The Venture Unknown Foundation (VUF) is excited to announce the successful launch of its newest initiative, Adopt-A-FSR. Its inaugural weekend took place on June 14th-15th with a team of volunteers tackling various projects along Forest Service Roads (FSRs) in the Northern Georgia Mountains.
VUF’s Adopt-a-FSR program unites companies, volunteer groups, and agencies like the U.S. Forest Service to restore and steward FSRs through various assessments, cleanups, projects, and light road maintenance. This collaborative effort ensures lasting access, protects natural resources, and promotes responsible recreation. Our goal is to build a model of unity in action—restoring the outdoors, one road at a time.
The first event focused on installing signs along Darnell Creek (FSR 150 near Dillard, GA) that educate the public about illegal offshoots created along that FSR. These offshoots on public lands lead to issues such as road damage, ecosystem impact, unsafe conditions, and eventually trail/road closures.
A bonus stewardship service for this event also included helping local Forest Service Rangers install signs from the organization Tread Lightly! (TL!) along Charlies Creek (Hiawassee, GA). These TL! signs also offered great educational information for the public with maps, creek fording guidance, and trail ethics.
Our Adopt-A-FSR initiative is also supported by The Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program by RealTruck. This Trail Access Program awards four grants in 2025, one per quarter, for use towards education, stewardship, legal fees, or any other activity advocating the conservation of public and private land, as well as access to recreation trails. The VUF team is grateful to be one of the 2025 recipients for a program that has awarded over $185,000 to numerous causes since 2013. With this support from RealTruck, we are planning additional Adopt-A-FSR programs in Georgia, North Carolina, and beyond.
Through all of our initiatives, VUF has removed over 186,000 pounds of trash with the help of 600+ volunteers since 2023. We have made amazing strides in conservation efforts throughout the southeast and are excited to be expanding into states beyond.
Venture Unknown Foundation is a steadfast beacon of stewardship, committed to preserving the heart of our natural world. As a nonprofit 501c3 organization, our mission is crystal clear: we exist to be guardians of our outdoor and overland community, guided by the principles of exploration, education, and encouragement. In a world where our beautiful Public lands are at risk of neglect, our foundation stands as a champion for their preservation and conservation.
For more information, please visit www.ventureunknownfoundation.org or contact our Communications Director, Brandon Falls at 704-807-0435 or at brandon.falls@vuf.team.