Henderson County Farmland Preservation has kickstarted a new agricultural conservation easement program to work in tandem with existing preservation efforts. The current efforts, through outreach, Voluntary Ag Districts and Enhanced Agricultural Districts, are working to ensure that the farmland in Henderson County remains productive and in the hands of farmers. The County lost over 8,000 acres of agricultural land between 2017-2022, and the preservation efforts through Soil and Water are aiming at preventing the continuous bleed seen throughout North Carolina. The state of North Carolina ranks second in loss of farmland, and first in loss of farmland to development. Henderson County’s efforts to reduce the loss of farmland are in partnership and funded through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.

Angela was born and raised in Columbus, North Carolina, and became interested in environmental conservation and agriculture in high school through the agriculture program and FFA chapter at Polk County High. She attended Appalachian State for environmental science and received her master’s in environmental and soil sciences at the University of Tennessee, where she focused on the reduction of food insecurity in Appalachia through small-scale agricultural production and farmland preservation. Her work was centered around creating a self-sustaining Appalachian Region to uplift rural communities and create mutually beneficial partnerships with nearby urban centers.

5:30 p.m.: Grab and drink and network with like-minded locals.

6:00 p.m.: Enjoy the presentation and learn something new!

Hendersonville Green Drinks is presented by Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue and The Local Table curated by Stump Farms. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. The Local Table offers beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. A limited food menu will be available.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.