North Carolina is growing fast. Since 2020, more than 709,000 people have moved to North Carolina, making our state one of the top destinations for new residents. As growth continues, continued investment in the conservation trust funds helps ensure that the lands and waters that define North Carolina are not lost to development.
Piedmont Land Conservancy is a powerful example of how these investments deliver results. One recent success is the 311-acre Mitchell River Preserve in Surry County. Supported by a $976,000 grant from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, this project protects pristine river frontage, wildlife habitat, and water quality in one of North Carolina’s most significant watersheds. When completed, it will also provide new opportunities for public access and outdoor recreation.
To date, conservation trust fund investments have helped Piedmont Land Conservancy:
- Permanently protect 5,100 acres of critical natural lands with $14.7 million from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund.
- Protect 24 family farms and 3,051 acres of working farmland with $4.7 million from the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.
“Being part of Land for Tomorrow has truly amplified what Piedmont Land Conservancy can accomplish,” said Kevin Redding, Executive Director.
“Pulling together with more than 20 conservation organizations in the coalition, we’ve been able to advocate more effectively for the trust funds that fuel our work with a unified statewide voice. That collective power translates directly into results that are shaping the future of conservation funding across North Carolina.”
This is the power of partnership. By working together through Land for Tomorrow, conservation organizations across North Carolina are helping secure the funding needed to protect clean water, support agriculture, expand outdoor recreation, and preserve the landscapes that strengthen our economy and quality of life.