Everett Bowman Honored with Southern Appalachian Trail

Robinson Bradshaw attorney Everett Bowman is a champion for land conservation across the state of North Carolina, devoting his time, effort and resources to protect the land he loves. Some of that protected land will bear his name when the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy opens the Everett Bowman Trail this summer.

Bowman’s philanthropy enabled SAHC to create permanent stewardship and trail development on a historic property bordering Pisgah National Forest in Avery County, North Carolina. This “conservation wonderland,” according to SAHC Board Member Jay Leutze, is home to a bounty of rare wildlife, including Golden-winged Warblers, Southern Appalachian brook trout, least weasels and endangered flora.

In honor of Bowman’s lifelong commitment to conservation, SAHC is constructing the Everett Bowman Trail on that property, high in the Roaring Creek Valley. The 2-mile hike offers a picnic area and overnight camping opportunities on the moderately difficult trail. Hikers will experience beautiful views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, the creek and cascading waterfalls, plus access to a meadow of migratory songbird habitat.

“If SAHC can build upon Everett’s generous gift to tell the mountain story by connecting people to one very special place, then we have a chance to inspire new champions for conservation that will really make a difference all across North Carolina,” Leutze said. “We looked at places we have protected and chose to develop the trail in Everett’s honor in this location because a gift of this kind is as special – and as rare – as the place itself.”

On March 19, Bowman’s colleagues and friends at Robinson Bradshaw will work on the trail, clearing the way for the new path in his honor. Attorney Julian H. Wright Jr. remembers sensing Bowman’s passion for the outdoors decades ago on the firm’s whitewater rafting trips and hikes.  

“This trail is emblematic of Everett and his mission to protect wild spaces and waterways in North Carolina,” said Wright. “We are grateful for the chance to honor his commitment by working on the trail, which will provide others with the chance to enjoy our state’s nature that Everett has preserved.”

Bowman is an attorney at Robinson Bradshaw, focusing on antitrust and complex commercial litigation. He has served on the board of directors for the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters since 2011 and received their Catalyst Award in 2014 for taking exceptional action to create change and bring attention to important environmental issues. In 2015, Bowman won the NC Land Trust Stanback Volunteer Conservationist of the Year Award for his philanthropy and passion for protecting the places he loves.