Several years ago, John and Kathy Davis set out to find the perfect piece of land. They had long lived in and around towns and had finally decided it was time to buy a tract of land in the country where their family could find a more peaceful existence. After an extended search they finally fell in love with a property in the rolling farm country of Stanly County.
Since acquiring this property, John and Kathy have instilled a tremendous conservation ethic. Their hardwood forests serve as buffers to the thress streams that traverse the property. Big Bear Creek forms the southeastern boundary of the property, prior to flowing south as one of Stanly County’s largest drainages. An unnamed tributary, locally known as “Catfish Branch” connects with Big Bear Creek on the property. Finally, a small tributary affectionately referred to as “pretty Creek” drains the heart of the farm prior to joining with Big Bear Creek.
Elsewhere on the farm, the Davis’ have continued their commitment to conservation. For some time, they have been working to gain recognition as a “certified Organic Farm.” Last year they finally received word that their efforts had been successful. Today, they can officially market themselves as being producers of certified organic milk and beef.
Despite all the hard work around the farm, John and Kathy have managed to find time to enjoy their love of horses. They can often be found on late evening horseback rides through their beautiful hardwood forests. Simply put, John and Kathy share a wonderful connectivity with this property. They collectively state that, “The combination of our new found rural lifestyle, the joy of organic farming, and the assurance our conservation easement gives us make these days some of the happiest of our lives. God has called us to be good stewards of the land; we believe The LandTrust helps us meet that calling.” John and Kathy were especially gratified by the support their children (Jocelyn & Brian Furr, Paul Davis, Karin and Erland Stevens) gave for their decision to place an easement on the property.
The LandTrust has long been aware of John and Kathy Davis’ commitment to conservation. With this donation of a conservation easement on their 140 acre farm, the Davis’ have insured that future generations will be aware of their appreciation of this property. Associate Director Kevin Redding states, “The Davis’ have been truly wonderful people to work with. From the beginning, their focus has always been on how to make sure their land would always be available for their children, their farm, and the wildlife. With this conservation easement they have done just that.”
Another noteworthy benefit of this project is the proximity to another protected property.
Just across Finger Road lies the Hatley property, a 73 acre conservation easement received by The LandTrust in 2001. With the protection of both of these tracts, we now have an area greater than 200 acres that will forever be part of the rolling Stanly County landscape.
