September 2024 - Supporter Update
Dear Friends of FCNC,
In mid-August, we hosted a celebration at The Blowing Rock attraction to commemorate our friends, neighbors and supporters in the Blowing Rock community who stepped forth last year to help FCNC complete the vital funding needed to permanently protect 326 acres of magnificent land that is part of one of the most beloved and iconic mountainous views in Western North Carolina.
This celebration was a testament to the power of partnerships between land trusts and communities to preserve our most precious natural resources, and a reminder that supporting FCNC’s conservation work has an undeniable, lasting positive impact, forever and for the benefit of all.
-- Andrew Kota, FCNC Executive Director
Johns River & Wilson Creek Confluence - 117 Acres Protected
FCNC acted quickly to purchase 117 acres of a vulnerable tract of land adjoining a 0.7-mile stretch of the Johns River at the confluence with National Wild & Scenic River Wilson Creek. Located on Caldwell County’s Playmore Beach Road, the acquisition permanently protects a section of the NC Natural Heritage Program’s Johns River Significant Aquatic Habitat that is important to rare and threatened freshwater mussels found in high quality streams of the Catawba Basin.
FCNC will own and manage the land for wildlife conservation. FCNC partnered with a private conservation buyer who purchased the tract’s remaining acreage and will work with us in the future to permanently conserve that portion of the property with a conservation easement.
Wilderness Watershed Adventure, Upcoming Events
The Wilderness Watershed Adventure (WWA) is an environmental science and outdoor adventure program designed and managed by Lake James Environmental Association, Montreat College, & Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina with the purpose of connecting youth to conservation through backcountry exploration and exposure to environmental science careers within the Lake James Watershed.
This August, we brought together 12 local high school students, 3 college students, and 8 dedicated environmental partners for a transformative experience that included backpacking through Linville Gorge, camping in Lake James State Park, water quality testing demonstrations with Duke Energy scientists, learning how to conduct scientific stream assessments, exploration of historical land use during a tour of Rock Hill Cemetery, and so much more! This program seamlessly blended backcountry exploration with hands-on exposure to environmental science careers. By immersing youth in the beauty of the Lake James watershed and connecting them with conservation efforts, WWA helps cultivate a deep appreciation for the environment and fosters the next generation of environmental stewards. We look forward to offering this opportunity again in summer of 2025!
Upcoming Events
Save the date & email Brittany for details about upcoming community events:
September 19: Volunteer Trail Crew Workday to help open a new mtn bike trail at Oak Hill park
October 5: Catawba Riversweep - Help clean up Lake James at Linville Boat Ramp!
October 6: Volunteer & Board Picnic - A fall leaf scavenger hunt & lunch at Oak Hill park. Open to anyone who is currently a volunteer or board member or is interested in volunteering!
Update - Wilderness Gateway State Trail
As the Oak Hill Park and Catawba Meadows trail projects wind down, the Wilderness Gateway State Trail (WGST) is getting ready to launch. FCNC is in the process of lining up three new WGST trail projects:
The first project will be about 6 miles at our Henry Fork River Preserve where users will be able to explore over 850 acres of preserve land and enjoy spectacular views of the South Mountains from Smiths Cliffs. This trail section will launch from our Possum Rock access area and give users a unique experience only about 20 minutes from downtown Morganton.
The second project is the 10-mile Wolfpen Loop that will connect Bobs Creek State Natural Area with the Box Creek Wilderness Area in the South Mountains of McDowell County. This loop will provide users with an on-contour trail experience through two major conservation properties totaling around 13,000 acres.
The third project is the Windy Gap Trail through Pinnacle Mountains. At over 17 miles and lots of elevation gain, this rugged trail will provide a challenging opportunity for all users deep in the heart of the South Mountains in Rutherford and McDowell Counties.
Together, these three projects will showcase the South Mountains and begin to establish the WGST as the unique adaptive challenge trail that it is envisioned to be.
A Summer with Stewardship
This summer has been a busy one for our Stewardship team. Two stewardship interns, Jake and Jacob, helped tackle the dozens of conservation easements that need monitoring and maintenance. Through all the challenging terrain and hot summer days, the team was able to capture some beautiful photos of some animals, scenery, and mushrooms. Below are some of those photos; we hope you enjoy them!
Blowing Rock Celebration, New Donation Form,
New Trail Ribbon Cutting @ Oak Hill
Blowing Rock Celebration
Last year, an opportunity came for us to acquire 326 acres of land that adjoins the Blowing Rock attraction and contains a large portion of the direct viewshed, as well as holds the source of the Johns River. We reached out to the Blowing Rock community asking for support, and they delivered. As a result of their compassionate and generous support, we were able to close on the property! To celebrate this success, we had a reception at The Blowing Rock this August. A huge thanks to those who supported this effort, as well as those who could celebrate with us!
New Donation Form
If you head to our donation page in the near future, it may look a bit different than it used to. We’ve changed our donation platforms, and as a result have updated our donation form! This form promises to be easier on mobile devices, easier to use, and connects into our new platform to help us be more effective at our role in stewarding relationships with our donors.
Oak Hill Ribbon Cutting
On Friday, September 20th at 10am, we’ll be performing a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the 4+ miles of intermediate biking trail opening to the public! The event will start at 10am with refreshments, followed by a ride on the trail!
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.
