The West

Hugh Morton
Preservationist, conservationist and photographer

"Ownership of land is really about stewardship. There may be a deed at the courthouse that says I own Grandfather Mountain, but I have never thought of myself as owner. I am the legal guardian of Grandfather Mountain, and I consider it is my responsibility to look after it as best I can. Many people have given me the impression that Grandfather is North Carolina's most loved and respected mountain. If this is true, preserving it is no trivial responsibility."

Hugh Morton is well known not only for his preservation of wild and scenic Grandfather Mountain but also for his devotion to preserving all aspects of North Carolina's environmental heritage.