July 2024 - Supporter Update
Dear Friends of FCNC,
Our annual summer fundraiser appeal is underway! We have secured $55,000 of challenge match funds thanks to a few very generous supporters*. From now until August 31, every donation to support our conservation work will be matched dollar-for-dollar to help us reach our goal of $110,000!
Your donation during this time awards us the privilege of continuing the important work we’re doing in our region to permanently protect our most significant land and water resources, build public trails and maintain Oak Hill Community Park and Forest, steward our conservation properties, offer environmental education and volunteer programs to the community, and so much more!
Our summer appeal match is an opportunity for you to double your giving impact! If you are considering a donation to Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, please donate now.
With Gratitude,
Katherine Ehrlichman
Marketing and Development Director
211 Acres Added to Buffalo Cove Game Land
In June, we assisted the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) with the acquisition of 211 acres that have been added to the Buffalo Cove Game Land in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Caldwell County. Located between Lenoir and Blowing Rock, this property contains a segment of Green Rock Creek and several springs in the headwaters of the Yadkin River, an important source of drinking water for over 840,000 people in North Carolina.
This segment drains into Buffalo Creek, which hosts the Brook Floater, a rare native mussel. The land is also a good habitat for a range of native wildlife species, as well as plants like the mountain heartleaf on the N.C. Natural Heritage Program's "Watch" list.
This purchase was made possible through direct funding from NCWRC and a grant to FCNC from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, as well as other private philanthropic contributions, including the Bernhardt Furniture Foundation. We are so grateful to the previous landowners, Joe Doll and Rachel Plaster, for their high interest and dedication to a conservation sale.
Introducing our Summer Community Engagement Intern - Jordyn!
Hi! My name is Jordyn and I am serving as FCNC’s Community Engagement Intern! I’m originally from Pinehurst, NC but have been living in Boone, NC since 2020 for college. I recently received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Development - Environmental Studies.
Throughout my college career, I have participated in many different volunteer and conservation events including: live staking with Riverlink, campus cleanups, and creek cleanups through Appalachian State University, as well as aiding in trail maintenance projects. I’m interested in being a part of all aspects of environmental education and environmental policy/advocacy. This is something I hope to take with me in my future career(s); inspiring and advocating for others and their environment.
Attend our Eco-Cycle Summer Series - Saturday July 20
We hosted our first mountain biking ride in June, and it was a huge success! Eight people joined staff members from FCNC and Overmountain Cycles to learn how to mountain bike and about the unique flora and fauna of Oak Hill at the same time.
If you're interested in joining us, be sure to sign up, as we have limited spaces available.
Catawba Meadows Mountain Bike Trails Groundbreaking
After much work by FCNC staff and a lengthy permitting process, the Catawba Meadows Mountain Bike Trails Project is finally under construction. The new trails will be 4 miles of Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced mountain bike trails that will be built at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton, NC.
The new trail network will also serve as the first National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) race course in western NC. FCNC has been working with NC NICA, the City of Morganton, Overmountain Cycles, and our Local NICA Team the Burke BearCats for several years to bring this project to fruition. Construction is anticipated to be completed in Fall of 2024.
We’ll keep you updated for the official public opening and ribbon cutting ceremony!
Introducing our Stewardship Summer Interns: Jacob & Jake!
Our Land Stewardship team has not one, but two interns this summer to help with conservation easement monitoring! We’ll let Jacob and Jake introduce themselves.
Get to know Jacob (left photo):
My name is Jacob Searcy. I'm from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and I'm a senior at Western Carolina University. My field of study is English with a concentration in Public Writing. Outside of school and work, I enjoy being outdoors and learning about the natural world. I'm very interested in birding, and have a running count of over 30 different bird species I've encountered. One fun fact about myself that most wouldn't know is that I can solve a Rubik's cube in under a minute.
My ideal career would be one in which I'm able to use a combination of public writing and field work to assist in the implementation of real world progress. Conservation work is one of the best and most important ways of connecting people with their local environments and helping to restore and protect the natural resources we all share, and I'm grateful to FCNC for giving me the opportunity to learn more about this crucial work.
My favorite project I have worked on so far with FCNC has been monitoring the Henry Fork River Preserve in Morganton. I've been able to learn a lot about the process of monitoring land boundaries while also seeing some really beautiful views that most people don't get the chance to see.
Get to know Jake (right photo):
My name is Jake Kota. Originally I am from Logan, Utah, but I have been raised here in Burke County. I plan on studying construction management through Appalachian State’s building sciences college. Some of my hobbies outside of work and school include rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and camping. A fun fact about me that most people may not know is that I am type 1 diabetic.
My career goals would ultimately slim down to a well paying job that I enjoy, but I would like to have a career in some sort of trade management. The internship at FCNC is helping me learn how to work with others, do technical hands-on tasks, and have fun while I work.
The most interesting project that I’ve worked on so far here at FCNC would have to be monitoring the Henry Fork River preserves. It has been a very fun and rewarding task. I enjoy being able to get outside, hike around, and most importantly, enjoy the landscape and scenery.
We love to hear from our donors, volunteers, and supporters. Please get in touch with us! Reach out to us by simply responding to this email. A member of our team will be in touch with you.
For questions regarding a donation, please reach out to Marketing and Development Director, Katherine Ehrlichman. (kehrlichman@foothillsconservancy.org) or call 828-437-9930.
