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Land conservation helps protect our state’s most valuable natural resources - clean air, fresh water supply, vast forests, and natural habitats.
From our coast to our mountains, Conservation Trust for North Carolina’s statewide impact is felt in the land we protect and the projects we launch.
Beyond the obvious conservation benefits, Conservation Trust for North Carolina’s land protection projects have an extra layer of building climate resilience. Each of our projects must have a larger climate impact. These impacts can be carbon sequestration by protecting forests, protecting habitats for struggling species, or adding a natural flood buffer for increased rainfall. Every project adds up so our people, wildlife, and land more resilient in the face of climate change.
Our successes are not always instantaneous; through your unwavering support, we can preserve and protect the best parts of our state.
We coordinate land protection along the Blue Ridge Parkway in partnerships with local land trusts, the National Park Service, government organizations, and private landowners to effectively conserve nearly 37,000 acres of forested lands. We will continue to preserve the national treasure while weaving in its past and future story of cultural heritage and community resilience.

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CTNC's 2026 Stanback Fellows Summer Recap

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Land for Tomorrow Thanks the NCGA For Its Investment in North Carolina's Conservation Trust Funds

The Rare Coastal Ecosystems of Bald Head Island

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CTNC’s Cascades Overlook Project Protects 393 Acres in Wilkes County

Water quality at Linville Falls protected by CTNC

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Cynthia Satterfield

Anna Behnke

Aaron Flannery

Hallie French

Beth Mullenberg

Rusty Painter

Stephen Payne

Victoria Thompson

Species spotlight! Cloudless suplhur, Phoebis sennae, are bright yellow butterflies found in all 100 counties of North Carolina, especially during the fall. They are easy to spot with their coloring and are commonly seen around fields, gardens, and roadsides. This vibrant species plays an important role as vital pollinators in the ecosystems across our state.

A few weeks ago, The Town of Spruce Pine hosted a two-day Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning session, bringing together community members and partners to explore opportunities for local growth through outdoor recreation. Supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RERC helps rural communities strengthen outdoor recreation economies, revitalize downtowns, support local businesses, and expand recreation access. Selected from more than 250 applicants nationwide, Spruce Pine was one of just 25 communities chosen for the 2025–2026 program. During the time in Spruce Pine, CTNC’s Aaron Flannery assisted with site tours around the town, highlighting the Orchard at Altapass, Heffner Gap, and the Overmountain Victory Trail. Aaron shared details about our work along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the value of the Parkway’s gateway communities, like Spruce Pine.

Thirty years ago, the Asheville City Council unanimously voted to convey a conservation easement on nearly 18,000 acres of the Asheville Watershed to CTNC, ensuring the permanent protection of a vital source of drinking water for Asheville and much of Buncombe County. Today, this remarkable landscape continues to protect our water while preserving the natural beauty of the North Fork and Bee Tree basins. Stretching along 15 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Mount Mitchell and Craggy Gardens, these protected lands offer breathtaking mountain panoramas and an enduring legacy of conservation.

Species spotlight! Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, are commonly-spotted shorebirds in North Carolina, but they aren’t only found on the coast. They are year-round residents in every county throughout our state. They prefer open habitats, such as mudflats, grasslands, riverbanks, agricultural fields, and parking lots. This species is known for their bold nesting habit of laying their eggs directly on the ground in open areas. They’re also known for their famous “broken wing act” to distract potential predators from their vulnerable nests or chicks in the open. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both natural and human-altered landscapes, making them a fascinating species in North Carolina.

Happy Great Trails State Day! Today, we’re celebrating North Carolina’s incredible trail systems that connect us with nature, our communities, and the places we love. CTNC is proud to help protect the lands that make these outdoor adventures possible and trails such as the Overmountain Victory Trail and Asutsi Trail.

For 25 years, Rusty Painter has helped shape land conservation in North Carolina. During his tenure at CTNC, more than 17,000 acres have been permanently protected, leaving a lasting mark on the landscapes, waterways, and communities that make our state so special. As our 250 Days to $250K campaign comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone and the conservation legacy Rusty has helped build. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign and helped honor Rusty’s legacy.

Here’s a glimpse of the Virginia opossum, a vital but misunderstood critter native to all 100 of North Carolina’s counties! Opossums are some of the most unique animals that call our state home. Endlessly versatile, they can traverse land, swim, and climb trees – using their opposable thumbs to latch onto branches or carry objects as they scurry up a tree. During the month of October, anyone who starts a monthly gift of $25 or more to CTNC will receive a sticker featuring this exceptional native species, a reminder of the resilience we see in the world around us. Visit the link in our bio to claim your sticker and help ensure that conservation in North Carolina endures for generations to come.

Species spotlight! The monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is an iconic insect known for their remarkable migration from Canada and the United States to Mexico every fall. During their route, they pass through Western North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Mountains. They can be seen at the Orchard at Altapass in their butterfly garden and inside the store where they are raised from caterpillars. Monarchs are reliant on native wildflowers for nectar and milkweed for the caterpillars to consume. Planting native species, especially milkweed, provides the essential resources and fuel for this species’ symbolic journey.

All month long, we’re growing our forest of Evergreen Partners, the committed group of people who support our work with a monthly gift. For the month of October, new sustainers who join at the $25 level or above will receive a limited edition CTNC sticker featuring the Virginia opossum, North America’s only native marsupial. Often overlooked as a pest themselves, opossums play an important role in protecting people from venomous snakes and other harmful pests, making a great addition to both urban and natural ecosystems. To claim your sticker, please visit the link in our bio. Once your opossum pal has found a home on your water bottle or laptop, tag us, we’d love to see all the places you go!

Two years ago this week, Western NC began the arduous and painful task of cleaning up after Hurricane Helene which took more than 100 lives and caused more than $60 billion in damage. Over the past two years, the resilience of both human and ecological communities has proven to be nothing short of amazing. Our partners at the National Park Service worked tirelessly to reopen nearly the entire Blue Ridge Parkway just in time for peak leaf season. Communities like Spruce Pine are exploring opportunities for turning tragedy into opportunity. The scars on CTNC conservation properties are healing, in the same way nature has healed and adapted for eons. This week, we remember the losses, honor those who helped, and those who continue to rise to the remaining challenges along the Parkway and in surrounding gateway communities like Spruce Pine. Keep an eye out for stories of our work as we carry on with a renewed sense of purpose, motivation, and tremendous respect for the power of Mother Nature.

Today is National Public Lands Day! North Carolina’s public lands offer places to experience the natural world, connect with others, and explore the diverse landscapes across NC. At CTNC, we conserve lands vital to our nation and our state by protecting wildlife habitat, clean water, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. Together with conservation partners and communities across North Carolina, we’re working to ensure these special places are safeguarded for generations to come.

As our 250 Days to $250K campaign draws to a close, there is still time to be part of this special celebration of Rusty Painter’s 25 years with CTNC. Your support helps honor Rusty’s legacy of protecting North Carolina’s lands, waters, and communities while ensuring this important work continues for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign and helped us move closer to our goal. There’s still time to make a gift and help us finish strong!

Today marks the official start of fall! Soon, the Blue Ridge Parkway will transform into a vibrant display of yellow, red, and orange as peak leaf season brings some of the most breathtaking views of the year. There’s no better time to take in the beauty of our state’s landscapes and support the gateway communities of Western North Carolina.

Nearly two years since Hurricane Helene, supporting gateway communities and local establishments is critical to the ongoing recovery of Western NC. Make a visit to Spruce Pine and the Orchard at Altapass this fall for a weekend getaway. The Orchard hosts live music every weekend in September, plus their store offers a variety of locally-made goods. The Orchard at Altapass is minutes down the road from downtown Spruce Pine and located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 328. Check out the Orchard’s event calendar to plan your trip, support a local business, and experience the natural beauty in the mountains this fall.

Last week, Aaron Flannery and Anna Behnke represented CTNC at the second annual Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine. The festival brings awareness to conservation efforts for the endangered eastern hellbender and the resilience of Western North Carolina. The festival featured partner organizations, like the Orchard at Altapass, live music, local vendors, and other activities. Stay tuned for updates on next year’s festival, and thank you to everyone who joined us!

Species spotlight! The tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor, is a medium-sized wading bird found along North Carolina’s coast. Their plumage features a variety of blue, purple, white, and gray colors. They rely on healthy wetlands for feeding, nesting, and breeding.

Late summer in Western North Carolina is truly a special time to experience. Vibrant wildflowers line the Blue Ridge Parkway, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Soon, fall migration will be underway, and the mountain corridor will serve as a flyway for species heading south. As the seasons shift, these landscapes remind us of the importance of protecting the interconnected forests, waterways, and habitats that wildlife depends on. Conservation ensures that these places can continue to support biodiversity, safeguard clean water, and connect people with the natural beauty of our state.

Last week, CTNC’s land protection team attended the Blue Ridge Rising conference in Asheville. Aaron Flannery, Western Conservation Manager, spoke alongside Blue Ridge Parkway partners about the work to protect Parkway viewsheds. Conserving the land surrounding the Parkway is crucial to protecting the integrity of the iconic viewsheds and connectivity of wildlife habitat.

We’re proud to be part of the North Carolina State Employees Combined Campaign! Your pledge powers our work to protect land along the Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. SECC Code: 7063. Learn more & give: ncsecc.org

CTNC was honored to have Randy Johnson, author of “Grandfather Mountain: The History and Guide to an Appalachian Icon,” share stories and anecdotes about Western North Carolina with our donors and partners. His personal connection to this region and the information he’s collected over the years is remarkable. We’re grateful that he joined us for our time in Blowing Rock this year.

On August 13, CTNC staff, board members, supporters, and conservation partners gathered in Blowing Rock for our annual Conservation Celebration at Gideon Ridge Inn. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared commitment to conserving land along the Blue Ridge Parkway, building community resilience, and protecting North Carolina’s air, water, forests, and viewsheds. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s celebration such a success. Together, our generous supporters raised over $100,000. These critical funds will help CTNC pursue new conservation opportunities along the Parkway and expand conservation-based projects and partnerships across North Carolina.

We’re thrilled to feature this year’s winning piece from the first conservation art contest on our Conservation Celebration sponsor gift. This artwork, created by Victoria Thompson, perfectly showcases the unique biodiversity found in our state. Stay tuned for updates on the next conservation art contest and thank you to all the participants this year!

Species spotlight! DeKay's brownsnake, Storeria dekayi, is a small snake that lives in woodland and wetland habitats. They are harmless to humans and are usually less than twelve inches long. This species can be found in all North Carolina counties with a range spreading throughout the southeastern United States.

CTNC’s 2026 Duke University Stanback Fellow, Sean Burke, was a great addition to our organization this summer. Sean’s work included monitoring visits throughout the state and creating maps of protected properties. We’re glad Sean was part of our team this summer and appreciate his dedication to land protection work!

Did you know that North Carolina’s Albermarle-Pamlico Peninsula is home to the largest pocosin region in the United States? Pocosins are a unique type of wetland that is composed of freshwater, dense shrubs, and peat soils. Due to their unique soil composition, pocosins act as a natural carbon sink; a feature that greatly benefits the environment. The diversity of North Carolina’s landscapes, species, and ecosystems makes our state truly one of a kind.

Species spotlight! The common eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens, is a NC resident and essential pollinator species. They use their fur-covered bodies to transport pollen to flowers, vegetables, and fruits. This species plays a vital role across habitats in the eastern U.S. as foundational support in food chains.

The spectacular sunset and sunrise view from Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway is especially pristine thanks to the expansive acreage of protected land around the overlook. In this beautiful part of the Southern Appalachians, CTNC has protected over 400 acres in collaboration with local partners. With these acres protected in perpetuity, the viewshed seen from the overlook is uninterrupted by development. If you’re looking for a location to visit this summer that features mountain scenery, check out the Waterrock Knob Overlook and its trails.

CTNC’s three Duke University Stanback Fellows, Amelia, Kevin, and Sean, have joined the land protection team for various site visits this summer. Last month, they visited Timberlake Earth Sanctuary in Guilford County. Amelia and Kevin are diving into conservation policy research, and Sean is continuing annual property monitoring visits throughout the state. We’re thrilled to have them on the CTNC team this summer!

According to the National Park Service, pollinators are responsible for 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are critical to our livelihoods, but they are declining due to harmful pesticides and habitat loss. By planting a native pollinator plant in your yard, you can make a positive impact on the local ecosystem and give back to the species that provide so much for us. Check out a local garden center near you and look for native pollinator plants to add to your outdoor space.

Check out our recent blog post celebrating the passing of the 2026 State Budget, which continues to invest in North Carolina’s conservation trust funds, working farms, parks, trails, and natural resources. Read more about what this investment means for conservation in NC by clicking the link in our bio.

Species Spotlight! The common loon, Gavia immer, is one of the most recognizable waterbirds in North America. Their breeding plumage features striking black and white patterns and their iconic call is known by most. Although they don’t breed in North Carolina, they are winter residents and transient visitors across the state. They can be found along the coast on the beach and in marshes, in piedmont lakes, and beside wetlands and rivers in the mountains. Aquatic habitats statewide provide the necessary habitat these birds along their migratory route. The loon featured in this photo was recently spotted in an inland saltwater marsh near the Outer Banks.

Thank you to the North Carolina General Assembly for passing SB 401, the NC Farm Act, including a 4-year extension of the Conservation Tax Credit. This tool helps landowners protect farms, forests, and natural areas while strengthening North Carolina’s economy and agricultural heritage. #ncga #ncfarmact #landfortomorrow

A big moment for Appalachian forest restoration! A new open-access book brings together decades of science and collaboration on red spruce ecosystems from ecology to on-the-ground restoration. A must-read for anyone working in (or curious about) forest restoration. Check out the book in our link in bio. #ForestRestoration #AppalachianMountains #RedSpruce #ConservationScience

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Orchard at Altapass on Friday! It was a beautiful sunny day filled with laughter, conversation, and incredible views. We’re grateful to have time spent with our conservation community!

Species spotlight! The copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix, is one of North Carolina’s most common venomous snakes. They can be found throughout the state in forested habitats, wetlands, rocky outcrops, and suburban areas. Their coloring makes them especially hard to spot in wooded areas, like the snake featured in the photo that was spotted during a property visit a few weeks ago. Even though they can inflict harm on humans, it’s not very common for them to strike. If you see a copperhead, make sure to give them space.

Final reminder! CTNC staff, board members, and partners will be at The Orchard at Altapass THIS FRIDAY. Stop by to check out the trails, listen to live music, and enjoy the beautiful view. We hope to see you there!

Today marks the beginning of summer! This season is the perfect time to take advantage of the endless outdoor recreation opportunities in North Carolina. Whether you’re mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, or bird watching, our state provides many ways to spend time outside and immerse yourself in nature.

As we celebrate Rusty Painter’s 25 years with CTNC, our 250 Days to $250K campaign is still underway. Help us honor Rusty’s legacy of protecting North Carolina’s lands, waters, and communities by supporting conservation across the state. Every gift helps expand the footprint of permanently protected land and ensures this important work continues for generations to come.

This summer, CTNC is welcoming three Duke University Stanback Fellows, Kevin, Amelia, and Sean. A few weeks ago, they joined Land Protection Director, Rusty Painter for the first monitoring visit of the summer. This trip took place at Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area, a Tar River Land Conservancy property that CTNC holds a conservation easement on. Over the next few months, our fellows will be monitoring many other properties and providing valuable insight for our conservation policy outreach. We’re thrilled to have them join the CTNC team this summer!

Species spotlight! The golden silk orb weaver, Trichonephila clavipes, are eye-catching spiders found in southeastern North Carolina. They are one of the largest spiders found in our state, but they are generally harmless to humans. They play an important role in controlling insect populations, making their species a positive presence in NC ecosystems.

Happy National Trails Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible trails in North Carolina that connect us to nature and to each other. At CTNC, we’re proud to play a role in protecting public lands that make outdoor recreation opportunities possible. Find a trail near you by visiting the link in our bio.

Today is National Black Bear Day! North Carolina is home to one of the highest black bear densities in the world, specifically in the Albermarle Peninsula in the eastern region of the state. The Blue Ridge Mountains are also known for their abundant black bear population, with sightings most common during the warmer months. As North Carolina’s largest native mammal, black bears play an important role in maintaining balanced ecosystems in both the western and eastern ends of the state.

Today marks the beginning of Great Outdoor Month! North Carolina's public lands give us endless opportunities to explore and connect with nature. From hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, biking along rivers in the piedmont, or paddling through marshes on the coast, our state has no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities. These special places exist thanks to decades of conservation and land protection efforts by CTNC, NC State Parks, local land trusts, and many other conservation partners working together to protect the land that we all love. Get outside this month and celebrate the landscapes that make our state so special.

Species spotlight! Ruby-throated hummingbirds, Archilochus colubris, are important pollinators and commonly seen across North Carolina. This tiny bird can be found throughout the state in the warmer months of the year, caring for their young and fueling up for their long trek south, or staying in NC over the winter in warmer zones. They are the only hummingbird species that will breed in the eastern U.S., making the need for protected habitats crucial for their success.

Quick reminder that CTNC is hosting an afternoon celebration at the Orchard at Altapass on June 26! Join us for beautiful views, tractor ride, music, and of course, apples. We hope to see you there!

Western Conservation Manager, Aaron Flannery recently guided a field trip by the NC Land & Water Fund (NCLWF) Board and staff, as well as staff from NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and NC Natural Heritage Program to several properties protected by CTNC in partnership with NCLWF. They visited the historic Orchard at Altapass and CTNC’s Heffner Gap/Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail properties on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tour highlighted the importance of this public-private partnership and our state’s investment in land and water conservation.

On World Turtle Day, we celebrate the conservation of sea turtles and the communities working to protect them. Along the shores of Bald Head Island, loggerhead sea turtles return each summer to nest on protected beaches. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of CTNC, Bald Head Island Conservancy, and Smith Island Land Trust, critical nesting habitat has been preserved and stewarded for future generations.

Congratulations to the winner of CTNC’s first Conservation Art Contest, Victoria Thompson! Victoria’s art, “In the Sky, the Streams, and Everywhere In Between,” inspired our panel of judges and left a lasting impression. We’re thrilled to share her work focused on six threatened species found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, read on to learn more about what inspires Victoria. Victoria Thompson is an artist and student based in Durham, NC, whose work is informed by more than five years of study in environmental science and conservation. Often inspired by the landscapes and wildlife she encounters through her fieldwork and education, she creates pieces in colored pencil, watercolor, and digital media that seek to capture the beauty of the natural world and explore her relationship to it. More of her work on a variety of subjects can be found on Instagram at @vthomp.art.

Species spotlight! Red wolves, Canis rufus, are critically endangered canines found only in North Carolina. They once roamed throughout the Southeastern U.S., and now only live in a region inland of the Outer Banks called the Albermarle Peninsula. The wild population is estimated at 27 individuals, with ongoing recovery programs in place to support the conservation and future of this species.

Today is World Migratory Bird Day! Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Protected habitat along the Parkway allow migratory birds to feed, rest, and breed, serving as a critical corridor during their long journeys. The Appalachian forests serve as a refuge for warblers, such as the black-throated blue warbler, blackburnian warbler, cerulean warbler, and black-throated green warbler. Conserving connected landscapes along the Blue Ridge Parkway helps ensure that migratory birds can continue their seasonal travels.

Last week, CTNC staff members gathered in Greenville, SC for the annual Land Trust Alliance Southeast Conference. While in SC, CTNC got to catch up and collaborate with our North Carolina Land Trust partners, reminding us of the power of partnerships and the importance of opportunities to connect.

This week marks National Wildflower Week! Celebrate the beauty and diversity of North Carolina’s vibrant wildflowers found throughout the state and appreciate their profound impact. In addition to creating vibrantly-colored landscapes, our wildflowers support pollinators, supply food sources for native wildlife, help stabilize productive and healthy soils, and sustain local ecosystems. Protecting land in North Carolina conserves native habitats and species, like wildflowers, ensuring they thrive for the future.

The Orchard at Altapass opens TODAY! Visit this iconic location along the Blue Ridge Parkway and see CTNC’s land protection work in action. Also, here’s a reminder that CTNC is hosting an afternoon celebration at the Orchard on June 26, and we hope to see you there!

Species spotlight! Painted Buntings, Passerina ciris, are one of the most striking songbirds found in North Carolina, with the male’s boasting vibrant red, green, yellow, and blue plumage. This species is often spotted on Bald Head Island during the warmer months where they utilize maritime forest habitat for nesting and feeding grounds. CTNC’s collaborative effort in protecting natural areas on Bald Head Island is critical in providing the vital habitat that these birds rely on. Read more about the maritime forest ecosystem that houses painted buntings and other species in the blog post linked in our bio.

Check out our recent blog post diving into our work protecting Bald Head Island and the importance of maritime forest ecosystems. Visit the link in our bio to learn about the land protection history of this iconic coastal region and the partnerships that made it happen.

Happy Earth Day from CTNC! Protecting land across North Carolina safeguards wildlife habitats and biodiversity, supports the integrity of natural resources, provides outdoor recreation opportunities, and ensures our natural landscapes endure for generations to come. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plains, today is a reminder of both the beauty around us and our shared responsibility to care for it.

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