Bert, Ralph, Melissa, and the rest of the gang plan a surprise for Cyril Sneer, which makes him paranoid when he thinks that the Raccoons are planning an uprising against him.

Bert Raccoon climbs Evergreen Mountain in order to prove to Melissa and Ralph that he can do something on his own. Meanwhile, Cyril Sneer plans to stop Bert in order to keep a dark family secret hidden.

Cyril Sneer and Mammoth Motors plan to create a car factory in the Evergreen Forest, possibly ruining the beauty of the forest forever. In order to save it, Bert and his friends create a solar-powered car to race against Cyril's own Sneermobile.

Because he feels that his father doesn't appreciate him, Cedric Sneer runs away from home and lives with his friends, the Raccoons. Meanwhile, the human children Julie and Tommy run away from home as well, but get lost in the forest.

While fishing, Bert finds a treasure map in a boot. They make a ship out of barrels with Cedric and set out to find treasures. In the meantime, the pigs find out about their scheme and tell Cyril Sneer. Cyril, greedy for money, chases them. Bert and Cedric find the treasures, but Cyril shows up and claims possession of the land where they dug up the treasures. But Cedric recollects that Cyril never told him that the land was his, and he and Bert set out in pursuit of Cyril. During the pursuit, Cedric falls in the river and Cyril must choose if he loves Cedric or the treasure more dearly. He chooses Cedric, and the treasure chest is irrevocably lost in the river.

While Cedric shows Ralph the inside of Cyril's new vault, the pigs mistake the two for intruders, and time-lock the vault, sealing Ralph and Cedric in 'til next Groundhog Day. Cyril tries everything he can to get them out, even the promise of a master security key hidden in the vault, but it seems hopeless, until Melissa, Bert, Broo, Sophia, and Schaeffer find out. Pretty soon, Cyril, Bert, Broo, and Melissa are dodging the extra precaution systems as they make their way underground to get to the vault.

Dan the Forest Ranger is offered a job in the city, and has to choose the best life for his children. Ralph is offered the post of Editor of a paper, and makes ready to leave the Forest. However, Cyril Sneer needs putting in his place, and the first issue of the Evergreen Standard is printed.

Also Bert gets sick when Ralph and Melissa plan to leave.

Bert uncovers a plot by Cyril to concrete over the Evergreen Forest. Unfortunately, Bert has been doing so much wild speculation and rumour-mongering lately that no-one will believe him.

Rumours abound in the Evergreen Forest about the arrival of the royal family. Berts sets out on a number of arduous tasks with a Knighthood in mind, while Cyrils sees this as the ideal chance to clear his family's name.

There is gold in the Emerald [Evergreen] Forest and Cyril Sneer wants it.