblewill Gap campsite restorations, let’s look at what progress has been made! 39 volunteers have restored 7 total sites! This includes saving one site that was scheduled to be closed. 1600 lbs. of trash has been removed. And 3 dangerous/illegal sites have been closed. We only have two weekends left! So head over to https://ventureunknownfoundation.org/events/restore-nimblewill-june-2026/ and sign up!!!

05/26/2026

The next Nimblewill Gap Rd. campsite restoration project is in a few weeks! So far, we have had amazing results with all of the projects this year. We cannot do it without the help of volunteers and members! If you want to help on the next one, head over to https://ventureunknownfoundation.org/events/restore-nimblewill-june-2026/
To sign up!!

05/20/2026

This past weekend, VUF Volunteers had close 3 ILLEGAL campsites and restore the areas to allow nature to reclaim them. They did remove over 60 lbs. of trash in the process. These areas were severely degraded and polluting Nimblewill Creek. Join us on the weekend of June 20th-21st for the next RESTORATION project along Nimblewill Gap Road! and don't forget to check out the VUF membership program on the website! https://ventureunknownfoundation.org/

05/12/2026

Over the past few months, VUF has been working with the U.S. Forest Service to restore campsites along the Nimblewill Gap Road. Volunteers have created beautiful tent pads, fire rings and installed erosion control measures and bollards to ensure the sites stay open and safe. Unfortunately, this weekends project, May 15-17, is closing some ILLEGAL sites that are not, and never were supported by the USFS in this district. One of these is LITERALLY in a drainage channel. Erosion caused by vehicle and foot traffic is not only damaging to the channel, but debris and contaminants from the fire pit are going straight into the crystal clear waters of Nimblewill Creek, causing untold harm to the ecosystem and wildlife. These pictures show the damage caused by the ILLEGAL sites. There isn't any way, or reason to save these sites, so we have to do the next best thing, restore the area and give it back to Mother Nature.
If you want to help, please sign up at https://ventureunknownfoundation.org/events/restore-nimblewill-may-2026/

05/06/2026

We’ve already made a huge impact on Nimblewill by restoring multiple sites, and on May 16, we’re going back to finish the job.
We’re partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to tackle three "rogue" sites that are causing environmental damage and leading to folks adventuring where they shouldn’t. Closing these unapproved spots is a vital part of our mission, it prevents erosion and keeps our forest floor healthy for generations to come.
We need all hands on deck to help us clean up, Tread Lightly! and enjoy a weekend of epic stewardship and adventure.
Join the movement. Protect the dirt what we all love. See you there!

We’re heading over to Nimblewill Gap in the Georgia mountains to restore some campsites that are in danger of closing down. We’ll be repairing tent pads, building fire rings, and in general getting…

05/04/2026

This past Saturday, 8 dedicated VUF volunteers, many of whom drove over 2 hours to attend, joined to perform a FSR cleanup in the Nantahala National Forest. A steady effort in a constant drizzle allowed over 3000lbs of trash to be removed from our public lands. We want to thank 837JUNK.com for partnering with us yet again to provide a dumpster, and Cherokee County Landfill for waiving all tire fees. The take for the day: 20 tires, 5 pieces of furniture, 6 appliances, and 1 vehicle! Totaling 2980lbs. GREAT JOB!!!!!

04/22/2026

On April 18, 2026, VUF embarked on the third campsite restoration on Nimblewill Creek! they were able to restore two more campsites that were in desperate need of repair. Not only did the volunteers repair the campsites, they installed erosion control to protect the sites and the creek! Great Job!!

04/22/2026

HEY YOU!!! Yeah, you. Do you want to help keep our National Forest open and accessible through the Forest Service Roads? Do you want to help make an impact and show the Forest Service that we do care? Perfect! Because VUF has a NANTAHALA SPRING CLEANUP near Andrews, NC happening this Saturday, April 25th! There is camping available the night before and night of the cleanup. All you need to do is head over to the VUF website and sign up!

We are headed back to Nantahala National Forest, in the Tusquittee Ranger District near Andrews, NC to clean up some illegal dumpsites along a forest road that is part of the Trans America Trail.

04/16/2026

We want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to BFGoodrich Tires for their continued support of VUF and helping Grouch get some new mud shoes so he can continue hauling Oscar around! AND Super Overland Outfitters for getting the shoes fitted! We couldn't do this without the help and support of the community.

04/14/2026

We have two projects this month that need your help! We are still looking for more volunteers for the Nantahala Spring Cleanup April 25th and the next set of Nimblewill Campsite restorations on April 17th! Head over to https://ventureunknownfoundation.org/events-page/ to sign up!