Special to IFN

Twenty-nine years after it was established in Stanly County, Three Rivers Land Trust has helped conserve more than 50,000 acres in the Piedmont region.

The nonprofit reached that milestone recently with the protection of a 297-acre farm in Davie County.

“Conserving over 50,000 acres is a major milestone for the organization. The credit for this achievement lies with our incredible donors and partners that share our commitment to the region’s natural resources,” Executive Director Travis Morehead said.

Almost 10 percent of that acreage — 4,800 acres — has been protected in Iredell County, where Three Rivers Land Trust is seeing an increase in interest in conservation.

Initially launched as the LandTrust for Central North Carolina, the nonprofit’s mission is to conserve the natural areas, rural landscapes, family farms, and historic places in the region. 

Now based in Salisbury, Three Rivers Land Trust has three focus areas: expanding public lands, saving family farms, and protecting local waters.

“Over our history, TRLT has transferred over 8,000 acres of land to local, state, and federal agencies where they are now accessible to the public. These lands are now local parks, additions to state parks, new state game-lands, or part of the Uwharrie National Forest,” explained Crystal Cockman, associate director. “A larger component of our conservation work has been the commitment to save local family farms. Since 1995 we have conserved over 19,000 acres of agricultural lands and protected over 360 miles of river and stream corridors in our region. All these efforts help make a positive impact on our natural resources and the quality of life in our region now and into the future.”

As one of the nation’s fastest growing states, North Carolina continues to grow in prosperity and population. New mega sites are being developed across the state, sparking new growth in more rural parts of North Carolina. With this new growth, an increased demand for housing and services is also more prevalent, diminishing conservation opportunities.

“The focus from our inception to today and going forward is the conservation of our region’s natural resources and rural lands. Our organization and the work we do becomes more important with each passing day,” Morehead said.

LEARN MORE

To learn how to support Three Rivers Land Trust conservation efforts or to conserve your property, contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org.