NC Beautiful Celebrates 40 Years of Promoting Environmental Education and Stewardship

NC Beautiful is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians. The organization was chartered in 1967 as part of Governor Dan K. Moore’s pledge to emphasize preserving the physical beauty of North Carolina.

In his speech at the Governor’s Conference on Beautification in Raleigh on April 8, 1966, Governor Moore said, “Let us work together to make…[North Carolina] a more beautiful state and to bring about its full potential development.” NC Beautiful Executive Director, Steve Vacendak, says that after 40 years, the organization’s vision and mission have remained the same—to empower the citizens of North Carolina to perpetuate the natural beauty of the state.

“The purpose of NC Beautiful is much more than merely keeping our state looking pretty,” explains Vacendak. “It’s educating our young people about the importance of good environmental stewardship. It’s evoking change through community partnerships. It’s instilling a sense of pride and ownership in our citizens. That’s what Governor Moore intended 40 years ago and what we’ll continue to do today and tomorrow.”

In the early 70s, NC Beautiful focused on promotional and educational activities that would improve the state’s visual and physical environment. As the organization continued to grow through the 70s and into the 80s, it initiated programs aimed at enhancing the state’s visual appeal, preserving natural resources, and educating children and adults on how they could impact environmental quality. In the 90s, its focus broadened to include programs addressing environmental literacy issues and preservation of natural resources. Today, NC Beautiful concentrates on hands-on programs designed to encourage and empower active involvement by all North Carolinians.

Vacendak adds that NC Beautiful has made significant contributions to the state’s environment and the future is bright for the state and its citizens. “The next generation of young stewards are well on their way to perpetuating the natural beauty of North Carolina,” says Vacendak. “Any visit into our classrooms across the state will instill a sense of confidence and hope for all of us who care about this special place called North Carolina.”