Dr. Charles Coble, a native of Oakboro in southern Stanly County, has always talked about preserving the local landscape for future generations. Through the recent donation of a conservation easement on his 52 acre farm, Charles has now officially practiced what he has long been preaching. The protection of this property expands upon The LandTrust’s work within the Rocky River watershed. Nearly 2,500 feet of river frontage will be permanently protected via the terms of the easement.
Charles’ highly successful professional career has taken him many places. After receiving his doctorate from UNC Chapel Hill, Charles became a Professor of Science Education at East Carolina University. He was then named Dean of the School of Education at ECU before becoming the Vice President of the 16 campus University of North Carolina system. Today, Charles continues his efforts within the education field by working with the Education Commission of the States in Denver, Colorado.
Despite all of these travels, Charles has never lost his enduring love of southern Stanly County. Perhaps this commitment is what makes this project so special. As Kevin Redding puts it “Charles came to us with a clear vision of what he wanted his legacy to be, and together we have made that vision a reality”. For Charles the decision to preserve his land was a combination of family ties and respect for nature. “This farm has been a place where I have camped, fished, and just enjoyed being with my late father Mack Coble, my brothers and sister, with my children Chris and Andrea, and with many friends over the years. I am so pleased that this cherished place will remain as is for all to enjoy well into the future. I thank Kevin Redding and his colleagues at The LandTrust for Central North Carolina for helping to make it happen”.
The farm is comprised of a mix of open fields and hardwood forests. The elevation gradient provides wonderful views of the Rocky River as it forms the property boundary. The property also provides a peaceful habitat for numerous forms of wildlife. These different aspects display many of our foremost goals: protection of farmland, preservation of family lands, conservation of riparian corridors, maintaining wildlife habitat and securing the region’s scenic beauty. The Coble property is clearly a site that The LandTrust is proud to have helped protect.
