Bobby Sheets has long been an active supporter of The LandTrust’s work. You may recall that three years ago he donated a conservation easement on his 22 acre historic homeplace in Davie County. Soon after he donated the first easement he had an opportunity to buy a larger piece of land in Iredell County. Before Bobby could make his decision about whether or not to buy the land, he first wanted to know if it was something The LandTrust would be interested in helping him protect. After being assured that The LandTrust would be willing to accept an easement on the new farm, Bobby quickly closed and has been enjoying the property ever since.
When Land Protection Specialist Michele d’Hemecourt joined The LandTrust last year, staff advised her that she was fortunate to have such a wonderful project already waiting for her to work on. The property was a beautiful, 175 acre tract with over one and a half miles of frontage on Hunting Creek. It hosts a health bluff along Hunting Creek’s banks dominated by rhododendron and mountain laurel. A rare mayfly is known to inhabit the waters of Hunting Creek adjacent to the property. But beyond the characteristics of the property, we mostly knew that the character of the landowner could not be topped.
Thanks to Mr. Sheets’ generous donation of a conservation easement, The LandTrust is now very pleased to have protected these 175 of Iredell County’s most beautiful and ecologically significant acres. The site adds to a growing list of protected properties in northern Iredell County. Its location is approximately 2 miles south of the previously protected Daltonia Plantation and 2 miles east of the town of Harmony. As Michele can attest, The LandTrust is very fortunate to have such a wonderful property protected by such a caring landowner. “He was motivated simply by the desire to see the property protected,” she states. “Bobby’s property is truly a special place, and he’s taken the necessary steps to make sure that future generations can enjoy the health bluff, forests, creeks, and wildlife as much as he does today.”