Love for the Land
In our Annual Report we honor our donors and report back on what we were able to achieve because of YOU. In our latest report, we celebrate the many ways that you act on your love for the land—and pass it on to others!
You contributed to success stories that include seven projects with current or future public access! Building on the success we see at places like Mud Creek, we now have six restoration projects underway along streams and rivers. And we protected some truly wonderful rivers, farms, and forests. We also expanded our community outreach, so that people of all ages and backgrounds can connect through our shared love for the land—and our work to protect it.
2022 Conservation Highlights
You are making an amazing difference for the land you love. We are so grateful for these newly protected forests and farms, restored streams and wetlands, expanded public lands, and growing trail networks. Thanks to you, Conserving Carolina has now protected over 48,000 acres!
Which of these projects from 2022 are you most proud of?
1. Murr Creek
Protected 480 acres of unbroken forest next to Headwaters State Forest, with exceptional wildlife habitat and five full miles of streams.
2. Bracken Expansion
Purchased 34 acres that we plan to add to Bracken Mountain Preserve. The goal is to expand the trail network, making it more inviting to people of all ages and skill levels.
3. Morrow Landing
Purchased a 1.25-acre property on the French Broad River near Brevard that will provide much-needed public access on this section of the river.
4. Ecusta Trail
Raised millions of dollars toward trail construction—making huge strides toward our goal of opening this 19-mile rail trail between Hendersonville and Brevard.
5. Mud Creek Expansion
Added important land to our flagship riverside restoration at Mud Creek in Fletcher. This expansion will allow future public access, greenway connections, trails, and an important bog restoration.
6. Plumlea Farm
Worked with the Roberts family to conserve 23 acres of productive farmland in Fletcher with prime soils and beautiful mountain views, next to a local park.
7. Strawberry Gap Trail
Opened a 3-mile trail with boulder-strewn forests, a ridgetop meadow, and two panoramic viewpoints. Now, over 16 miles of connected trails are open in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge around Gerton.
8. Chestnut Hill Preserve
Purchased 57 gorgeous acres beside our Wildcat Rock Trail, protecting old growth trees, exceptional wildlife habitat, and a haven for species migrating due to climate change.
9. Transfiguration Preserve Expansion
Added 25 acres to this preserve on the edge of Chimney Rock State Park, protecting diverse habitat types, including cliffs, boulders, forests, wetlands, and streams.
10. Green River Game Lands Addition
Added 76 acres of new public land to the Green River Game Lands in Saluda—a property that was once targeted for an outdoor shooting range.
11. Greenhaven Farm
Conserved 79 acres of working forest that links to vast conservation corridor. The easement includes wide buffers clear streams in the headwaters of the Pacolet River.
12. San Felipe Farm
Worked with Rafael and Mary Bravo to protect their 18-acre sustainable farm in Columbus, NC, where they raise sheep, chickens, cows, bees, and vegetables.
13. Pony Track Farm
Protected scenic views, rich farm soils, and over half a mile of streams through conservation of a 64-acre horse farm in Tryon.
14. Saluda Grade Trail
Launched the Saluda Grade Trail project, pursuing a 31-mile rail trail that would be a game changer for local economies, outdoor recreation, and health.
Recognizing Our Members, Donors, and Volunteers
In our Annual Report, we recognize all of our members and donors. We give special recognition to our Guardians of the Green business members, Summit Society major donors, and our Land Legacy League of donors who are planning a legacy gift to Conserving Carolina. In addition, we recognize all gifts made in honor or memory of a loved one. Donors who are also volunteers, conservation landowners, Ecusta Trail donors, or Hiking Challenge or Outdoor Challenge completers are honored as well. Thank you for all the ways you support Conserving Carolina!
Our mission is to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of the natural world. You make it possible. Thank you!