View from the Highlands Vol. 2

View

2021 Vol. 2

from the Highlands

Protecting the World’s Oldest Mountains

Photo by Tom Ward Eurycea wilderae

Conserving Mountains • Farms • Streams • Habitat

Letter from the Executive Director Carl Silverstein

372 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-1222 828.253.0095 • FAX 828.253.1248 sahc@appalachian.org

Board of Trustees

Matt Moses, President Nancy Edgerton Vice-President Tom Williams, Secretary Sheryl Aikman, Treasurer Allison Williams, At-Large Sarah Davis Joe DeLoach Mary Fanslow Janet Garrett Miranda (Randy) Hunter Pam Kelley Hannah Latragna Popsie Lynch Larry (Pender) Pender Rich Preyer Chris Soto

Erwin, TN Asheville, NC Fairview, NC Asheville, NC Charleston, SC Asheville, NC Jonesborough, TN Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC Flat Rock, NC Kingsport, TN Asheville, NC Fairview, NC Hendersonville, NC Asheville, NC Johnson City, TN

Staff

Carl Silverstein Executive Director Kristy Urquhart Associate Director Jay Leutze Advisor to the Board Michelle Pugliese Land Protection Director Jess Laggis Farmland Protection Director Hanni Muerdter Conservation Director Marquette Crockett Roan Stewardship Director Sarah Sheeran Stewardship Director Chris Kaase Stewardship Associate Cheryl Fowler Membership Director Lisa Fancher Finance Compliance Director Angela Shepherd Communications Director Pauline Heyne Director of Philanthropy Chris Link Community Farm Manager Tamarya Sims Community Farm Associate Lauren McTigue Nature Experience Director Kirin Battaglia Weddings & Events Coordinator Travis Bordley Roan Seasonal Ecologist

AmeriCorps Cici Wood, Communications/Community Engagement Member Shaylyn Sargent, Conservation Education & Volunteer Member Hannah Stuart, Land Protection & Education Member Stephanie Long, Stewardship & Volunteer Member Hanna Peterman, Stewardship & Volunteer Member

This edition of our View from the Highlands highlights is packed with exciting news for conservation in the southern Appalachian mountains!

Join us in celebrating a commitment to donate 7,500 acres of richly biodiverse, globally significant land in the Highlands of Roan to SAHC in 2022 (p. 4 - 5). Check out our video presentation about conservation in the Roan, including next steps in creating this future South Yellow Mountain Preserve.

We have exciting farmland preservation stories to share from farmers across the region (p. 8-13), highlights from expanded youth education programs at the SAHC Community Farm and in the field (p. 14-17), updates from active management in the Highlands of Roan (p. 20-23), and more.

We know many of you are concerned about climate change and want to know how SAHC’s conservation efforts can make an impact. Water quality, fertile soils for farming, high elevation habitat, and corridors for wildlife to move have all been recognized as critical aspects of resilience to climate change. We stand at a crucial time for conservation, with a limited frame of time to preserve and protect habit and land for the future.

Thank you to all who have continued to follow and support conservation efforts — you are making a difference in our world.

Protect

Steward

Connect

The mission of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for all people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, enduring for future generations. We achieve this through long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies and owning and managing land. We are committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

Map: SAHC’s Conservation Focus Areas with Conservation Projects in this Issue Roan Mountain Gateway Transfer pg. 6-7

Full Sun Farm

Rogers Cove

pg.10-11

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South Yellow Mountain pg. 4-5

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Balsam Mountains

Brown Family Farm pg. 12-13

Connect with Conservation Online!

Visit our website at Appalachian.org and sign up for a monthly E-View for more frequent updates. To get the most up-to-date news & event info, be sure to subscribe to our monthly e-News and add us in your contacts so we don’t get lost in junk mail. Or, visit us periodically at Appalachian.org and on Facebook.

Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our growing YouTube Channel. Did you know over the past year SAHC has added over 50 conservation videos on various topics to our video content?

Choose from playlists that include simple lessons for youth education, stories of conservation projects, explanations about active habitat management, and immersive moments in nature.

More at www.youtube.com/c/SouthernAppalachianHighlandsConservancy/videos Land Protection Updates | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 3

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

7,500 Acre Donation

South Yellow Mountain Preserve

In a history-making announcement, this entire mountain ridge will be permanently preserved as a land donation to SAHC.

A generous conservation philanthropist has committed to donate a 7,500-acre preserve in the Roan to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2022. Conservation of this globally-significant mountain preserve will significantly boost habitat conservation efforts in the region. We are honored and extremely grateful to have been chosen as the guardians of this biological gem, and look forward to telling you more about the creation of South Yellow Mountain Preserve in the next year!

The philanthropist assembled dozens of contiguous land holdings over the past decade, which will be combined into the new SAHC preserve. The boundary, which is more than 32 miles long, is being surveyed now.

The land straddles the border of Avery and Mitchell counties in Western

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| Land Protection Updates

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Six waterfalls and 100 miles of streams cascade across the property.

waterfalls, and a system of rare heathbalds. Transfer of the gift is expected to be completed in the next year. SAHC will own the land and manage it as a nature preserve. If you’ve visited the Roan Highlands, you’ve probably enjoyed views of this 7,500-acre assemblage from popular vantage points

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North Carolina, and rises to 5,300 ft. in elevation. Situated within the southern end of the planning boundary of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area, a special conservation area designated by the NC General Assembly in 2008 to protect the exceptional nat­ural features found there, the land supports numerous threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

The property includes the largest American Chestnut restoration project in the country, extensive boulder fields, rich coves, old growth forests, six

within public lands — including Round Bald and the observation deck at the rhododendron gardens.

“This is the largest single gift in SAHC’s history, and the largest gift of land to a land trust in NC,” said Executive Director Carl Silverstein.

“Strategic acquisition of large parcels of land is increasingly important for climate resilience and protection of water sources — and increasingly hard to accomplish as privately owned parcels continue to be subdivided and developed.

These 7,500 acres include some of the most sought-after conservation acres in the eastern United States, including over 100 miles of pristine creeks and streams. We really are honored to be entrusted with the responsibility to steward this vast mountain complex.”

Even before his first acquisition here in 2012, longtime SAHC member Tim Sweeney envisioned assembling these parcels into a unified block

of land with the intention of conserving the entire mountain ecosystem. With this gift the philanthropist’s dream has become a reality for the benefit of future generations.

What Happens Next?

As due diligence steps on the project continue within the coming year, SAHC staff will work with partners to create a management plan for the preserve and ensure that the fragile natural resources of the land are protected forever.

“Permanent protection of this vast unbroken area with diverse habitat areas secures connectivity for critical wildlife corridors,” says Jay Leutze, SAHC’s Advisor to the Board.

“The scale of a conservation gift of this size is important on a global level and will be a benefit to the entire region. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with others in the landscape as we plan for managing this property.”

Find out more!

For an informative history of conservation efforts across the Highlands of Roan and more details about this incredible project in-progress, visit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s YouTube channel and look for “7,500 Acres in the Highlands of Roan - Virtual Lunch and Learn.”

A glimpse at the biological diversity and stunning natural beauty of these 7,500 acres. Photos by Tim Sweeney and Travis Bordley.

Land Protection Updates | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 5

Highlands of Roan Focus Area

Roan Mountain Gateway

Transfer to Pisgah National Forest

The 91-acre Roan Mountain Gateway contains restored habitat for Golden-winged Warblers and other species.

Thanks to generous supporters and committed partners, SAHC transferred 91 acres to the USDA Forest Service, adding to public lands just south of the popular Carvers Gap area on the North Carolina and Tennessee border.

Collectively known as the Roan Mountain Gateway, these 91 acres encompass the last privately-owned land on NC Hwy 261 before reaching Carvers Gap. The Roan Mountain Gateway is prominent in views from Round Bald and Jane Bald, iconic locations along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the Highlands of Roan.

The land contains high elevation habitat, including restored habitat for neo-tropical migratory Goldenwinged Warblers and other species, as well as headwater tributaries that flow into local trout streams.

National Forest that was secured collaboratively with SAHC and support from Mitchell County Commissioners. Additionally, the local communities will benefit with the protection of the headwaters of Carvers Gap Creek, a NC classified ‘high quality water’ stream that

“This is a beautiful tract of land within the Highlands of the Roan that can now be enjoyed by all and seen from scenic viewpoints along the Appalachian Trail,” says Jen Barnhart, Appalachian District Ranger with Pisgah Hiking forested area of Roan Mountain National Forest. “We are proud to be the stewards of this land among Gateway. Photo credit Jen Barnhart, USDA Forest Service a majestic part of the Pisgah 6 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Land Protection Updates

contributes to providing drinking water to North Carolina residents.”

Scenic views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed from the property, which reaches above 5,200 ft. elevation. In the future, the opening of this land for public access may help alleviate impacts from overcrowding at Carvers Gap. The Roan Mountain Gateway is located within the Audubon Society’s Roan Mountain Important Bird Area. As part of the Roan Massif – a compact collection of connected mountains – preservation of the land contributes to protection of ecologically sensitive, globally important ecosystems. Headwater tributaries of Carvers Gap Creek, which flows into the North Toe River, originate on the property.

“I fell in love with the Roan Highlands at first sight, and I’m not alone in this sentiment,” says

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ia Appalach View into the Roan Mountain Gateway from the Appalachian Trail

Michelle Pugliese, SAHC’s land protection director. “The section of the Appalachian Trail running through the Roan has experienced a huge increase in visitation over recent years, leading to some damage to the fragile ecosystem.

The Roan Mountain Gateway property lies just below Carvers Gap and is a valuable addition to Pisgah National Forest.

In addition to its biological significance, it can provide an alternative location to hike and enjoy long-range scenic views, helping to reduce the impact of visitation on the nearby Southern Appalachian grassy balds.”

“Thousands of Appalachian Trail hikers each year are drawn to and inspired by the Roan Mountain landscape, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to support Southern Appalachian

Highlands Conservancy and Pisgah National Forest in this essential project,” said Sandra Marra, president and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

“Protecting the Roan Mountain Gateway is a boon to the A.T. landscape, providing not only greater protection to iconic views and native flora and fauna, but also options for local hikers to lessen their impact on fragile natural resources without compromising on the Roan Highland hiking experience.”

SAHC purchased the 91 acres between 2014 and 2016, owning and managing the land to protect plant and animal habitat and clean water sources. Funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund enabled the transfer to the USDA Forest Service.

Roan Mtn Gateway Transfer Other SAHC Preserves / Easements US Forest Service State (NC or TN) owned Land Streams on the property flow into Carvers Gap Creek. Photo credit Jen Barnhart, USDA Forest Service

Roan Mountain Gateway, photo credit Dan Belanger, USDA Forest Service

Land Protection Updates | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 7

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

Mark and Laura Rogers More farmland protected in Haywood County This recent conservation easement brings the total protected acreage in Rogers Cove to over 620 acres!

Mark and Laura Rogers worked with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to protect 236 more acres of beautiful farmland in the Crabtree community of Haywood County. These agricultural conservation easements join land that they and other members of the Rogers family worked with SAHC to conserve in 2017 – bringing the total of protected farmland in Rogers Cove to 620 acres! In addition to protecting productive agricultural land for future generations, farmland preservation in the cove protects scenic views from Crabtree Bald and Crabtree Mountain Road.

Farmland conservation projects can take many years to come to fruition.

Mark and Laura had planned for this property to be permanently protected when they began working on conservation efforts with SAHC and other family members several years ago.

Mark Rogers on the farm

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“Conservation of this land and the previous project were intertwined; they were really planned together from the beginning,” says Laura.

Researching conservation options 15 years ago, Mark contacted SAHC in 2006 and embarked on an ambitious effort to secure farmland which had been in the Rogers family for generations and prevent future loss to subdivision and development.

Mark and Laura purchased the recently protected acreage from Mark’s uncle Russell Rogers in 2010; this land and | Farmland Protection Updates

adjoining farmland owned by Mark’s father Edwin Rogers had once all been part of Mark’s grandparents’ farm. Mark and Laura moved into the historic 1890 home on the property and began restoring it.

They both worked full time jobs in addition to farming.

“Early on my dad and uncle traded work on their adjoining farms which together had been my grandparents’ farm,” recalls Mark. “As a result, I associated the farms as just one.

As I got older my uncle retired and started leasing his farm out to a local cattleman. This made me sharply aware that the farm could slip out of the Rogers family after five generations. The thought of a developer getting hold of it troubled me for many reasons including the

need for conservation of farmland and sentimental reasons. Laura listened to my dream of putting my grandfather’s farm back together and supported it. Eventually participating in a conservation easement eased the financial burden of doing so. It goes without saying that conserving land that feeds us will only become more important going forward.”

animals. As we get older, I really think of this as a sanctuary – the wildflowers, the fauna, the water resources, the way the springs bubble up… and Crabtree Bald is a focal point that just really caps it off. The older I get, the more I realize how special this place really is – that’s definitely something that comes with maturity as you look back over life.”

Laura also recognizes the importance and timeliness of conserving farmland.

“If you look at what’s happening – with fewer farmers and farmland decreasing – it’s frightening,” she says. “We know that larger tracts are disappearing, so preserving those that remain is important. It reminds me of public park land – we really treasure our national parks, but if those large tracts hadn’t been saved for national parks, we wouldn’t have them now to enjoy.”

“We’re really lucky that this worked out,” Laura adds, “that we were able to buy the land and that generous donors and grant funders understood conserving the farm is a worthwhile project.”

A retired high school foreign language teacher, Laura recalls long days in teaching followed by extracurricular activities, fixing up the historic home, and farm work. “I’ve always enjoyed having young people come to the farm,” she says, “I enjoy seeing how they light up in these learning experiences, when they come here and see spring houses and get close to large

This farmland conservation project was made possible with funding from the NC Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Brad and Shelli Stanback, the Pigeon River Fund at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, SAHC members, and the landowners donated a significant portion of the value of the conservation easement and made a gift towards long-term stewardship of the land. We are extremely grateful to all the folks who helped make this important conservation work possible – thank you!

Rogers Cove

The Rogers Cove land in Crabtree Community was originally purchased by family ancestor John H. Rogers almost 200 years ago. Son of Revolutionary War soldier and pioneer Hugh Rogers and Nancy Thornton Rogers of Fines Creek, John married Mary “Polly” McCracken of Upper Crabtree. He purchased property which became known as Rogers Cove in the Crabtree area, and the land was later passed on to various descendants.

Mark and Laura restored the historic late 19th century farmhouse on this homestead.

Historic homestead in Rogers Cove

Farmland Protection Updates | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 9

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

Full Sun Farm

A place of refuge and beauty

The conservation easement at Full Sun Farm adds to existing farmland conservation efforts by SAHC and Buncombe County in the Sandy Mush farming community. Photo by Michael L. Pittman, Carolinas Nature Photographers Association

Vanessa Campbell and Alex Brown have a passion for growing fresh, healthy produce. They enjoy being outdoors, and bring that joy to their farming endeavors at Full Sun Farm. Looking toward the future, they wanted to ensure that the land would continue to be available for farming for future generations.

This year they donated a conservation easement on 32 acres of their farm in the Sandy Mush Community of Buncombe County, and plan to work with SAHC to protect the remainder of the farm as well.

Farmers and owners of Full Sun Farm, Vanessa Campbell and Alex Brown donated a conservation easement on 32 acres of their farm because they have a passion for farmland preservation and a deep appreciation for the Sandy Mush community.

“I really love being outside and being able to work while doing so,” says Vanessa. “This place is a home as well as how we make our living — it’s a place of refuge and beauty.

We wanted to preserve the openness of Sandy Mush and help maintain the beauty of the valley.”

Alex and Vanessa plan to continue working with SAHC to protect the rest of the land at Full Sun Farm. Photo by Michael L. Pittman, Carolinas Nature Photographers Association

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| Farmland Protection Updates

The conserved acreage includes about 11 acres of woods and 14 acres of hay fields and pasture, with a remaining area of prime soils along the creek. This conservation easement is stage one of a two-part project, and Alex and Vanessa plan to continue working with SAHC to protect the rest of the farm. Full Sun Farm produces a variety of fresh produce and cut flowers, sold directly to consumers through CSA (community supported agriculture) shares and at local markets.

“We hope that when we’re gone, whether our kids decide to farm or not, this land will be available for someone to farm,” continues Vanessa. The couple recognize the importance of protecting farmland now for future generations, especially since farm production

The farm produces fresh produce and cut flowers, available at local tailgate markets or CSA shares. Photo by Kathleen Brannan, Carolinas Nature Photographers Association

requires larger tracts of land in order to be economically successful.

“If this farm gets split up, it would not be big enough to be viable,” explains Vanessa. “Some of our soils are prime soils, and that is very important. In many places, prime soils are being built on and lost for agricultural use.

In other areas, like out west, soils are becoming degraded. We are concerned about the impacts from climate change, and it’s good to know that in preserving this land, future generations will be able to grow healthy food here for a long time to come. It will be a resource for the region, for farmers to be able to farm without turning to soils that have been depleted.”

The couple have two daughters who appreciate the quality of fresh-picked farm produce, but

who may not necessarily be interested in following in their footsteps. Either way, Vanessa and Alex feel good about preserving the land for future farmers.

The project was made possible with the assistance of private donations and a grant from Buncombe County to cover transaction costs for the fully donated conservation easement.

“This easement fits neatly between existing conserved farmland in Sandy Mush,” says Farmland Program Director Jess Laggis. “The property’s road frontage, prime soils, and water resources make it ideal for agricultural production. It also adds to the scenic beauty along Bald Creek Road and lies on the Farm Heritage Trail, which is beloved by cyclists and motorists.”

Support Your Local Farmers!

Find Full Sun Farm at the North Asheville Tailgate Market and River Arts District Farmers Market, or visit their farm store online at FullSunFarm.com.

Landowner Perspective: Vanessa Campbell and Alex Brown Full Sun Farm is a small family farm run

by Alex Brown and Vanessa Campbell.

They say, “For the health of our soil, ourselves, our customers and our community, we grow using organic methods. Our focus is growing beautiful flowers and a lot of different kinds of tasty, beautiful vegetables for sale at farmer’s markets.

We are so grateful to have a chance to farm and live here and take care of this place. And, we are even more grateful to have it protected in perpetuity. Sandy Mush is such an amazing jewel of a place, and we love being part of the community.

We’ve been out here since 1997, and had grown on rented land a few years before that. We love being outside and just being able to grow vegetables, sow seed, watch the plants grow and come up with produce at the end — it’s just very rewarding, interesting, exciting, and challenging work, even after 20 years!”

Farmland Protection Updates | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 11

French Broad River Valley Focus Area

Brown Family Farm Farming heritage in Sandy Mush Community The Brown family worked with SAHC to conserve 175 acres of their multi-generational family farm.

The Buncombe County Farm Heritage trails winds through the scenic Sandy Mush community. Now, views of rolling pastures and forested hillsides along the farm trail at the Brown Family Farm have been permanently protected. Thank you to all the SAHC members and supporters who have made farmland preservation possible here and throughout the region!

“The Brown Family Farm is a great

Conservation Director Jess Laggis.

example of farmland protection

“Margaret and Grover Brown

working for conservation-minded

wanted to retire from farming,

landowners,” says Farmland

and their twin sons, Robert and

The Brown family farm includes rolling open pasture and forested hillsides.

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| Farmland Protection Updates

Stephen (and wife Angela), wanted to expand the existing cattle operation. The easement provides the means for this farm operation to continue without the need to parcelize the land and inhibit the next generation’s farm use. AND, it’s just stunning, and anchors the viewshed on both sides of South Turkey Creek Road, a route beloved by motorists and cyclists for its scenery.”

The 175 acres now permanently protected at the farm contain important agricultural soils, undeveloped forested and nonforested habitat for wildlife, frontage along South Turkey Creek Road, and stream corridors. The land has been in agricultural use for as long as anyone can remember.

The curent Brown Family Farm

was established in 1952, originally organized as a dairy farm.

“The farm is a 4th generation family farm,” says Angela Brown on behalf of the family. “The farm was a dairy farm until 1995 when the dairy industry in western North Carolina took a downturn. In 1995 the farm converted to beef, tobacco and hay production. We no longer grow tobacco, and the farm is now focused on beef cattle and hay production.

Our hope is that Grover will be able to ease into retirement, but for the time being he is still actively farming as he has for years. Stephen and Robert have stepped in to help Grover to continue on the farm work into the future, and they plan to continue farming. Our goal of preserving our farmland is to keep it a farm from now on as our family and family before wanted.”

Conservation of the farm was made possible by a grant from the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture, Brad and Shelli Stanback, a grant from Buncombe County, and donation of a portion of the The Brown Family and farmland preservation staff on site visit conservation easement value by Family Farm and Full Sun Farm the landowners. Mountain Valley will be protected permanently as RC&D helped SAHC secure grant working farmlands,” says Ariel Zijp, funding from NC Dept. Agriculture Farmland Preservation Coordinator. to make this project possible.

“By protecting these two properties, SAHC will bridge gaps in designated “We are incredibly excited that priority regions of Farmland as well through dedication from SAHC and as strengthen relationships with partnership with Buncombe Land conservation partners and land Conservation Advisory Board’s stewards in the community.” transaction cost funding, both Brown

Partner Perspective: Buncombe County Farmland Conservation Ariel Zijp, Farmland Preservation Coordinator

“As Asheville grows as a tourist destination, and development soars, Farmland Preservation is a high priority for Buncombe County. Land Protection completed by our non-profit land trust partners aligns strongly with the Buncombe County 2025 Strategic Plan Goal: Preserve farmland and environmentally sensitive tracts of land.

By protecting Farmland, we are not only protecting land from development, but we are also protecting farm family’s Sandy Mush farming community and Brown family farm livelihoods, protecting fertile agricultural soils which took a thousand years to form, protecting scenic mountain viewsheds which draws millions of tourists a year, protecting Asheville’s vibrant foodshed on which the restaurant industry depends, and securing land access to farming generations to come. Thank you to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for continuing to move forward this imperative land protection mission.”

Farmland Protection Updates | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 13

SAHC Community Farm Conservation • Education • Celebration This summer, Community Farm Associate Tamarya Sims brought a whole new feel for farm life to a wide variety of camp and community groups. From partnering with the NC Arboretum in their EcoExplore program to teaching kids to safely hold chickens raised on the farm, this season has been full of volunteer work days and educational activity, growing young minds along with agriculture.

Community Farm Associate Tamarya Sims, left, leads a volunteer work day on the farm with Jessie Dean, right, Asheville Tea Company founder.

Community Farm Associate Tamarya Sims has been busy running educational programs on the farm this summer! In July, Tamarya taught groups from Project Lighten Up, Youth Transformed for Life, and others about chickens, farming eggs, and how chickens fit into the farm ecosystems.

Tamarya discusses bees during a youth education program.

Tamarya explained how a mobile chicken tractor and moveable fencing create space for chickens to live free-range on the farm, helping with rotational grazing to improve pasture health. The chickens follow cattle through the field eating all of the delicious bugs and grubs while soaking in vitamin D. Educational farm programs also included a stop at the honey bee hives at the farm.

Summer camp groups learned about chickens on the farm.

Thank you to District Apiary Inspector Lewis Cauble, who

Asheville Greenworks’ YELP interns get a feel for farm careers.

came out to the farm to check out the bees and gave us some great tips!

“I use the honey bees as a way to teach about pollination and the importance of pollinators in our food systems,” says Tamarya.

“Although honey bees are not native to this area, we do have other pollinators that are native species. We talk about how important it is to protect places and water sources for pollinators.

I explain that if we don’t have pollinators to visit that squash flower in the garden, for example, it won’t produce squash for us to eat.”

Tamarya also led farm tours with Root Cause Farm interns and Asheville Greenworks Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) to explore career paths in farming and different

Our Community Farm work is funded in part by grants from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and a cost-share grant from USDA NRCS.

Be sure to follow the SAHC Community Farm on Instagram and Facebook for news and activities!

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| SAHC Community Farm

types of farm enterprises - such as producing honey from bees, eggs from chickens, and flowers and vegetables. “We talk about career planning,” continues Tamarya, “and tour the farm to experience what farming is like and get a feel for the Incubator Program. I think this is important because many people haven’t had exposure to farm life or business practices. Doing farm tours helps people understand what it takes to create a farm enterprise for their sole income or what it looks like to have different streams of income.”

Salamander Plots - Habitat Project

Salamander plots in the stream restoration area will provide optimum habitat for our amphibian friends.

Photos by Tamarya Sims

The new salamander plot program in the stream restoration area at the farm was piloted

by Community Farm Associate Tamarya Sims, who felt that the moist areas near the stream on SAHC’s Community Farm would be the perfect place to create ‘salamander plots’ for improved salamander habitat.

Salamander plots (or cover boards) are flat pieces of wood placed directly onto the moist forest floor. The wood helps create a safe, natural habitat that salamanders can live in. The wooden covers keep the area underneath dark and damp, providing ideal conditions for salamanders. In late March, volunteer students from the French Broad River Academy came out to help install the plots, and we found our first salamanders in the plot area in early May!

In addition to programs on the farm, Tamarya taught kids how ecology and food systems go hand-in-hand as part of a Young Naturalist speaker series with WNC Nature Center, hosted an informative herbal tea talk for youth at the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens in partnership with Bountiful Cities, and gave a presentation on container gardening for the Chow Chow Asheville Food Festival.

We are grateful to our Corporate Partners at Asheville Tea Company and Highland Brewing Company, and many other volunteers and groups who have come out to assist at the farm, including folks from J. Crew and regular volunteers from local recovery centers!

Tamarya hopes to use this project as an educational experience for the community as well as a conservation effort. They see the salamander plots as a great way to teach about both salamanders and environmental health because salamanders serve as important bioindicators of ecosystem health. Tamarya plans to use observations on the salamanders to look at things such as water quality and soil health and thinks it will be interesting to look at the differences between salamanders in heavily trafficked parts of the stream versus more untouched areas.

French Broad River Academy students help install the salamander plots.

We also hope the salamander plots will create new opportunities for citizen science.

Citizen science is a form of data collection that utilizes the general public to get a larger range of observations. Tamarya hopes to host events in which members of the community come out and collect data on the salamanders and their habitat to aid in research on the effects of climate change in our region and how it impacts salamanders and our natural resources.

• • • • •

Searching for Salamanders

It’s best to search during periods of rainy weather, around twilight, especially in early spring Generally they like cool, damp/wet areas so look carefully under logs, rocks or leaf clumps Bring a clean, clear container for a viewing area Always put things back where you found them, and do so quickly to prevent stress/illness Make sure your hands are wet and clear of contaminants; wash hands between salamanders.

It is best to avoid touching the salamanders directly at all.

SAHC Community Farm | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 15

Youth Ed uca tion This summer, we were grateful and excited to be able to work in-person with YTL Training Program and YMCA Horizons to facilitate youth education in the environment and outdoor recreation. We want to give a special thank you to Board members Allison Williams, Matt Moses, and Larry Pender for helping provide exceptional and exciting experiences — from whitewater rafting to horseback riding!

Excursions and More

Campers from YMCA Horizons practice putting up tents.

Photo credit Allison Williams.

Education improves through partnership, knowledge, and experience.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Youth Transformed for Life in educational outings, and to have experts in the field of conservation and recreation partner with us as well.

AmeriCorps member Cici Wood and intern LaKyla Hodges continued to work with Youth Transformed for Life (YTL) to host on-site educational programs and plan a series of excursions. Community Farm Associate Tamarya Sims led one group on an exploration of farm life, including pollinators and chickens.

Matt Moses and his team from USA Raft (USARaft.com) provided on-theriver rafting experiences for youth and teens, rafting the Lower Nolichucky from the USA Raft Adventure Resort in Erwin, TN. Thank you to USA Raft for donating two afternoon excursions!

Allison Williams led an outdoor recreation program at the SAHC Community Farm for both YTL and the YMCA Horizons summer camp, along with special guest Leandra Taylor, Outreach and Partnership Coordinator with the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards. Groups worked together to put up tents, make trail mix, and cook on a camp stove, and Leandra led a mindfulness and nature journaling activity.

“At the end of the event, Allison had everyone stand in a circle and end using one positive word to describe the experience,” recalls LaKyla. “They were using words like ‘exciting’ and ‘new’ and ‘together’ and ‘learning’ – I was really happy about that because they seemed to actually take something away from the experience. They talked about the view and being outside.

I think that was a really nice moment.”

Ending out the special trips in July, and the end of the camp season, founders of Pathways to Parks Tanya Marie and Larry Pender joined youth for a horseback riding trip in Madison County at Sandy Bottom Trail Rides.

“When Pathways to Parks connects children with horseback riding in nature, we know that we’re seeing the YTL groups thoroughly enjoyed the rafting trips. Thank you USA Raft! Photo credit YTL fruition of our mission — connecting

Pathways to Parks (top) and YTL campers (bottom) enjoyed a trail ride in Madison County. Photo credit Pathways to Parks

humans with nature!” said Tanya Marie Pender, Co-founder and President of Pathways to Parks. The mission of Pathways to Parks is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state and local parks and to help make it easy and accessible for them to do so.

Visit PathwaysToParks.com for more info about their work.

16 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Connecting People with Land

Cici leads an outdoor program on salamanders.

Photos by Sue Wasserman

Wonder of Water Last year, the Burnsville Library was selected by the North Carolina Humanities Council to be one of six sites in North Carolina to host “Water/Ways,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. This exhibit is meant to connect people to water while exploring its environmental and cultural impact. To accompany this exhibit, freelance writer Sue Wasserman designed a youth environmental education titled “The Wonder of Water” for students in Yancey, Mitchell and Avery counties to learn about and creatively connect with local waterways.

CiCi Wood, SAHC’s Communications and Community Engagement Associate, joined Sue Wasserman and her students for one of their programs to share her love of salamanders. The students learned about the importance of salamanders in maintaining healthy waters, and were even able to see a few salamanders up close!

“Helping students connect with the natural world is one of the most powerful gifts we can give our youth,” says Cici.

“Programs like the Wonder of Water are so important for instilling a lifelong The group enjoyed learning passion for nature. My about and finding salamanders hope is that these kids will in the creek grow into lifelong stewards of the Southern Appalachian region and help meet the challenges of protecting these magnificent natural resources for ourselves and for future generations. I feel so lucky to be doing this work alongside the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.”

Intern Perspective: LaKyla Hodges Since her childhood, inspired by shows like the Crocodile Hunter and the Jeff Corwin Experience, LaKyla has loved wildlife. Today, she is passionate about intersections among environmental issues and under-represented communities. She hopes to raise awareness about the disproportionate impacts of environmental challenges on minority communities and also to help engage youth in these communities in environmental advocacy.

“I am very excited to work with the SAHC team and to help connect diverse communities with land conservation,” she says.

“When working in the environmental field, it’s important to remember to consider how different aspects of one’s identity can affect how they view and interact with the natural world.

Intersectional environmentalism is one of the best ways we can ensure that our environmental practices are sustainable and effective. Taking intersectionality into account can help to reach people of all types of identities by making them feel seen and comfortable rather than being “blind” to our differences. Incorporating values such as equity, diversity, and inclusion can give you a strong start to becoming a more socially conscious organization or environmentalist, but the follow through is the most important part.

Deconstructing outdated beliefs that have been passed down to you and talking with members of marginalized groups first hand are, in my opinion, the best ways to reinforce intersectional practices. Reframing your point of view and doing needs assessment are much needed yet often forgotten aspects of activism.”

Connecting People with Land | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 17

O f Peop le a nd Lan d Salamanders in Swannanoa Mountains Have you seen a salamander lately? These vibrantly speckled and spotted amphibians come bearing good news.

If you’ve seen them in an area you have hiked or explored, the water quality and habitat of that area is probably pretty good! Salamanders are sensitive to environmental changes, so finding an abundance of salamanders means the land and water are healthy for other species, too — including humans. Conservationist Tom Ward has discovered that night is the best time to photograph these shy but enchanting creatures.

Seal salamander, Desmognathus monticola

High up in the Swannanoa Mountains, Tom Ward enjoys a special appreciation for his family’s permanently conserved land and the biological diversity it supports.

“My great-grandfather built a cabin on the property 95 years ago, and the property has been in my family ever since,” recalls Tom. His family wanted to ensure that this special place was never developed, so they

worked with SAHC to permanently protect 114 acres with a conservation easement in 2011. A mile and half of stream corridor running through the property creates excellent habitat for salamanders.

With a Masters degree in biology, Tom has a particular interest in documenting species on the property and has reported his findings to the NC Natural Heritage Program, contributing to citizen science in the state. So far he has identified 10 species of salamander on the family’s protected land.

“With North Carolina being the center of biodiversity for salamanders, it is a great place to study salamanders,” says Tom. “Amphibians are very sensitive to environmental changes, so salamanders are a good indicator species for the health of the mountain.”

Carolina mountain dusky salamander, Desmognathus carolinensis

Last year, Tom spent time hiking his family’s

18 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2

Yonahlossee salamander, Plethodon yonahlossee

property at night, and discovered it was a wonderful time to photograph salamanders.

“They’re nocturnal creatures, so night is a time you can find them out and about in their natural habitat,” he says. Tom described the salamander species he has documented across the conserved property, noting the

Black-bellied salamander, Desmognathus quadramaculatus

| Of Land and People

White-spotted slimy salamander, Plethodon cylindraceus

different habits and niches preferred by each species.

“The most aquatic one, which you hardly ever find out of the creek, is Desmognathus quadramaculatus – the black-bellied salamander. Also in the creek we find the seal salamander (Desmognathus mondicola) and spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus).

A little further out you may find some Carolina mountain dusky salamanders (Desmognathus carolinensis), and the eft stage of the red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) can be found all over, especially after a good rain. We have three species of plethodon: the Blue Ridge graycheeked salamander (Plethodon amplus), which has a limited range; the white-

spotted slimy salamanders (Plethodon cylindraceus), which are pretty ubiquitous in the upland parts of the mountain; and the Yonahlosseee salamander (Plethodon yonahlossee), which can be found among boulder fields and rock outcroppings. The Blue Ridge twolined salamander (Eurycea wilderae) gets out and about in the mountain in the summer and you don’t see it as much, but in October it comes back to the creek to breed. The red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) we’ve found only a few times – it prefers muddy areas.”

Blue Ridge two-lined salamander, Eurycea wilderae

Red-spotted newt, eft stage, Notopthalmus viridescens

All photos by Tom Ward.

Spring salamander, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus

Blue Ridge gray-cheeked salamander, Plethodon amplus

Red salamander, Pseudotriton ruber

Of Land and People | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 19

Highlands of Roan Stewardship Grassy Ridge Mow-Off volunteers

Volunteer Days, Bird Surveys, and Public Education Spring and summer atop the Highlands of Roan stayed busy with active habitat management work days, biological surveys, and more. We’re grateful to all the volunteers who helped with stewardship and outing projects this year, and to all the supporters and partners who make it possible to preserve and restore rare and important ecosystems.

“We’re so glad to have been able to come back together as a group with the return of the annual Grassy Ridge Mow-off,” said Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett. “I think everyone really enjoyed the camaraderie of working together again! We’re very grateful to all the volunteers who came out. Plus, we enjoyed a pleasant surprise — everything bloomed a couple weeks later this year than usual, so we were able to see numerous Gray’s lily

blooming in areas that were mowed by volunteers in previous years.. It was also the first time I’ve been on a mowoff without the rain!”

SAHC Board member Larry Pender joined in volunteering at the Mow-off again this year, reflecting on his time as “Celebrating the great outdoors with a heart healthy hike across the Roan and a momentous, meaningful mow atop the Grassy Ridge of the Roan!”

The National Forest Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to support our grassy balds management work The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) awarded two license plate grants to SAHC, totaling $10,000 to support feral hog trapping in the Roan. SAHC staff continue to implement a previous ATC grant of $4,700 which will support the installation of educational “peakfinder” signage on Round Bald.

Volunteers from Green River Preserve help install stairs along the Everett Bowman Memorial Trail at SAHC’s Elk Hollow Preserve.

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Outreach and Education

Golden-winged Warblers

Youth outings and volunteer work days brought new outdoor experiences to a new generation of conservationists. Roan Naturalist Joshua Lyons led an outing for a TN Girl Scout troop to visit Round Bald and a program for the Friends of Roan Mountain Roan Extreme Adventures, and Roan Ecologist Travis Bordley led two work days with Green River Preserve campers at SAHC’s Elk Hollow Preserve.

The GWWA is found in shrubby, young forest habitats in the Great Lakes and Appalachian Mountains.

The regional population in the Appalachian Mountains has fallen by 98%, due in part to loss of breeding habitat, loss of wintering habitat in South America, and hybridization with the closely related Blue-winged Warbler. GWWA nest near the ground, making them vulnerable to predation by raccoons, feral hogs, etc. or to being destroyed by mowing or trampling. The GWWA is actually a forest bird which uses shrubby openings within a landscape that is generally (about 70%) forested on a large scale. Historically, wildfires, small farms, and natural disturbances created a patchwork of this habitat across the landscape. However, with changes in land use, these open areas are rapidly disappearing as they are developed for human habitation or industrial agriculture.

“This is the second year in a row we have partnered with Green River Preserve at Elk Hollow,” says Travis.

“They joined us twice this season.

During the first trip, volunteers helped remove invasive Japanese knotweed, and the second group helped install stairs along the Everett Bowman Memorial Trail. Both groups enjoyed staying at the camping platform at Elk Hollow for multiple nights and exploring the Roan. We want to give a shout-out to all the volunteers and excellent staff who joined us from the Green River Preserve, and thank them for their continued support!”

SAHC is an active member of the Golden-winged Warbler Working

Group, which recently released a conservation blueprint to boost the warbler’s numbers by 50 percent within the next 50 years. We have documented GWWA on many SAHC properties, especially those that have old fields or other open areas. In addition to monitoring their populations, we manage many of these properties to maintain a patchwork of habitat. We are also pleased to support researchers as they use our properties to do nesting surveys, geolocator surveys, and more.

In Spring 2021, SAHC staff and our partners completed Golden-winged Warbler (GWWA) surveys across the Roan. Researchers from the University of TN tagged and recorded measurements from birds on SAHC preserves near Hampton Creek Cove.

Those birds, both second year males, were carefully netted, tagged with color bands, and safely released. We look forward to seeing where they are documented on their wintering grounds in South America!

Researchers from University of TN tagged Golden-winged Warblers found on an SAHC preserve in the Hampton Creek area.

Conservation In Action | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 21

SAHC AmeriCorps member Hannah Stuart plants a red spruce seedling on our Haw Orchard Ridge preserve.

Spruce-fir Forest Restoration

Hiking in the Roan Highlands, you may have had the experience of leaving the sunny, open grassy balds to dip your head into the dark shade of adjacent spruce-fir forests. Like the grassy balds, these remnant, boreal forests host multiple federally engaged species. New efforts to conserve and restore high elevation spruce-fir forests complement SAHC’s decades-long program of restoration and habitat management of Appalachian grassy balds.

Why is Spruce-fir Forest Special?

Southern Appalachian red spruce-Fraser fir forests are considered one of the top two most endangered ecosystem types in the U.S. and contain multiple federal and state listed rare species, including the federally endangered spruce-fir moss spider and Carolina northern flying squirrel, the rare Weller’s salamander, and Appalachian populations of Saw-whet

Owl, Red Crossbills, and more. Cold water streams flowing from these forests support Appalachian brook trout and other rare aquatic species.

During the last ice age, red spruce and Fraser fir dominated the southern Appalachian forest. But as the climate warmed, the spruce-fir forests gradually retreated north to Canada and to the tops of the highest peaks in the Southern Appalachians, above 5,000 feet in elevation.

Logging during the 19th and 20th centuries reduced the extent of spruce-fir forest in the southern Appalachians by up to 60%, as fast-growing hardwoods replaced forests which had been cut. These forests were For future generations... Volunteers helped plant more than further degraded by 5,000 red spruce seedlings on SAHC preserves this year.

22 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Conservation In Action

acid precipitation and the invasive balsam woolly adelgid. However, now the largest threat to these forests is climate change, with warming temperatures and changes in rainfall.

Creating a Conifer Corridor SAHC is an active member of the Southern Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (SASRI) who is working to restore red spruce on high elevation sites throughout our region. By expanding and connecting habitat “islands” of spruce, SASRI partners hope to expand and connect habitat for rare and endangered species. For the past three years, SAHC has been putting restoration techniques to work on high elevation preserves in the Roan Highlands.

In 2019, SAHC received a grant from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative to work on red spruce restoration in the Roan Highlands. We used low impact forestry

Cloudland Parking Area

Carvers Gap

Peake Preserve Grassy Ridge

Haw Orchard Ridge Existing spruce-fir forest stands

Restoration area on SAHC preserves

Bridging the gap: these forest restoration efforts on SAHC preserves will help connect existing spruce-fir forest stands in the Highlands of Roan

techniques to girdle single hardwoods and “release” understory red spruce to the canopy, giving them sunlight. We also worked with Warren Wilson College to conduct experiments into the impacts of ground cover on red spruce seedling recruitment and we collected seeds for restoration.

By Spring 2021, the seeds collected from Haw Orchard had been grown into healthy seedlings. We partnered with Wicked Weed Brewing through a grant from Keep America Beautiful to coordinate lots of volunteers and plant over 5,000 of those red spruce seedlings on our Haw Orchard Ridge and Peake preserves.

On a landscape scale, these plantings will eventually be part of a habitat corridor, connecting spruce stands on Roan High Knob and Grassy Ridge for wildlife movement. On a preserve scale, they will provide habitat for conifer dependent birds, like Red Crossbill and Saw-whet Owl, while shading priority trout streams as hemlock and beech trees are lost. This tireless work from partners and volunteers ensures that future generations will have

the chance to explore these magical forests for years to come.

From NC to WV and Back Again SAHC’s red spruce forest restoration project developed out of a decade-plus commitment to spruce restoration across the Southern and Central Appalachians.

Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett, who worked as a Wildlife Biologist with Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia, met Dave Saville 15 years ago when they were both involved in the fledgling Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative.

“Together we have literally planted tens of thousands of spruce in West Virginia,” laughs Marquette. So, it seemed like a natural fit to ask Dave, of Appalachian Spruce Restoration, to collect red spruce seed from our Haw Orchard Preserve and grow those seedlings for restoration.

In 2021, thousands of those seedlings returned to the Roan Highlands.

Red spruce only “fruit” (produce cones) every four to eight years – so collecting seed means you have to know when it’s a fruiting year and where to find them. The

Ready to plant! These seedlings grew from seed collected on the SAHC preserves.

process requires very specific knowledge, from gathering cones to extracting the seeds. In nature, the cones hang upside down until they dry out, become battered by the weather, and dry again — releasing a few seeds at a time over the course of seasons. Dave’s operation mimics the natural patterns of weather with kilns and tumblers.

After the seeds have been extracted, he works with commercial nurseries that can grow them into seedling “plugs” (young plants grown in individual cells to be transplanted) that can be safely packaged and shipped to conservation groups or individuals for planting.

“Dave has worked really hard to make connections with commercial nurseries and create a process to produce seedlings for restoration efforts,” says Marquette.

“It’s particularly gratifying to know that the seedlings planted at Haw Orchard Ridge have their parent trees on the same preserve.” A quick survey this summer showed that almost all of our seedlings are surviving and have put on 0.5-1 inch of new growth — we can’t wait to see these sites in another 5 or 10 years!

Conservation In Action | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 23

Board of Trustees Spotlight: Allison Williams Congratulations to Board member Allison Williams, who was recognized this year by National Parks Conservation Association as one of “10 under 40” conservation heroes to watch!

“My passion for community and public lands keeps me focused on the future,” she says. “It’s really uplifting to be recognized as a millennial working in this field because it can be challenging to move forward and up.”

Allison is currently serving as an information assistant with Francis Marion National Forest in SC and had a hand in developing the National Forest Explorer app. An SAHC Board member since 2019, Allison has been working in conservation outreach and education for seven years and has gained global perspectives on the environment through several trips abroad.

She brings her expertise in community building and passion for nature connection to SAHC as an active board member.

Allison uses her platform to speak out on the lack of diverse representation in the conservation world and inspire change makers who can pave the way for others like them. “Don’t have doubts when you don’t see people who look like you,” she says. “You can always find community.”

Board Members

We are grateful to the folks who have donated their time and expertise to become leaders on the SAHC Board of Trustees.

Jeff Needham

Jeff has served on the SAHC Board for 6 years and has been an outstanding and active leader within SAHC. He has most recently Jeff, far left, with staff and other SAHC Trustees served as the Vice President of the Board and also on the SAHC Governance Committee.

Jeff has brought his strong leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills to our team and has been a champion of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork and foundation for incorporating our EDI work in our strategic plan and organizational goals. He helped create the underpinning principles and framework assessment for implementing EDI vision throughout the organization and he is going to be greatly missed.

Welcome, New Trustees of the Board!

Janet Garrett Janet and her husband John moved to Asheville in 1990. She practiced radiology with Asheville Radiology Associates for 27 years, and since 2017 she has been enjoying retirement, grandchildren, travel and gardening. “I have always loved being outdoors in nature and have felt privileged to live in this community where I can play outside every day.”

Hannah Latragna

Allison sets up for a youth education program this summer at SAHC’s Community Farm. (p.16)

Hannah serves on the staff of Muddy Sneakers, which provides experiential environmental education for public-school fifth graders.

Hannah served as an Americorps member with SAHC, where she played a key role in our EDI outreach efforts, focusing on after-school programs with public schools.

24 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Conservation In Action

Seasonal Staff and Interns LaKyla Hodges, Communications and Youth Education Intern LaKyla is a senior at Warren Wilson College where she is studying Environmental Education.

She worked with SAHC as a communications intern this summer, focusing on implementing and supporting our equity, diversity and inclusion goals. LaKyla has a wide variety of experience working in the environmental education field. She has held positions as an intern with the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, a senior camp aid at the Smithsonian National Zoo, a camp facilitator at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, and as a communications and advocacy intern at MountainTrue. As a Bonner Leader at Warren Wilson, she has also worked with several youth organizations in traditionally Black communities of Asheville. In addition to facilitating youth programs this summer, LaKyla spent time writing about the salamander plots at the SAHC Community Farm and interviewing with Allison Williams, Pathways to Parks, and more.

Lydie Costes, Duke Stanback Intern Lydie Costes is a Master of Environmental Management student at Duke, focusing her studies on Ecosystem Science, Conservation, and Geospatial Analysis. She is from Chapel Hill, NC and has a background in agriculture, psychology, and administration. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, learning about plants, and dancing. This summer, Lydie worked as a Stanback Fellow designing the management plan for Chestnut Mountain. This parcel was purchased in 2020 by SAHC and will be donated to the Town of Canton for use as a public park. Lydie consolidated existing documentation and communicated with various community partners to establish recommendations that balance conservation and recreation. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with SAHC this summer,” she says.

Joshua Lyon, Roan Naturalist Joshua is a “plant nerd” heading to Western Carolina University after working with SAHC. He started in seasonal outdoor work in 2016 by maintaining trails with the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and stayed on to lead crews for multiple seasons before becoming a Ridgerunner in Georgia for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). As the seasonal Roan Naturalist, Joshua split time between stewardship projects and visitor interactions. Half of the season consisted of interacting with hikers to teach them how to minimize impact on the trail by staying safe and respecting the plants and animals that make up Roan’s imperiled ecosystems. The other half was spent on stewardship projects such as mowing the balds, planting spruce, doing bird surveys and putting out educational signs. This position is funded by the ATC and jointly hosted between SAHC, ATC and the US Forest Service.

Maya Nightsky Rosensweet, Roan Highlands Intern Maya is a Biology and Philosophy double-major at Mount Holyoke College. “My goal is to be part of the climate change movement with a biological focus in carbon sequestration and a social focus in well-being,” she says. “For SAHC, my main project has been planning and building wild native plant gardens at Little Rock Creek preserve, including a pollinator garden, a meadow, and a raised edible garden. These gardens are not only environmentally sustainable (native, good for pollinators, birds, and other fauna, and specifically good carbon sequesterers), but they are also culturally and historically significant. All in all, we aim for this property to be beautiful AND educational.”

Conservation In Action | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 25

Partners Volunteer in Conservation Fieldwork Wicked Weed Brewing

Highland Brewing Company

Thanks to our incredible partners at Wicked Weed Brewing for helping secure an $8,000 Keep America Beautiful grant to support habitat management. Volunteers from Wicked Weed literally got their hands dirty while joining us in a series of work days in the Highlands of Roan, planting 5,000 red spruce seedlings to restore forests, shade streams, and connect habitat (see. pg. 16-17 for more details). Thank you to Recover Brands for donating t-shirts for the tree-planting volunteers! For each #Appalachia Session IPA sold, Wicked Weed donates a portion of proceeds to SAHC.

Shout-out to long-time parthers — 10+ years — at Highland Brewing Company who braved the rain for a soggy work day at the SAHC Community Farm. They helped harvest garlic and broadfork the beds. Some garlic bulbs were tied in bundles, to be prepped for sale later this year at our farm stand, and some will be used for seed next year. Thank you for your perseverance and volunteer efforts! This summer, Highland collaborated with SAHC on a special small batch Firefly wheat beer, brewed with locally grown lemon balm and yarrow; $1 per pour is donated to SAHC.

Outdoor Gear for Conservation Our partners at Wicked Weed Brewing and ENO Hammocks have teamed up in a new collaboration that looks great while giving back! With each #Appalachia hammock purchased, a portion of proceeds benefits SAHC and helps create trails on our Robinson Rough Preserve — which you can enjoy first-hand through a guest stay on the preserve. Plus, Wicked Weed and Handup Gloves have created #Appalachia biking gloves — which also help support conservation. More info and links to purchase at Appalachian.org 26 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Corporate Partners

T h an k You Corp ora te Pa r tners !

Corporate Partners Mt. Mitchell: $25,000+ Bernhardt Furniture Wicked Weed Brewing Witherspoon, Platt & Associates Waterrock Knob: $15,000+ Mast General Store Salesforce Roan Mountain: $10,000+ Appalachian Realty Associates Biltmore Company

Land Trust Day/Conservation Month Success!

We want to give a special shout out to long-time partners (since 2002) at Mast General Store for their support on Land Trust Day, raising almost $16,000.

“Protecting open spaces, wetlands, family farms, and wildlife habitats is important to us because these areas have an impact on both our personal and business vitality,” said Lisa Cooper, President of Mast General Store.

Wicked Weed Brewing matched gifts up to $10,000 during the month of June, leveraging $30,000 in contributions! Highland Brewing Company donated almost $1,900 from the Peachful Fresh and Fruity Ale seasonal release party. Second Gear chose SAHC as their nonprofit of the month, contributing over $1,700 from 1% of sales throughout the month and 10% of sales on Land Trust Day. THANK YOU to all of these generous sponsors and to all who donated during the month of June, making continued land and water conservation possible!

Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo Saturday, Oct. 30

The “Pop Up Binge” is back again this year, with raffle benefitting SAHC. The ride will offer a variety of routes to choose from — a perfect way to celebrate the end of the professional cycling racing season and the Brent Bookwalter’s professional cycling career.

More info and registration at www.bookwalterbinge.com

Cold Mountain: $5,000+ Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo The Garden Club of America Highland Brewing Company Parsec Financial Management Big Yellow: $2,500+ Bonesteel Films Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) Kee Mapping & Surveying USA Raft Max Patch: $1,000+ Adams J. Wood Apple Inc. Asheville Hiking Tours Asheville Tea Company Brunk Auctions Duke Energy Foundation Equinox Environmental French Broad River Garden Club Google, Inc. Network Computer Solutions REI Co-Op Roberts & Stevens, Attorneys at Law Samsel Architects Second Gear Starks Financial Group Steelcase Foundation Westmoreland & Scully Wildwood Consulting, LLC

For information about becoming a Corporate Partner or participating in our Real Estate Partner Program, contact Cheryl Fowler at cheryl@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 209.

Corporate Partners | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 27

Memb ers’ Corner

In Memoriam - William Hamilton

As Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s (SAHC) Farmland Program Director, William Hamilton led farmland conservation efforts at SAHC from 2005 to 2017. His conservation legacy has been counted in acres of farmland protected and dollars of funding raised for farmland conservation or grants awarded for projects…. But the farmers, partners, and team members who worked directly with William remember him better through their experiences together.

William helped shape a lasting legacy of protected farmland across the Southern Appalachian mountains, from the fertile Fairview bottomlands to stunning Rogers Cove in Haywood County. He was particularly proud of the growing network of conserved farms nestled amongst the quiet coves and hills of Sandy Mush.

He had a quiet way – a solid way, a human way of connecting with farmers, and in an early era of farmland conservation, when the idea of conservation easements was relatively new and suspicion high among folks skeptical of outsider interference, William’s love for the land spoke volumes. He built a solid working relationship with farmer Bill Duckett in the Sandy Mush community, and the Ducketts’ positive experiences in farmland conservation subsequently opened the doors for future farm preservation projects. Word of mouth spread, that conservation was good for the farmers, good for the land, and good for the community.

“William and my dad became fairly close working on the conservation easement on the farm,” Kevin Duckett remembers. “I would attribute what William did as key to getting the land conserved in Sandy Mush. People trusted him and could relate to him. For example, William came out and helped work with me a couple of days on the farm, just to get to know the family and why we wanted to conserve the

land. He was great at working with folks – someone you could call if you needed something and know that he was in your corner.”

William worked with several families to protect fertile farm areas which may have been attractive to developers for ease of access and gentle topography, but which also contained the most important agricultural soils in the region.

“William was passionate about farmland preservation, especially prime soils; somehow the topic of prime soils made its way into many of our conversations,” recalls Commissioner Terri Wells. “It was my pleasure to work with William over the course of many years, starting with conserving our family’s farm in Big Sandy Mush and, most recently, on significantly increasing the county’s investment in conservation. William grasped the importance of this work for our future generations; he cared deeply. I believe William would want us to think big and keep the urgency of this work at the forefront.”

“William and I worked together as SAHC’s land protection dream team for 10 years. He brought mountains of joy and laughter to our SAHC family. He had decided our land protection staff should know how to fly fish, and he made a valiant effort to teach me on his family’s land on the Tuckasegee River. While that effort was not a huge success, William showed me how to demonstrate that our intentions are as pure at the headwater streams we protect.

One landowner told me that William “oozed integrity”. And he did, along with his deep love of the land. When I started working for SAHC, he took me to meet Bill Duckett and walk the Myrtle Duckett conservation easement property in Sandy Mush. I look back on that as being in the presence of humble, kind, and quietly powerful greatness. Losing William is a mighty blow. He was a friend, a fellow conservation hero, and an incredible human being.

I am forever grateful for the time we shared.”

William visiting Rogers Cove in Haywood County

28 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Members’ Corner

~ Michelle Pugliese, Land Protection Director

Memorials

Memb ers’ Corner

— as of August 10

Memorial contributions to SAHC honor the memory of special individuals. A memorial gift is a gift of flowers in perpetuity. You can remember your loved one by making a gift to SAHC to help permanently protect the places they loved.

In memory of David C. Bailey Lisa and George Francisco

The Behrer Family Jim and Ann Booterbaugh Virginia Bosomworth In memory of Leah Broker Isbell (Bam) Behrer Becky Brookshire Babette and Chris Schmidt Lori C. Brown In memory of Sally Bruderle Stanley Bobowski Scott and Jenny Bunn Pat Bobowski Scott Campbell Gerry and Kelly Czupkiewicz Chelsea Cannon T. and J. Fry Lisa Coffee John and Pat Malik Nita Coleman Peter and Grace Marshall Anne Coxe Patricia Sochacki Mary Crutchfield In memory of Wesley Boone III Charles and Jeanne Cummings Bettye Boone and Saylor Fox Maxine and Jack Dalton Kathie Brabham and Harry Matt Drury Dalton Susan Emerick Linda and Oliver Etheridge In memory of Jack Bryson Mary Fanslow Mary and Jim Bryson Tom Fanslow In memory of Francois “Frank” XR Delzer Nathan Gazaway Samantha Green Alesa Grant Leonard and Helaine Greene In memory of Steve Garrett John L. Griswold Brian Kaufmann John and Lori Groce In memory of Rick and Melinda Halford William Hamilton Debra Hammond Ken and Jennifer Abbott Jennifer Harrison Albermarle Literary Guild Family of Lindsay Hearn Becky Anderson Lang and Ann-Patton Hornthal Appalachian Realty Associates Michael and Cynthia Justice Carolyn Ashworth Michelle Lovejoy Louise Bahnson Popsie Lynch

Leah and Brian Mathews Laura and Mike McCue Joanne Meredith Jason Mundy Nora Murdock Judy Murray and Tom Gatti Martha and Don Neblett Elizabeth Newman Lois Penn Jacob Perkinson Anne Ponder Rich Preyer and Dianne DuBois Libba and Robert Pyeatt Jenny Rawlings Megan Riley Bill Ryan and Lynn Bledsoe Dixie Sakolosky Mark and Beth Searles Slater and Nikki Solomon Layne Steinhelper Bill Swann Barb Swell Sharon Taylor George and Mary Thomas Judy Whisnant and John Bell Laurie and Tom Williams Mary Bruce and Stephen Woody Lynn Wright Anna Zanetti and Johnny Remein In memory of Riley Howell Nancy Blevins Jonathan Davis Joseph Lazzaro

In memory of Witt Langstaff, Sr. Kent and Feanette Blazier Judy Murray and Tom Gatti In memory of Steve Melton Kim Williams In memory of George Moein Susan and Daniel Sauer Philip Thomason and Amy Lynch In memory of Dr. George Nilsen Jack Branscomb Judy Murray and Tom Gatti In memory of Len Pardue Jack Branscomb In memory of Mack Prichard Judy Murray and Tom Gatti Rick Phelps In memory of Eloise Smyre Carole and Charlie Mauldin In memory of Dan Stillwell Susan Maybin In memory of Roger Tove Lisa Furlow Deanne McDougall In memory of Pam White Carole and Charlie Mauldin In memory of Wilson Wilde Jim Wilde

Tributes — as of August 10 Tributes are gifts made to SAHC that celebrate a person, achievement, or special occasion.

In honor of Travis Bordley Lisa and George Francisco

In honor of Nancy Edgerton Lia and Pat Reagan

Sara Evans Joyce Hooley and Michelle Kennedy Ginger Hain Mary Alice and Michael Lodico Tracy McCracken Theresa Oursler Kate Queen Wanda Taylor Elizabeth Wall Marjorie Warren

In honor of Catharine Ellis Pamela Anderson Jane Baker

In honor of Dr. James Karegeannes Ann Karegeannes

In honor of Lindsay Boring Lelia Kirkman In honor of the DobynsBennett Class of 1961 Helen C. Gift

In honor of Jay Leutze Rountree and Ellen Collett Mignon Durham Lisa and George Francisco Jim and Mary Allen Martin In honor of Bill and Kim Lowndes Judy Murray and Tom Gatti In honor of Robin Mayfield Shivam Kohls

In honor of Judy Murray and Tom Gatti Rick Phelps In honor of Jim Schreiber Jeff and Dianna Mazza In honor of Carl Silverstein Randy Hunter In honor of David, Melissa, Otto, Clyde and Asa Smith Judy Murray and Tom Gatti

In honor of Corey Meredith Pricewaterhouse Coopers

Members’ Corner | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 29

SAHC re l e ase s n ew 5-yea r Stra teg ic Plan Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy engaged in strategic planning in 2020 and early 2021 to update our 5-year organizational plan. Staff, Board and committee members and other stakeholders met virtually over the 12-month process due to the pandemic shutdown. We gathered extensive input and feedback about SAHC, which we synthesized into a new plan that was released in March 2021. We are pleased to share this summary of the new plan. If you would like to review a fuller statement of SAHC’s 5-year goals and strategies, please email carl@appalachian.org and we’ll email you the complete version The overall objectives of the process were to update our Vision, Mission, Values and Ethics Statement, and other governing documents. the 5-year Goals and Strategies for our programs and operations, and approaches to implement the Mission and Goals in order to achieve the Vision.

Highlights of Takeaways from the Planning Process: EDI. Make Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) a foundational principle that permeates all aspects of our programming and operations, and strive to create equitable access to land for all people. Add staff position to lead SAHC’s programming to provide after-school educational services for youth, and other EDI-related outreach and communications.

PROTECT priority lands that further our conservation mission. Emphasize conserving the highest priority tracts within our service area, especially tracts Steps of the Process: and wildlife corridors that enhance landscape resilience to climate change. Help • Met with staff, departments and government agency partners acquire their highest priority tracts. Seize opportunities to committees to gather their input regarding conserve key tracts in the midst of accelerating land sales and real estate development 5-year goals and needs pressure. Strengthen systems and efficiencies in our land protection program, and add a staffing position to help cope with the increasing work-load.

• Devoted the 2020 Board-and-Staff retreat to SAHC’s five-year goals, needs STEWARD Land and conservation-easements. Further streamline efficiencies and strategies for implementation of processes and employ technology and other innovations. Emphasize: remote monitoring, increased communication and shared systems among staff, developing • Updated SAHC Vision, Mission, Salesforce database capabilities to increase automation and communication among Values and Ethics Statements, and other departments, and ensure sufficient staffing capacity to meet SAHC’s growing land and organizational documents conservation easement portfolio.

• Conducted a situation-analysis taking Roan stewardship. Lead the way in landscape-scale stewardship of the globally into consideration SAHC’s operating significant and fragile ecosystems of the Highlands of Roan, responding to ecological context, including: threats including invasive species, disease, climate change, and over-use of fragile - External socio-economic-political resources. factors - Land trust field industry trends, CONNECT people with land for outdoor recreation, health, fitness, wellbeing and institutional landscape, and demographic learning. Emphasize leading guided public outings so people can experience protected trends places, communicating with people about hiking and outdoor recreation through - Internal capacity considerations videos, social media, and other virtual tools, and providing opportunities at SAHC • Synthesized input into draft 5-year goals nature preserves and facilities for people to access nature. Develop SAHC Community Farm as a national model for balancing agricultural production with environmental and implementation strategies, which we responsibility, while providing educational opportunities to diverse groups. shared with stakeholders • Hosted webinars in January and February, sharing the draft 5-year plan with SAHC leaders, donors, partners and other stakeholders • Finalized the plan and presented it to the SAHC board at the March 2021 board meeting.

GROW our organizational and financial capacity while supporting an equitable and inclusive culture in order to achieve our ambitious program goals and assure SAHC’s future sustainability to meet long-term responsibilities. Build our Fundraising and Development program in order to meet our growing expenses and increase our endowments and long-term investments to assure SAHC’s future long-term sustainability. Legacy giving is a primary means of building our endowments and longterm investments. This will be a major focus of our fundraising efforts in the coming five years.

30 | View from the Highlands 2021 Vol. 2 | Members’ Corner

Vision Statement We envision a green corridor of protected mountains and valleys from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Highlands of Roan, providing a resilient network of intact habitat for plants and animals, which enables them to thrive and respond to climate change; sources of clean water for healthy ecosystems and people; sufficient places for all people to enjoy outdoor recreation for their health and wellbeing, including welcoming those who have not traditionally been served by land conservation; scenic beauty for the benefit of present and future generations; and opportunities for sustainable economic development. A network of protected mountain farms will sustain local food production and pass on the agricultural heritage of the Southern Appalachians to future generations. The region’s cultural heritage will be a valued and prominent part of the community fabric.

SAHC will continue to be a leader among land trusts, recognized locally and nationally for our excellence, transparency, and integrity in protecting critical lands; partnering with landowners, organizations, public agencies and communities, and providing exemplary, enduring stewardship of land we own and conservation easements we hold. The land and water we conserve represents our legacy to future generations, and we will fight to defend it against all threats. The fragile globally significant ecosystems of the Highlands of Roan will be restored and effectively managed through partnerships convened and led by SAHC. SAHC’s program of connecting all people with the land we protect will build and maintain a constituency of people who support conserving land. Through conserving land, SAHC will model best practices to positively affect local food systems, environmental issues, and adjust to climate change.

SAHC will be an antiracist organization. SAHC will be a place where no one feels like an outsider and everyone is part of a team of people who value equity, justice and democracy. Every SAHC volunteer, staff member and leader will demonstrate a personal commitment and responsibility for breaking down inequities, building up justice, learning from the experiences of others and creating welcoming spaces for everyone to become involved.

SAHC’s organizational capacity including staffing, technology and infrastructure will match the rapid pace of our work and need for excellence in the services we provide. SAHC’s responsibilities will increase as the demand for our services grows. The better our staff is trained, equipped and supported, the better our community will be served.

SAHC will have a high-performing development program, supported by appropriate technology and capable of implementing the organization’s fundraising plan. We will grow contributions from individuals, corporations and business partners, private foundations, and public grants, additions SAHC’s endowments and long-term investments and returns on those funds, and in-kind contributions, merchandise sales, and revenue from events, property rentals and innovative sources such as stream restoration credits.

SAHC’s name will be widely recognized in households across our region and respected for our significant contributions to conservation.

Members’ Corner | 2021 Vol. 2 View from the Highlands | 31

AN NUAL R E P O RT 2021

2020 was a record-breaking year for local conservation efforts across the mountains of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy protecting almost 3,000 more acres in the landscape.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and volunteers who helped make this possible.

Map: 2020 Completed Projects in SAHC’s Conservation Focus Areas

Protect

Stewa rd

Connect

Protected 2,986 acres of undeveloped mountain and farm land, including forests, streams, prime soils, and high elevation habitat.

Continued habitat management efforts in Highlands of Roan in small groups and completed 100% monitoring of protected lands.

Pivoted outreach efforts to prioritize virtual content, reaching more widespread audiences with virtual hikes and informative videos.

Fina nci al Sta tement SAHC Assets Current Assets Cash & Equivalents Receivables Prepaid Expenses Mitigation Credit Total Current Assets

Grants & Supporting Funds

2019/2020

2018/2019

$ 2,650,030 88,108 19,889 109,913 $ 2,867,940

$ 1,466,414 389,533 35,809 165,792 $ 2,057,548

Long-Term Assets Permanently Protected Properties Endowments/Investments Planned Giving Receivable Life Estate Land Assets Property & Equipment Escrow Accounts Trade Lands Total Long-Term Assets

$ 48,831,893 7,711,274 22,615 3,304,153 2,662,379 18,961 -$ 62,551,275

$ 32,020,936 7,466,800 21,888 4,195,581 2,683,60 9,852 -$ 46,398,665

$65,419,215

$48,456,213

$3,212,131

$ 944,862

$62,207,084

$47,511,351

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $65,419,215

$48,456,213

TOTAL ASSETS

SAHC Liabilities & Net Assets Total Liabilities Total Net Assets

To obtain a copy of the complete SAHC financial statements, please send us a note: 372 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 or email: sahc@appalachian.org

Revenue

Expenses

$1.6 million

$1.5 million Grants 4%

Fundraising 2%

General & Management 6%

Other 17%

Thank you to the following organizations and foundations for their critical support that makes our work possible.

(Funding provided 2020 calendar year.)

Appalachian Trail Conservancy — $5,000 for Grassy Balds Management in the Roan, $5,000 for a Seasonal Roan Naturalist.

The Beattie Foundation — $5,000 to support conservation and stewardship efforts.

Buncombe County — $5,000 Tipping Point Grant for story gathering project in rural African-American communities.

Carolina Bird Club — $65,000 for land acquisition and stewardship efforts in the Highlands of Roan.

Community Foundation of WNC’s Pigeon River Fund — $20,000 to support a conservation easement acquisition in Haywood County.

Conservation Trust for NC — $20,000 to support land acquisition in the Highlands of Roan.

McLendon Family Foundation — $10,000 to support active stewardship and management in the Highlands of Roan.

NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services — $662,305 to fund conservation easement acquisitions in the Sandy Mush farming community and Highlands of Roan.

NC Department of Justice — $150,000 to help acquire Chestnut Mountain for the future use of a public park in Canton, NC. Stanback Sandy Mush Collaborative Forest Restoration Grant — $30,000 to help remove and control invasive species in Sandy Mush.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service — $1,130,408 to fund conservation easement acquisitions in the Sandy Mush farming community.

Program 92% Contributions 79%

Not including $14.9 million for purchases of land & conservation easements.

Support for Blue Ridge Forever, a coalition of WNC land trusts; SAHC is the fiscal agent.

Z. Smith Reynolds — $30,000 NC Dept. of Justice — $47,682.40

What made these conservation projects so remarkable?

SAHC’s new Wiles Creek Preserve in the Highlands of Roan contains exceptional streams and habitat for migratory birds. The Carolina Bird Club awarded SAHC a grant towards the acquisition.

Wildlife tracks have been found in abundance on the Chestnut Mountain property. SAHC’s acquisition of these 449 acres protects important water resources and wildlife corridors. The land will be open to the public to enjoy in the future, as a public park owned by the Town of Canton and managed in partnership with Haywood County.

In 2020, SAHC was honored with The Garden Club of America’s Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal for Environmental Protection.

This very prestigious national award is one of only ten medals awarded nationwide by The Garden Club of America.

SAHC received the award for our extensive history of service in conservation, including protecting areas of globally significant habitat.

Annual Report

From high elevation bird habitat and stunning streams in the Highlands of Roan to in-holdings within national forest land and productive farmland – these diverse projects represent a cross-section of the core goals of SAHC’s conservation mission: protecting native plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, places for all people to enjoy recreation, and scenic beauty in NC and TN. In geographic location, these projects range broadly across SAHC’s territory, from near the Appalachian Trail on the TN/NC border to the headwaters of the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River on the NC/GA border.

For Climate Resiliency SAHC’s conservation work is critical in securing natural resources that ensure the region’s resilience in response to climate change. These 2020 conservation projects protect important wildlife corridors and habitat for migratory birds, helping to stabilize declining populations and providing spaces for species

movement. Protection of high elevation mountain headwaters helps protect water quality downstream, and conservation of land along streams and in rare mountain wetland areas will help stabilize stream temperatures and preserve habitat for aquatic species. By conserving farmland with local, regional, and nationally important prime soils, the farmland conservation projects which closed in 2020 help support local food production and ensure that these soils will never be lost to development.

For Habitat, Clean Water, and Outdoor Recreation The new Wiles Creek Preserve and Little Rock Creek Preserve are both exceptional examples of projects that protect water quality and habitat for myriad birds, amphibians, mammals, and more, including rare mountain wetland habitat.

SAHC’s acquisitions at Big Creek, Tanasee Ridge, and Chestnut Mountain have been proposed for

The Bowditch Bottoms farmland conservation easement protects productive, prime agricultural soils in the Black Mountains area. Photo by Kathleen Brannan, Carolinas Nature Photographers Association (CNPA).

The talented photographers of the CNPA were recognized as SAHC’s 2020 Stanley A. Murray Volunteers of the year, for their contributions in raising awareness about the importance of conservation by donating their time, talent, and the use of photographs to SAHC.

future transfer to become part of Nantahala National Forest and a new conservation-recreation park near Canton. The tract SAHC purchased at Tiger Creek has already been transferred to the Cherokee National Forest. These lands will be available for people to enjoy for generations into the future.

permanently protect agricultural land and prime soils, helping family farmers continue their generations-long operations now and protecting the land for farming use in the future. As the popularity of the region continues to grow, fertile flat and rolling farmland with important agricultural soils suffers pressure from development; once lost

to development, these lands cannot be replaced. By protecting a network of farms with conservation easements, SAHC permanently secures agricultural resources for local food production, benefiting the health of communities now and for generations to come.

For Farmland Farmland conservation projects which closed in 2020 ranged from Sandy Hollar Farms in the Sandy Mush community of Buncombe County to Bowditch Bottoms in the shadow of the Black Mountains in Yancey County and to Sinkhole Creek Farms in Mitchell County. Some of these projects had been in the works for five years.

SAHC’s farmland preservation projects

Sinkhole Creek Farm, in the Highlands of Roan

“There is something tangible and reassuring in preserving land – it’s something you can put your hand on. These conservation projects help preserve cultural connections to the past, places to connect with nature, and vital resources we rely on now, and which will be increasingly critical in the future. It is a testament to the commitment of SAHC members, staff, and conservationminded supporters that we completed these projects during extraordinary circumstances, and we are grateful to all the people who make this remarkable work possible.” ~ SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein.”

Annual Report

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Legacy gifts help ensure the permanent protection of beloved conservation lands for the future. If you have included SAHC in your estate plans, please let us know.

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For more information about joining our Legacy Society, contact Pauline Heyne at pauline@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 216.

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