You made some amazing conservation successes possible in 2018. We’re proud to report to you on how we used your gifts and we hope that you will be proud to be a Conserving Carolina member.
Thank you for your support!
You can download the full 2018 Annual Report as a PDF here.
Conservation Highlights from 2018
With your support, we were able to protect many of the special places that we cherish. Highlights include:
- New Greenways: Conserving Carolina is spearheading efforts to create the new Mills River Valley Trail. In 2018, we also secured funding to expand the Estatoe Trail in Brevard, Oklawaha Greenway in Hendersonville, and Cane Creek Greenway in Fletcher.
- Carolina Memorial Sanctuary: We partnered with the first conservation burial ground in North Carolina–Carolina Memorial Sanctuary in Mills River. We helped protect the land forever and restore natural habitats, including a wetland, stream, and wildflower meadow.
- Addition to DuPont State Recreational Forest: We added a 402-acre tract to DuPont that links the state forest with a corridor of public lands spanning over 100,000 acres! This property protects water quality, expands a wildlife corridor, and creates potential for future public access.
- Headwaters State Forest: You have a new mountain wonderland to explore, with the opening of Headwaters State Forest. The 6,730-acre forest is full of beautiful waterfalls, pristine trout streams, and rare mountain bogs. Its 50+ miles of crystal clear streams flow into the French Broad River.
- Weed Patch Mountain Trail: Since opening in 2018, this 8.6-mile trail has been a huge hit with hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. We built Weed Patch Mountain Trail through 1,327 acres that we helped add to Buffalo Creek Park. In 2018, we also protected 442 adjoining acres.
- Mountain Bogs: Appalachian mountain bogs are havens for unique plants and animals. In 2018, we purchased part of a mountain bog in Flat Rock. We’re now helping to protect this bog on three connected properties.
- Little White Oak Mountain: The community came together to protect this cherished scenic landmark–and now it belongs to everyone. In 2018, we transferred 600 acres n to expand the Green River Gamelands and another 300 acres for a local park behind Polk County Middle School.
The People Who Make It Happen
In our annual report, we recognize the people who give generously to protect the places we love. We recognize all of our members and donors. We express our deep gratitude to our volunteers, conservation landowners, Summits Society major donors, Guardians of the Green business sponsors, and Hiking Challenge completers. We also express our gratitude to our Land Legacy League members who have chosen to make a donation through their will or other planned giving channels.
In the Annual Report (PDF download) you can find our Financial Statement, which shows how we are funded and how we use those funds.
Thank you!