Special to IFN

Many Mooresville resident would find it difficult to remember a time without subdivisions, asphalt and traffic congestion.

That is not the case for the Templeton family, who can trace the land they own adjacent to Lake Norman all the way back to a land grant from King Charles II. The property was part of the Granville Land Grants, which spanned from east to west the length of the North Carolina-Virginia border and then stretched approximately 65 miles south. This area encompassed nearly the upper half of present-day North Carolina.

Now, 250 years later this family is permanently conserving the remaining tract of the original land grant, preventing future development from occurring on the Templeton property along the shores of what is now Lake Norman.

Iredell County ranks 38th in the nation among all counties for farmland loss due to development, according to the American Farmland Trust.

Three Rivers Land Trust and the Templeton family knew that if action was not taken one of the last tracts of history and habitat on Lake Norman would soon be paved over.

This was not TRLT’s first experience with conserving King Charles II land grant properties.

“We worked with this family in 2024 to conserve 25 acres of forestland in close proximity to this most recent project,” said Land Protection Specialist Kylie Shores. “This property continues the family’s strong conservation legacy.”

“A parcel over 10 acres is rare in this area, particularly waterfront properties with mature trees,” said Emily Callicutt, director of conservation. “Adding the fact that this tract was part of the King’s land grant makes its permanent conservation even more special.”

When boaters speed across Lake Norman, they may notice a patch of forest breaking up the monotony of houses; it is unlikely they will know the unique history behind the undeveloped parcel. But thanks to the conservation minded landowners and Three Rivers Land Trust, this land will be protected in perpetuity. 

LEARN MORE

To learn more about how to protect your own property, contact Emily Callicutt, TRLT director of conservation, at 704-647-0302 or emily@trlt.org