Beneath the Peaks

A biological and geological treasure, Horse Cove thrives under the protection afforded by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

While local conservation often assigns highest priority to mountaintops, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has been quietly focusing their efforts on the watersheds beneath Highlands. In fact, Dr. Gary Wein notes how the Horse Cove Preserve was one of the longest projects to completion in his 17-year tenure at the land trust.

Over 1,000 feet below, along the slopes of the Fodderstacks, Horse Cove was once an undisturbed bog for 4,800 years prior to modern development. In 2021 alone, HCLT successfully completed two conservation easements and amended another to add five acres to the protection. Three other projects await in queue with the goal of creating a contiguous corridor along Edwards Creek.

Another conserved site, the Hill House, is also noted for its spectacular views and historical relevance. A prevalent name in the region, Stanhope Hill served as Highland’s first elected mayor in 1883. HCLT has completed a total of seven conservation easements in Horse Cove conserving nearly 116 acres containing several rare plant species and waters of the Chattooga Watershed.

The conservation of Horse Cove is also largely driven by its rare ecology and geology. With the rocky cliffsides unable to absorb moisture, water flows into the cove and settles in flatter topography where you can find the purple mountain pitcher plant, an endemic carnivorous plant that thrives in bogs. Though rare, nearly all known habitats for the species in western North Carolina are currently protected.

With its significant ecological, historical and viewshed quali- ties, Horse Cove and surrounding areas will always be an area of focus for conservation thanks to Carolyn McCall. With her generous contributions and desire to conserve the cove’s rich history and open land, the Wildwood Fund was created to help HCLT facilitate future conservation projects in Jackson and Macon Counties.

Founded in 1883, a registered 501(c)3, HCLT relies on members, volunteers, donors and sponsors to help achieve their mission. Consider a monthly trail workday in Highlands or Cashiers or become a member and enjoy private eco-tours with the staff to learn more about their properties. Join HCLT as they protect and preserve our land for tomorrow’s generations at www.hicashlt.org

by Brendon Voelker Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust