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For most farmers in North Carolina, farming is not just about making a living, it’s a way of life. For the Porter family, conserving their farm was an easy decision and one the entire family was on board with. On March 28, 2024, the Porters conserved 367 acres with a permanent conservation easement in cooperation with Three Rivers Land Trust, NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, and the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

This 4th generation farm is predominantly used to raise livestock. The family also operates a farm store where they sell the products grown on their land. Additionally, the Porters have two large venues where they host weddings and other events. Four generations of Porters have lived on this land, and the generational component is one of the main reasons Tommy and his wife Vicki decided to permanently conserve their property.

Tommy reflects on what this decision means to him: “my wife and myself, we started thinking about conservation easements many years ago, and it has been our dream to protect this land. It’s always been a passion of mine to farm. We have three grown children, and ten grandchildren. Our three grown children and their spouses all work full time on the farm. Our grandchildren even though they range from age 18 months to 12 years old, they love the farm, they love the life here, so we are trying to protect this so that if they choose to make their living on the farm, they will have that opportunity to do for their generation and hopefully their children and grandchildren.”

“The rural landscapes of the piedmont and sandhills of North Carolina are becoming a haven for new development. The rural character we all enjoyed is disappearing right before our very eyes. That is why “saving family farms” is a core tenant of Three Rivers Land Trust,” states TRLT Executive Director Travis Morehead. “Helping families like the Porters realize their dream of seeing their farm conserved is one of the most important types of projects TRLT can accomplish. Knowing that this farm will always be protected, available for food production, and able to give us a visual reminder of what much of North Carolina use to look like. We are proud to work with the Porter family to accomplish their conservation goals.”

“With the proximity of this farm to both Concord and Charlotte, conserving this tract is not only a rewarding endeavor, but also a timely one, as this area is quickly being turned into subdivisions and housing developments,” states TRLT Associate Director Crystal Cockman. “The Porters have other additional lands they would like to conserve in the same manner.  We (TRLT) are hopeful to be able to assist them and other landowners like the Porters while there are still large undeveloped tracts of land available.”

This project was made possible by funding from the NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, and the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and the support of other TRLT members.  If you would like to find out how to conserve your property or support TRLT’s conservation mission please contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org.

On March 22, Three Rivers Land Trust and the United States Forest Service held a ribbon cutting for a transfer of a 99-acre tract that is now part of the Uwharrie National Forest. This beautiful property houses a section of Talbott’s Branch along with mature hardwood trees, and was acquired by TRLT in 2019, then transferred to the US Forest Service earlier this year.

Approximately 20 people joined in for the celebration at the Tot Hill Trailhead, the northern terminus of the Uwharrie Trail. Since 1995, Three Rivers Land Trust has been working with other conservation partners to fill gaps in the Uwharrie National Recreational Trail. When they began this work, the trail had 5 gaps where lands were owned privately and sections of the trail had been lost.

Now, thanks to TRLT’s efforts, 4 out of 5 of those gaps have been filled, with this most recent acquisition and transfer filling the 4th gap in its entirety. Thanks to the efforts of TRLT, the Uwharrie National Forest, the North Carolina Zoo Society, and other private donors and supporters, we are only one tract away from having the full 40-mile trail reconnected.

Supporters heard from Travis Morehead, Executive Director of Three Rivers Land Trust, at the ribbon cutting: “Three Rivers Land Trust prides itself on our ability to transfer strategic lands to public agencies, and the connection of this land and this trail does just that. This project was funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and TRLT supporters, including a generous donation by Fred and Alice Stanback. We are so grateful this section of trail is now permanently protected and available for all to enjoy.”

Susan Miller the district Ranger on the Uwharrie National Forest also spoke about the significance of this tract for the trail and the importance of the partnership the US Forest Service has with Three Rivers Land Trust. “We cannot act quickly enough to secure tracts like this one, and are fortunate to have partners like Three Rivers Land Trust who can work with local landowners to secure these tracts and then transfer them to our ownership.”

After the ribbon was cut, attendees were invited on a 3-mile round trip hike to the property, which possesses the peak of Cooler’s Knob, the highest point in the Wilderness Area. If you would like to find out how to support Three Rivers Land Trust in their conservation mission, please email Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org.

As you travel down rural Ben Lambeth Road in scenic Randolph County, you’ll drive past beautiful pastoral farm fields and forests. Now, thanks to a generous donation of a conservation easement by the Hussey Family, a 43-acre property on this route is permanently protected. This newly conserved property protects a portion of the county that is threatened by development, as the nearby city of Asheboro continues to expand.

With a new Toyota plant coming to Liberty, the landscape of Randolph County is surely going to change in the next few years. Land prices are getting higher and the ability to conserve farmland is only going to be more and more difficult. Although many conservation easements are purchased through grant funding, some are still donated by generous landowners who only want to see their family land protected. Those landowners often receive tax benefits for their easement donations, but their true motivation is conservation of places that are special to them.

“Three Rivers Land Trust prides itself on protecting family farms and open spaces,” states Associate Director Crystal Cockman. “Working with families to conserve special natural areas and farmland through donated conservation easements provides the most conservation bang for the buck, so to speak. These projects can be completed quickly and efficiently, and allow us to protect areas that otherwise may not be able to be conserved.”

“It was a pleasure working with the Hussey Family on this conservation easement,” states Land Protection Specialist Kyle Shores. “When a family comes together and agrees to permanently protect land that holds so much meaning to them, it’s a real honor to help shepherd that process and assist them in reaching that goal. And now these 43 acres will be available for future generations to enjoy.”

For the Harris Family, conserving their 55-acre longleaf pine forest in Moore County is a legacy that has been years in the making, and is a true family affair. The patriarch of this family, William Joseph “Bill” Harris, first began talking with the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program (NCPCP) over 12 years ago. He met with then Program Director, Lesley Starke, and discussed his desire to see the property included in the preserve.

Mr. Harris knew how important this tract was for the continuity of the preserve, since it connects two disjunct parcels. Its acquisition would be the critical link needed to help NCPCP better manage the whole preserve with prescribed fire. Prescribed fire is an essential tool for land managers to help restore the fire dependent ecosystem here and improve habitat for rare plants, including Sandhills Lily.

Although Mr. Harris passed away shortly after the application was submitted to NCLWF, his three daughters were intent on continuing with the process and helping realize their father’s dream of seeing the property protected. They continued to work with TRLT, and in spring of 2023 full funding was awarded by the NC Land and Water Fund for the acquisition of the tract. The tract was acquired by Three Rivers Land Trust and immediately transferred to the State of North Carolina in December, 2023.

“The Harris family has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and their commitment to their father’s dream has been truly inspirational,” states Crystal Cockman, Associate Director of Three Rivers Land Trust. “The conservation of this property is due in large part to their patience, vision, and steadfast determination to honor their father’s wishes.”

“Conserving this property helps TRLT accomplish two things; expand public lands by filling in an important missing link and protecting land that likely has rare species found on them,” states Executive Director Travis Morehead. “Although NCPCP preserves are not open to the public, they are open through guided hikes and by permit. This allows the public to see up close the rare plants and habitats that help make North Carolina such a special place.”

Plant Conservation Program Manager Julian Wilson states: “The North Carolina Plant Conservation Program is very thankful to Three Rivers Land Trust for their work to acquire and donate the Harris Tract for permanent protection at our Eastwood Plant Conservation Preserve in Moore County. The acquisition of the Harris Tract will help to improve habitat connectivity by linking the two sides of Eastwood Preserve and it will allow us to more efficiently and effectively manage the rare plants such as Sandhills lilies and sundews, the longleaf ecosystem and the wildlife habitat contained within the preserve. As our state toast proclaims us the “land of the longleaf pine,” this ecosystem is part of what make North Carolina’s natural areas so unique and special. This project is an important win for the conservation of North Carolina’s rare plants and natural resources.”

William Joseph “Bill” Harris and his wife, Mary Alice Fields Harris were both born and raised in Goldston, NC. After finishing undergraduate degrees at East Carolina and a Masters degree at UNC (Bill) they moved to Miami, FL where they raised their family. After retiring as a supervisor from the Miami-Dade County Public School System they divided their time between Port St. Lucie, Florida and Banner Elk, NC. This land was originally purchased by Bill’s mother, Georgia Reynolds Harris.

This project was made possible by funding from the NC Land and Water Fund, the NC Native Plant Society, the Carolina Bird Club, a generous donation by Tim Peppe, and the support of other TRLT members.  If you would like to find out to conserve your property or support TRLT’s conservation mission please contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org.

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural areas, scenic rivers, family farms, and historic places in a 15-county region of the central Piedmont and Sandhills. Since 1995, The Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners, conserving land that is essential to our region. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or membership@trlt.org or visit their website at trlt.org.

On December 29th, 2023, TRLT protected its 7th farm of the year, a 121-acre cattle farm in Davidson County. This farm, located off of Silver Hill Road in Lexington, brings the total farmland protected by TRLT in 2023 to over 570 acres. TRLT is proud to close out 2023 with the protection of this vital farmland situated in a growing area of the state.

Davidson County and the Town of Lexington are developing areas of the state, making projects like this crucial for sustaining the rural economy and providing food to local communities. The farm has over 81% prime or statewide important soils, meaning the soils are 2-3 times more productive than marginal soils. Landowners Stanley and Donna Hedrick recognized the importance of protecting their farm, leading them to work with TRLT to ensure it remains farmland forever. This farm has been in the Hedrick Family for over 65 years, originally purchased by Stanley’s father. “We are protecting this land in memory of Dwight and Beulah Hedrick Sr., and to ensure it stays as farmland for the next generation of Hedricks,” states Stanley and Donna Hedrick.

“We are so thankful for families like the Hedricks who are committed to ensuring that farmland remains undeveloped and stays in production,” states Senior Land Protection Specialist Emily Callicutt. “Thanks to partnerships with the NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Lands Easement Program, and landowners like the Hedrick’s, we can ensure family farms stay family farms.”

“Saving family farms is a core tenet of our mission” states Executive Director, Travis Morehead. North Carolina farmland is some of the most threatened in our nation. The loss of farmland at the current level is unsustainable for our state, and makes projects like the protection of the Hedrick Farm that much more important.”

This project was made possible in part by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the N.C. Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Lands Easement Program, and the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. Special funding for TRLT’s Farmland Fund, which makes projects like the protection of the Hedrick Farm possible, were provided by Chick-Fil-A, SC Johnson Company, and Louis Eubanks

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural areas, scenic rivers, family farms, and historic places in a 15-county region of the central Piedmont and Sandhills. Since 1995, The Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners, conserving land that is essential to our region. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or membership@trlt.org or visit their website at trlt.org.

The Little River is Montgomery County is certainly a hidden gem in the Piedmont. There are multiple stretches of this river available to paddlers with gorgeous forested stream buffers, and almost no houses or development in sight from the river. However, much of this river remains privately held with no formal protection to ensure this undeveloped treasure remains such in perpetuity. Now, thanks to an acquisition made by Three Rivers Land Trust on December 21, 2023, an additional 350 acres of land along this river will be permanently conserved.

Bald eagles, river otters, great blue herons, little green herons, beaver, cormorant, white tailed deer, a plethora of Neotropical migratory songbirds, and many other species make their homes on the Little River. The high water quality found here and the forested riparian areas make it a perfect spot for wildlife and for paddlers. There are several river put-in locations open to the public that make this river easily accessible, and a popular spot for kayaking and fishing in the Piedmont.

“Three Rivers Land Trust has a focus on protecting local waters, and the Little River in Montgomery County is no exception to that rule,” states Executive Director Travis Morehead. “Last year we acquired 90 acres on the river, and earlier this year, we worked with another landowner to conserve 80 acres through conservation easement. Now we’ve acquired an additional 350 acres, ensuring that these sections of the river remain undeveloped and forested to protect water quality. Altogether, this represents over 3.5 miles of frontage on the river that is now permanently conserved as a direct result of TRLT’s efforts.”

“This section of the Little River where these 350 acres occur is identified as a High Quality Watershed by the State of North Carolina, with 6 different species of rare mussel known from here, as well as Carolina redhorse and Carolina darter, two state listed fish species,” states Associate Director Crystal Cockman. “In addition, there are unique natural communities found on this land, including Piedmont Basic Glade and Piedmont Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, as well as a rare plant, Mountain Camelia. These lands are truly a treasure worth conserving in our region.”

This acquisition was made possible through a generous donation by Fred and Alice Stanback, and grants from the NC Land and Water Fund, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Enviva Forest Conservation Fund. If you would like to find out how to conserve your property or support TRLT’s conservation mission please contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org.

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural areas, scenic rivers, family farms, and historic places in a 15-county region of the central Piedmont and Sandhills. Since 1995, The Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners, conserving land that is essential to our region. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or membership@trlt.org or visit their website at trlt.org.

On December 27^th, 2023 over 52 acres of land near the town of Harmony in Iredell County were permanently conserved. Three Rivers Land Trust worked to conserve this tract of land in partnership with the generous landowners who donated the conservation easement.

The land is currently a productive tree farm that also provides outstanding wildlife habitat. With a stretch of Dutchman Creek running through this tract, this conservation easement will also contribute towards the further protection of the Yadkin-Pee Dee watershed.

“The rapid rate of development in North Carolina threatens not only our productive agricultural lands and ability to feed future generations but also our native wildlife that utilize these farmlands as habitat,” states Land Protection Specialist Kyle Shores. “Once land is converted for development, it is almost certainly never going to be converted back to agricultural land again.”

“This will be the 6^th farm that TRLT has protected this year,” states Associate Director Crystal Cockman. “Agriculture is North Carolina’s # 1 industry; however, North Carolina ranks 2nd in the nation for potential agriculture land loss, according to the American Farmland Trust. In fact, Iredell County ranks 38^th in the nation for farmland loss. This is why it is so imperative to protect these farmlands for the benefit of our local community and all of North Carolina.”

This project was made possible through the generous donated conservation easement by the landowners, and the support of Three Rivers Land Trust’s work by its members. To learn more about how to conserve your lands or how you can support Three Rivers Land Trust in their conservation mission, please contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist at Three Rivers Land Trust by calling 704-647-0302 or by email at emily@trlt.org.

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural areas, scenic rivers, family farms, and historic places in a 15-county region of the central Piedmont and Sandhills. Since 1995, The Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners, conserving land that is essential to our region. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or membership@trlt.org or visit their website at trlt.org.

Earlier this year, Three Rivers Land Trust protected a 93-acre farm and a 50-acre farm in Rowan County, one of which grew small grains and was leased for farming, and one of which was a horse farm that provided equestrian therapy for the local community. Now, on December 20, 2023, Three Rivers Land Trust has worked with yet another Rowan County landowner to conserve their beautiful farm located on Chenault Road, a beef cattle farm situated on 59 acres.

North Carolina is losing farmland at an unprecedented rate. According to the American Farmland Trust, between the years of 2001 and 2016, 732,000 acres of farmland in North Carolina were developed or compromised. That means that NC lost or compromised 5.5 acres of farmland every hour for 15 years. If we continue to grow as we have historically, it is projected NC will lose another 1.1 million acres of farmland by 2040. Rowan County and surrounding counties are facing this development pressure, and that is why it is so important to conserve land here before it is too late.

“This farm was protected through a generous donated conservation easement by the landowner, and they also lease this farmland for beef cattle farming to a neighboring farmer,” states Senior Land Protection Specialist Emily Callicutt. “Leased land is important because many farmers cannot afford to own all the land they farm. Much of Rowan County is facing development pressure from Charlotte and Mooresville, and with that comes higher land prices. Protecting places like this farm is vitally important, to ensure our farmers continue to have acres to grow on to make their business sustainable and viable well into the future.”

“Three Rivers Land Trust has saving family farms as a main goal of our conservation mission,” states Executive Director, Travis Morehead. “Protecting tracts like this 59-acre one helps ensure that we have the foresight to set aside land that will continue to be in production, and provide food and fiber for our local communities. We believe that conserving our farms is essential to maintaining the rural character of our region.”

This project was made possible by a generous conservation easement donation by the landowners, and also by the support of Three Rivers Land Trust’s members who enable the organization to carry out this important conservation work.  If you would like to learn more about how to conserve your property or support TRLT’s conservation mission please, contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural areas, scenic rivers, family farms, and historic places in a 15-county region of the central Piedmont and Sandhills. Since 1995, The Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners, conserving land that is essential to our region. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or membership@trlt.org or visit their website at trlt.org.

According to the American Farmland Trust, the United States is losing forty acres of farm and ranch land every hour to new development. Since 1982, America has converted 24 million acres of agricultural land to developed uses. This is roughly the size of Indiana and Rhode Island combined. Farmland loss is particularly significant in North Carolina. Four counties in our state are ranked in the top 50 for farmland loss, with Iredell County in central NC ranked 38th in the nation for likely farmland conversion. In fact, 5.5 acres of farmland have been lost or compromised in North Carolina every hour for the past 15 years.

This rapid loss of farmland highlights the significance of much-needed farmland conservation work in our state. Protecting our viable agricultural land from development so farmers can provide for our community’s needs into the future is critical. With this in mind, TRLT is pleased to announce they have received a grant from SC Johnson to support local farmland conservation efforts in the Piedmont and Sandhills of North Carolina.

The $25,000 grant from SC Johnson will be used to continue TRLT’s work with interested farmers in their 15-county footprint to permanently protect their farms through conservation easements. “With more than 60 farmland protection projects in progress currently, TRLT is actively seeking to conserve over 9,600 acres of farmland in the coming years, relying on federal and state grants and private foundations,” states Executive Director Travis Morehead. “Without the support of TRLT members and funding from organizations like SC Johnson, we would not be able to do this critical farmland preservation work in our region.”

“Protecting farmland protects many other natural resources as well, including wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Preserved farm properties are managed by private landowners using sound soil and water conservation practices that protect the soil from erosion and local surface waters from contamination,” said Crystal Cockman, Associate Director of Three Rivers Land Trust. “TRLT is honored to be recognized by SC Johnson, and we are excited about what’s on our horizon as a result of their support.”

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

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural areas, scenic rivers, family farms, and historic places in a 15-county region of the central Piedmont and Sandhills. Since 1995, The Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners, conserving land that is essential to our region. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or membership@trlt.org or visit their website at trlt.org.