Just south of Marion, a new nonprofit organization seeks to grow and provide food to western North Carolina, support environmental stewardship and host events to cultivate community.
Last week, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce and the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce came together to celebrate the opening of the GOAT Collaborative with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
This collaborative is a nonprofit based in Marion “with a simple but powerful goal: strengthen the organizations that strengthen our communities.”
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Misty Nelson, the executive director of the nonprofit, speaks at
the ribbon-cutting.
PHOTO BY SARAH SIAK
“We support local nonprofits working in food sustainability, environmental conservation, water resilience, agriculture, poverty alleviation and community well-being,” reads a statement from the GOAT Collaborative.
The GOAT Collaborative will provide educational programs about natural resources with public schools and community colleges and host events that “cultivate a resilient community where we come together to provide for each other's well-being,” reads the nonprofit’s website.
GOAT is an acronym for Generating Opportunities Actively Together, Marketing Director Wesley Adams said.
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The nonprofit is based at Resilience Ranch, a 36-acre property
at 8331 Sugar Hill Road, south of Marion.
MIKE CONLEY, MCDOWELL NEWS
“The GOAT Collaborative exists to champion the nonprofits already rolling up their sleeves across western North Carolina — those growing our food systems, protecting our land and water, and caring for the people who call this place home," the collaborative said. "We funnel funding, resources and awareness to the helpers so their good work can stretch farther and root deeper in our communities.”
The nonprofit is based at Resilience Ranch, a 36-acre property with 8 acres of agriculture, 18 acres of forested trails and recreation and a planned inn for overnight guests. The remainder of the property will offer rental opportunities for places to stay, entertain and visit. The Resilience Ranch is at 8331 Sugar Hill Road, south of Marion.
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Jason Caldwell (second from right), the president of the GOAT
Collaborative and CEO of Resilience Ranch, purchased the 36 acres
in Marion in January.
MIKE CONLEY, MCDOWELL NEWS
“The GOAT Collaborative began with a simple conversation about local struggles—small businesses fighting to grow, nonprofits stretched thin, and families seeking healthier, more sustainable lives,” reads the collaborative's website. “What started as an idea around a dinner table has grown into a mission built on partnership, community, and a belief that we can do better together.”
Jason Caldwell, the president of the GOAT Collaborative and CEO of Resilience Ranch, is a professional engineer, hydrologist and certified consulting meteorologist who believes the best solutions come from working together.
In January 2026, he bought the 36 acres in Marion to create a place where people can learn, grow and have fun while building food, water and energy security for the region.
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Last week, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce and the Rutherford
Chamber of Commerce came together to celebrate the opening of the
GOAT Collaborative with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
PHOTO BY SARAH SIAK
“Today, Jason is stitching together his engineering expertise, his passion for science, and his belief in community to create something lasting — a place of environmental stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and collaboration where everyone can thrive together,” reads the nonprofit's website.
Misty Nelson, the executive director of the nonprofit, is a certified project management professional and licensed professional nurse. She built her career supporting nonprofits across western North Carolina, according to the GOAT Collaborative.
“A mother of three who farms with her husband, Misty understands firsthand the importance of clean water, healthy food, and secure shelter, and she's passionate about connecting locally-grown food with the people who need it and helping nonprofits strengthen how they serve,” The collaborative said. “Whether she’s coordinating programs, solving operational challenges, or simply pulling up a chair to listen, Misty leads with kindness and a deep belief in what communities can accomplish when they work together.”
On Monday, Caldwell and Nelson were at Resilience Ranch to welcome officials from McDowell and Rutherford. The long-term dream for the place includes a working farm and gathering place for the community. They talked about how the GOAT Collaborative supports nonprofits already serving western North Carolina.
The GOAT Collaborative partners with local growers and farmers and with organizations focused on maintaining our lands, waters and local environments.
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At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were (from left) McDowell Chamber
President Kim Effler, GOAT Collaborative President Jason Caldwell,
Rutherford Chamber Executive Director Cindy Cobb and GOAT
Collaborative Executive Director Misty Nelson.
PHOTO BY SARAH SIAK
“We back the people making sure western North Carolina stays fed — and fed well,” reads a statement from the nonprofit.
The GOAT Collaborative seeks to support nonprofits that are working to keep local, healthy food available.
Within the next eight months, the house at Resilience Ranch will turn into an inn for overnight stays. There will be trails and outside amenities such as a firepit, a swinging hammock and an outdoor kitchen, Adams said.
The GOAT Collaborative is planning a series of events to support the local community and promote its mission: “Strengthen the organizations that strengthen our communities.”
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Marion Business Association Director Freddie Killough and Marion
Mayor Pro Tem Ann Harkey were present for the ribbon-cutting at the
GOAT Collaborative’s Resilience Ranch.
PHOTO BY SARAH SIAK
The Resilience Ranch will host “Bluegrass for Dessert” concert featuring the Finklestein Three on Friday, April 24, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The bluegrass concert will have local desserts, food trucks and baked goods. The proceeds from this event will benefit the McDowell High Future Farmers of America. There will be an auction by the FFA at Little River Acres starting at 6 p.m., which is located close to the Resilience Ranch on Sugar Hill Road. For more information about this event, email wesley@thegoatcollab.com.
For more information about the GOAT Collaborative and the Resilience Ranch, visit www.thegoatcollab.com.
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Within the next eight months, the house at Resilience Ranch will
transition into an inn for overnight stays.
PHOTO BY SARAH SIAK
