Blue Ridge Conservancy - 2022 Annual Report

BLUE RIDGE CONSERVANCY

Saving the Places You Love ANNUAL REPORT: FISCAL YEAR 2022

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Board of Trustees Don Mikush Chairperson Bonnie Weyher McLamb Vice Chairperson Kadie Dean Secretary David Harman Treasurer Ann Baker Ann Browning Lee Carter Dale Caveny Lisa Cooper Jennie Derby Patrick Hollowell Craig Lancaster Margaret Newbold Shawn Poole Jesse Pope Zika Rea Wade Reece

Staff Charlie Brady Executive Director Eric Hiegl Director of Land Protection and Stewardship Leila Jackson Director of Communications Ben Lucas Director of Stewardship Wendy Patoprsty Middle Fork Greenway Project Director Sydney Phillips Administrative Assistant Caroline Poteat Director of Development Jordan Sellers Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator Maria Whaley Director of Finance and Operations 22

Our Mission

Blue Ridge Conservancy partners with landowners and local communities to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from Our Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Welcome to New BRC Trustees and Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Staff Accomplishments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Conservation Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Land Protection Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Land Protection: Boone Gorge Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Land Protection: Pond & Three Top Mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Land Protection: McNeely Easement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Stewardship: Remote Monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Northern Peaks State Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Middle Fork Greenway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 BRC and the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 BRC Supporter Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Volunteering with BRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Financial Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Donor Thanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-31 2023 Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

BRC is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for meeting the highest standards for excellence and conservation permanence.

Exceptional levels of financial transparency and accountability earned BRC a four star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent evaluator of nonprofit organizations.

The Platinum Seal of Transparency indicates that the Foundation shares clear and important information with the public about our goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements, and progress indicators.

On the Cover: Former BRC intern Tristan Thomas pauses at the top of Flag Rock to take in the autumn color. Tristan is currently solo thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, and we’re watching her adventures from afar!

Photography by: Leila Jackson, Eric Hiegl, Beth Jacquot, Jasyn Klamborowski, Craig Lancaster, Ben Lucas, Jim Magruder, Sydney Phillips, and Lynn Willis.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friends, Every year the Annual Report is our opportunity to share with you Blue Ridge Conservancy’s proudest achievements in land conservation. The successes you see on these pages are yours.

Without your support and commitment natural areas such as Paddy, Pond, and Three Top Mountains would not have been protected. Public recreation projects such as the Middle Fork Greenway, Boone Gorge Park, and Northern Peaks State Trail would not be progressing. Critical farmland in Wilkes County would have been lost to development. We thank you for your role in making all these efforts a reality.

Land protection makes good economic sense and helps build healthy, interconnected communities. Publicly accessible land for recreation stimulates the creation of small locally owned businesses. It is an amenity sought out by businesses seeking to relocate or expand.

New businesses lead to better paying jobs and a higher quality of life. In addition, the physical and mental health benefits of green spaces, trails, rivers, and strong local food supplies cannot be overstated. Therefore, merely protecting land is not always enough. When conserved lands benefit everyone, our communities thrive.

We continue to be good stewards of your investments in BRC. Once again, we were able to leverage $12.00 for land conservation projects for every $1.00 you invested in our work. Your support enabled us to achieve important conservation victories and fulfill the commitment promised to you as a partner in these efforts.

With this momentum and BRC’s track record of success, grit, and determination, there is so much more we can and must achieve. We are constantly uplifted by your strength and dedication to BRC’s mission.

Thank you for working alongside us. Your continued support will ensure the future success of land conservation in North Carolina.

BRC Staff: Sydney Phillips, Jordan Sellers, Caroline Poteat, Wendy Patoprsty, Charlie Brady, Eric Hiegl, Maria Whaley, Ben Lucas, and Leila Jackson.

The BRC Staff and Board worked diligently in 2022 to update the organization’s Strategic Plan, including a full day work session at Valle Crucis Conference Center with facilitator John Curtis.

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WELCOME TO NEW BRC TRUSTEES & STAFF Ann Hayes Browning Ann is a native North Carolinian, having grown up in High Point. Her first career spanned 23 years with Bank of America where she was involved with corporate banking, investment banking, and private equity investing.

When she chose to pursue a second career, Ann wanted to focus her efforts on preserving the natural resources and character of her native North Carolina. When the Carolina Thread Trail, a 15-county initiative to connect trails, open space, and regional attractions, was being initiated by Foundation For The Carolinas, the Catawba Lands Conservancy, and the Trust for Public Land, she joined as the first full time staff person. As the Carolina Thread Trail Director, she worked on community outreach, branding, public and private fundraising, and the development and oversight of The Thread’s community grants program.

Ann is excited to rejoin the BRC Board, having served as former chair, head of the executive director search committee, and first director of the Middle Fork Greenway. In 2019 she was appointed to the North Carolina Land and Water Fund Board of Trustees.

She, husband Ric, and labrador Cricket love playing on their Ashe County property along Three Top Creek, as well as hiking and paddling throughout the spectacular High Country.

Jennie Derby Jennie Derby hails from Richmond, VA and attended Western Carolina University. She was a financial advisor (CFP®) in Charlotte, NC for 30 years, selling her firm, Lifeworth Financial, in 2019. Jennie resides in Boone with her husband, Leigh.

Jennie was a founding member of the Women’s Impact Fund of Charlotte and on the board of Conservation Trust for NC in Raleigh, NC, including two terms as Board President. Locally, she co-chaired the associate pastor search committee, and served on the capital campaign and finance committees of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. She is Treasurer of The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, and volunteers for Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation workdays.

Jennie and Leigh’s daughter, Tiffany Crenshaw, and her family live in Greensboro, NC. Their son, Quinn Derby, and his family live in Charlotte. For fun, Jennie enjoys tennis, hiking, gardening, entertaining friends and family, traveling, reading, and playing word and board games.

Sydney Phillips Administrative Assistant Sydney wears many hats, both at BRC and in life. Teacher, mentor, volunteer, champion - the list goes on and on.

Sydney lives near Boone with her husband Taylor, two dogs, four chickens, and George the Rooster.

She is most proud of her work with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, where she works to support local farmers to bring nutritious food to the community. In her free time, Sydney is a fan of European football, and devoted to the Premiere League and Liverpool FC (and of course App FC!). When she isn’t trail running or spending time with her sons, “spectacular humans” Sam and Wyatt, she’s practicing her newest hobby, playing guitar.

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Jordan Sellers Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator As the inaugural Northern Peaks State Trail coordinator, Jordan comes to BRC with the skills and enthusiasm to get the job done. Always community-minded, Jordan was MountainTrue’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year, and spent three years as a Community Based Mentor for Western Youth Network. Jordan is a graduate of Colorado State University Global, and comes to BRC after working as a real estate agent in the High Country. In his spare time he enjoys beekeeping with his partner Sammi, and trail running with his dog Junior (or being lazy with his dog Kala).

STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS BRC’s Eric Hiegl Named Land Conservationist of the Year The North Carolina Wildlife Federation named BRC’s Eric Hiegl the state’s 2022 Land Conservationist of the Year. Hiegl has worked in land protection for 22 years, completing over 100 fee simple and conservation easement projects in NC and Virginia in that time. A presenter at the national Land Trust Rally in 2019, he has continued to expand his knowledge of easements, stewardship, and baseline documentation.

Hiegl joins an elite group of dedicated conservationists with BRC ties to win this award, including 2021 winner and former BRC Executive Director Walter Clark and 2017 winner Margaret Newbold, current BRC Trustee and past Board chair. Mike Leonard, winner of BRC’s Stanback Conservation Leadership Award in 2021, was recognized in 2011, and James Coman, former Director of Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust, was honored in the early 2000s.

Eric poses with BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady (L) and 2011 Land Conservationist of the Year Mike Leonard (R).

Eric and his wife Nicole attended the 58th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards reception.

Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director Wendy was a featured speaker and honored guest at the Watauga Women in Leadership Gala, where she shared the stage with Emmy winning news anchor Molly Grantham.

Wendy was previously named WWIL’s “Woman of the Year”.

“It is a distinct honor to work with Eric Hiegl. He is the consummate professional, having devoted his entire working life to land conservation in North Carolina. The achievements realized over his twenty-year career are substantial and have earned him the respect of others in this field. He possesses immense knowledge of the technical requirements necessary to acquire land and conservation easements.”

- Charlie Brady,

BRC Executive Director

Caroline Poteat, Director of Development Caroline was named the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s “4 Under 40” Winner in the Nonprofit category. She was previously a finalist for this award, and in 2021 she was honored as a “Trailblazer” by Business North Carolina magazine .

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THE BRC CONSERVATION CAMPUS

Office

The Debbie L. Swartzel Education Center

2.2-mile trail

Trail parking area Pollinator meadow

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An aerial photo of the BRC Conservation Campus shows improvements including a trail parking area and sign, new plantings in the pollinator meadow, and significant progress on the education center.

The Conservation Campus Trail BRC’s Conservation Campus is home to a 2.2 mile loop trail, which is open to the public. The route takes hikers on a beautiful, winding path through rhododendrons and around boulders. The trailhead is located at the parking area, which also serves the picnic area, pollinator meadow, agricultural area, and stream.

The trail and pollinator meadow are home to many plant and animal species, including at least 12 species of salamander.

The entire area is a designated eBird Hotspot, so visitors can log avian species they observe.

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The Conservation Campus Story In 2013, Audrey Bentley chose to preserve the legacy of her 46-acre family farm by donating a conservation easement on her property. Her commitment to the protection of our region’s natural resources was so great that upon her passing in 2019, Mrs. Bentley donated that land and her family home to BRC. The selfless gift has provided a permanent home for the Conservancy, and a recreational resource for the community.

Richard and Debbie Swartzel believe so much in the mission of BRC that they contributed the majority of funds to remodel the existing home, build the 2.2 mile trail, and turn the detached garage into an educational center. They generously contributed to the project as a memorial to their friends and Richard’s “adopted” parents, Barbara and EC Morris.

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One of the most exciting current projects at BRC is the remodel of the detatched garage into an education center and flex space. We hope to have the facility open and ready for visitors by late summer 2023.

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Staff moved into the new office in July of 2021, and renovations and improvements have continued since. The pollinator meadow and trail are currently open to the public, and we invite you to come for a visit!

The Debbie L. Swartzel Education Center

Partnerships and Pollinators Thanks to donors and community partners, BRC has made progress on making the Campus match the vision of our Board, staff, and friends. The pollinator meadow has improved greatly in the last year, thanks to the work of our volunteers, the High Country chapter of the Audubon Society, and the NC Native Plant Society. Highlights include: • • • • •

“Monarch Waystation” designation Continued removal of invasive plants Planting native species to attract pollinators and birds Preparing Aho Branch creek for restoration to stabilize the banks and provide a healthy environment for native fish Installation of a kiosk at the trail head with a map and information about BRC

The pollinator meadow in autumn, abloom with native milkweed, ironweed, and goldenrod.

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BRC PROTECTED LANDS

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Blue Ridge Conservancy has protected 25,000 acres in 260 places

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14,300 acres through 148 conservation easements 10,700 acres through 107 land acquisitions 15

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 30 22

Mountain Landscape

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Please note that many of these properties are privately owned and have no public access.

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Beale Family Farm Wilkes Co, 393 Acres

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Blackburn-Vannoy Farm Ashe Co, 369 Acres

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Robinson Family Farm Ashe Co, 55 acres

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Long Ridge Farms Watauga Co, 130 acres

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Blue Ridge Parkway, Raven Rock Overlook Watauga Co, 12 acres

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Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Glade Millpond Alleghany Co, 102 acres

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Blue Ridge Parkway, Ice Rock Alleghany Co, 95 acres

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Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area Alleghany Co, 305 acres

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Howard Knob Watauga Co, 46 acres

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Three Top Mountain Game Lands Ashe Co, 1,150 acres

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J. Douglas Williams Park Sugar Mountain Avery Co, 14 acres

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Peak Mountain, Seven Devils Avery & Watauga Co, 403 acres

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Pond Mountain Game Land Ashe Co, 2,900 acres

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Moses Cone Old Growth Forest Watauga Co, 60 acres

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Paddy Mountain Ashe Co, 335 acres

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Penland Preserve Mitchell Co, 141 acres

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S. Toe River Conservation Area Yancey Co, 206 acres

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Recreational Opportunities

Whippoorwill Academy Wilkes Co, 317 acres

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BRC’s Conservation Campus Watauga Co, 46 acres

Old Orchard Creek Farm Ashe Co, 87 acres

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YMCA Camp Harrison Wilkes Co, 712 acres

Valle Crucis Watauga Co, 1,100 acres

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Elk Knob State Park Ashe & Watauga Co, 718 acres

Old Orchard Creek Farm

Pond Mountain Game Land

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Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area Watauga Co, 130 acres

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Foscoe Wetland Birding Trail Watauga Co, 10 acres

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Bear Paw State Natural Area Watauga Co, 385 acres

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High Haven Avery Co, 100 acres

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Camp Lutherock Avery Co, 518 acres

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Grandfather Mountain State Park Watauga Co, 367 acres

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Cane River Conservation Area Yancey Co, 118 acres 99

LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP BOONE GORGE PARK

BRC purchased 33 acres of land just outside Boone, providing a critical link for the Middle Fork Greenway, which will connect Boone to Blowing Rock. The property features 2,000 feet of frontage along the Middle Fork New River and will be known as Boone Gorge Park.

In addition to the public access and recreational opportunities provided by the property, protecting this portion of the river is hugely important because it is located just upstream of Boone’s primary source of drinking water. The property was purchased from the family of Artie Hollars, and BRC is grateful for their help in conserving this exceptional tract of land. Funding for the project came from the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority and the NC State Capital Infrastructure Fund.

“The site of the future Boone Gorge Park along with the adjoining land connecting it to Payne Branch Park, is spectacular. When completed, the Boone Gorge Park and trail to Payne Branch Park will be a gem to be enjoyed and treasured by current and future generations of County residents and visitors. I’m pleased to have been involved in a small way with the project.”

- Joe Furman, Former Watauga County Planning & Inspections Director

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Middle Fork Greenway Director Wendy Patoprsty is excited about what the purchase means for the continuation of the trail: “This is an essential link for the future connection of the Middle Fork Greenway, and we are partnering with Appalachian State University to extend the trail onto their land. We are fundraising for the construction costs and working on design, engineering, and permitting, and expect to have the park completed in two to three years.”

“The Boone Gorge Park acquisition is a major investment in public access and recreational opportunities in Watauga County. The purchase is another example of BRC’s commitment to protect land that can be enjoyed by everyone. We are extremely grateful for the support provided by Senator Deanna Ballard, Representative Ray Pickett, and the Watauga County TDA. Without their commitment this conservation success and many others in the region would not have happened.”

- Charlie Brady, BRC Executive Director

Above: MFG Director Wendy gives a tour of the property, and shows longtime MFG supporter Judith Phoenix where on the map the trail will go.

Right: Surveyors marked the trail in fall 2022.

Prehistoric Visitors to the Blue Ridge

To assure that no native or prehistoric sites would be disrupted by the development of the park, it was recommended by the State Historic Preservation Office that an archaeological survey of the area be completed.

BRC partnered with Dr. Alice Wright from Appalachian State University, and over several weeks in the summer of 2022, she and her team of 14 students completed systematic shovel test surveys and small-scale test excavations in the proposed Boone Gorge Park bottomland.

The results were consistent with other findings in the area, and suggest that nomadic indigenous people have been visiting the High Country since the prehistiric era. BRC plans to use the findings for educational programming and signage in the park.

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POND MOUNTAIN GAME LAND

Pond Mountain Game Land, Ashe Co, 217 acres BRC transferred 217 acres to Pond Mountain Game Land in Ashe County to be managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). The property will create a new public access to the Game Land bringing the total access points to four. Located on the southern slopes of Pond Mountain with elevations reaching 4,200 feet, this property protects the headwaters of Big Laurel Creek, classified as “Outstanding Resource Waters” and “Trout Waters” by the NC Division of Water Resources. It is located in the Pond Mountain Natural Heritage Area, protecting significant natural communities and wildlife habitat.

BRC purchased the property from two different landowners in 2012 and 2013 and managed the land over the past decade to maintain its environmental integrity.

This brings the total size of the Game Land to 3,900 acres designated for recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and cross country skiing. “BRC is proud

“We are excited about adding these tracts to the Game Land program. These properties will help solidify the protection of natural resources and provide an additional public access point to Pond Mountain Game Land.”

- Paul Thompson,

Northern Mountains Land

Management Biologist to conserve unique mountain land and expand recreational opportunities in Ashe County,” stated Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection & Stewardship. To learn more about Pond Mountain, including history and directions, visit BRC’s website.

Funding for this project was provided by the generosity of Fred and Alice Stanback.

THREE TOP MOUNTAIN Three Top Mountain, Ashe Co, 90 acres BRC continues to protect land on Three Top Mountain in Ashe County with the recent purchase of 90 acres. This property, plus an additional nearly 450 acres already owned by BRC, will eventually be added to the Three Top Mountain Game Land. The Game Land currently covers 3,100 acres in Ashe County.

The remote property is entirely forested, with elevation ranging from 3,320 feet to 4,280 feet. A mature Carolina hemlock forest is located on the eastern ridge of the property and a headwater stream originates on the property, which eventually flows into the North Fork New River. The adjacent tracts are also forested, tying into BRC’s mission of protecting ecology and habitat, and protecting and creating recreational opportunities.

“Purchasing this land has been part of a focused effort by BRC to protect large forested tracts,” says Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection and Stewardship. “Forests support biodiversity, help stabilize the climate, and provide recreational opportunities for the community. We’re excited to eventually add this acreage to the Three Top Mountain Game Land.”

Like Three Top, this property is part of the Amphibolite mountain group, a mountain chain containing a calcium-rich rock rare in the southern Blue Ridge. Located in Ashe and Watauga counties, the Amphibolites also include Howard Knob, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Phoenix Mountain, Paddy Mountain, and Mount Jefferson. Funding for this acquisition was provided by the generosity of Fred and Alice Stanback.

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MCNEELY CONSERVATION EASEMENT

McNeely Property, Wilkes Co, 562 acres In 2021, landowner Scott McNeely purchased 562 acres of land in the Ronda area of Wilkes County with the goal of keeping the property intact to bolster wildlife populations. As part of his ongoing effort to return the land to a pristine state, Scott is converting an old cattle farm into a wildlife haven by establishing a mix of habitat types throughout the property. He and BRC reached an agreement for a conservation easement on the property that will allow for habitat management and recreational use that are in harmony with wildlife conservation.

The McNeely property meets several of BRC’s focus area criteria to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic value. The land contains diverse and varied habitat beneficial to wildlife species including large and small game, migratory songbirds, and pollinators. Specifically, the property provides food, shelter,

breeding ground, and migration corridors for several wildlife species including white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, black bear, foxes, squirrels, salamanders, crayfish, box turtles, painted turtles, and pollinator species such as bees (various species), butterflies, moths, and bats. The property’s wildlife habitat includes early successional habitat, riparian zone habitat, and forestland edge habitat. The land provides natural habitat for several bird species, including red tailed hawks, bald eagles, osprey, Cooper’s hawks, sharp shinned hawks, great horned owl, barred owl, screech owl, martins, blue birds, and wood ducks.

It includes 4.2 miles of streams including West Swan Creek and East Swan Creek, both of which are rated Water Supply IV by the NC Division of Water Resources. In addition to its ecological value, the property has 300 acres of Prime Farmland as classified by the United State Department of Agriculture.

Blue Ridge Conservancy Implements Remote Monitoring Technology to Increase Efficiency “Maintaining landowner relationships remains paramount to our monitoring program. Remote monitoring has increased our ability to spend more time with landowners and our capacity to address other conservation easement and land management issues. The implementation of remote monitoring has greatly increased efficiency as our portfolio of lands and stewardship responsibilities continue to grow.”

BRC’s Stewardship Director Ben Lucas annually monitors over 200 conservation easements and preserves throughout our seven-county service area. Traditional monitoring consists of boots on the ground site visits to each property at least annually and includes visiting with landowners, discussing land management issues, documenting any changes to the protected property, and walking and posting boundaries.

Remote monitoring, on the other hand, can be defined as monitoring from an off-site location. In 2021, BRC was one of 18 land trusts in the country to be awarded a grant through the Land Trust Alliance’s pilot Remote Monitoring Grant Program.

The grant allowed BRC to test the use of high spatial and

- Ben Lucas, BRC Stewardship Director

temporal resolution satellite imagery for property inspections.

Over the course of the year, this technology provided BRC with recently captured imagery of its properties from a variety of commercial sources on a regular basis.

We are now in our third year of remote monitoring, and it has proven to be an effective tool that has saved the organization valuable resources. Many of BRC’s properties are large, rugged, remote mountainous tracts that can take a day to walk, and hours of travel time. Additionally, BRC tracked its return on investment and compared the cost of remote monitoring with on-site monitoring and the time and cost savings were substantial.

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NORTHERN PEAKS STATE TRAIL

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Three Top Mountain

The Peak

The Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST), one of twelve State Trails in North Carolina, was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 2019. Blue Ridge Conservancy is the primary partner organization for the construction of the trail. The planned corridor for the trail is approximately 40 miles long, connecting Howard Knob Park in Boone to Mount Jefferson in Ashe County. The Northern Peaks are often referred to as the Amphibolite Mountains and include Howard Knob, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Three Top Mountain, The Peak, Paddy Mountain, and

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Elk Knob

Several parts of the trail are currently in the planning stages, including a significant portion of Elk Knob State Park. Plans are in place for a loop portion of trail in the backcountry camping area of the Park, and a North Carolina Natural Heritage Program inventory along several of the possible trail routes was recently completed. “Our number one priority is the environmental impact of the trail. We are working diligently to do things the right way and to build a trail that is consistent with BRC’s mission of protecting the places we love,” says NPST Coordinator Jordan Sellers, noting that the survey data will be used to select a route that does not disrupt sensitive natural areas.

Another portion of the trail currently in development is a park on BRC’s recently acquired land on Paddy Mountain in West Jefferson. Plans for this park include three miles of stacked loop hiking trail, a parking area, restrooms, and a pavilion. The park will serve as a trailhead for the NPST, and has received overwhelming support from residents of Ashe County and West Jefferson.

Unlike State Parks, which are operated and managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation, State Trails are composed of multiple connected sections and depend on regional partnerships.

Each section of the trail is sponsored by a federal, state, or local government agency, nonprofit organization, or private landowner. Sellers considers this one of the many positives of the project, and believes this will lead to its success: “This is an opportunity to work with community members, local governments, and various other stakeholders in creating what will be one of the most unique and beautiful trails in the region.”

Paddy Mountain

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The NPST is a partnership between Blue Ridge Conservancy, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, Ashe County, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority, and the Town of Boone.

“BRC is fortunate to have Jordan join our staff as our NPST Coordinator. His singular focus on the trail and concern for building it in an environmentally responsible way greatly advance the project. Jordan’s career in real estate is a specific asset as we work to connect the communities of Boone and West Jefferson via this hiking trail.”

-Charlie Brady BRC Executive Director NPST Coordinator Jordan Sellers gives an overview of the proposed Paddy Mountain Park and answers questions from Ashe County residents and elected officials.

An initial map shows the general route the trail will take. The NPST joins the other current NC State Trails: Dan River, Deep River, East Coast Greenway, Fonta Flora, French Broad River, Hickory Nut Gorge, Mountains-to-Sea, Overmountain Victory, Roanoke River, Wilderness Gateway, and Yadkin River.

Members of the NPST Committee had their inaugural meeting at BRC’s Conservation Campus.

The Trail so Far

2019 - Northern Peaks designated as a State Trail by the General Assembly 2022 - Funding for Biological Survey and Trails Coordinator secured

Since then: $3.4 million awarded to Elk Knob State Park by PARTF for: • 4.5 mile Northside Loop • ~2 mile Southside Summit Approach Trail • Southside Trailhead, Parking, Bridge, Restrooms • Breaking ground 2023 • NHP survey complete on Northside

Currently in Progress: • NHP study complete on Three Top Mountain, Seeking trail alignment • Planning for Paddy Mountain Park and trails system

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MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY

Middle Fork Greenway supporters and BRC staff and Board celebrated the opening of the 321 Trailhead with a “ribbon-tying” ceremony to signify connecting the communities.

2022 Middle Fork Greenway Highlights

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NCDOT Feasibility Study Completed NCDOT hired McAdams Engineering to implement an expedited Feasibility Study on the MFG. These studies can take years to develop, and this one was completed in 8 months to help keep the momentum moving forward on greenway trails. With the study in hand, MFG has moved forward on two phases of trail development. Thanks to the NCDOT for this gift!

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321 Trailhead The 321 Trailhead provides access to about a mile of greenway that includes the two large bridges, parking, benches, and picnic tables on Highway 321. Over the summer there was a “ribbon-tying” ceremony to open and connect the section of trail from Goldmine Branch Park to just before Tweetsie Railroad, and the event also served as an opportunity for businesses to drop off their “Round Up for the Greenway” checks. Speakers at the event included Blue Ridge Conservancy’s Charlie Brady, Boone Tourism Development Authority’s Wright Tilley, former BRC Board Chair Margaret Newbold, NC Land and Water Fund’s Will Summer, State Representative Ray Pickett, State Senator Deanna Ballard, and Middle Fork Greenway’s Wendy Patoprsty.

A Trash Trout on the Middle Fork Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill and his crew installed the High Country’s 4th “Trash Trout” along the MFG corridor to clean garbage out of the river.

Girl Scouts on the Greenway A Blowing Rock Girl Scout Troop designed, raised funds, and installed their very own pollinator garden at Sterling Creek Park.

They are maintaining it and keeping an eye out for Monarch butterflies and caterpillars.

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Trash Trouts are purpose-built stormwater litter traps that are moored in creeks and streams, keeping human made trash from entering main waterways. These devices are built to withstand the rigors of flashy rain events, yet passive enough not to harm the local aquatic life.

Boone Gorge Park (See p. 10-11) BRC purchased 33 acres just outside Boone in 2022 with funding from Watauga Tourism Development Authority and a grant from the State of NC with help from Senator Ballard and Representative Pickett.

Grants awarded for the project in 2022: • NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund ($500K) • Water Resources Development Grant ($500K) • State of NC Grant from SCIF ($950K) • Thanks to other private donations, $2.3 million of the $3 million needed to begin construction in 2024 has been secured.

L-R: Vulcan Materials donated materials for the MFG, Lenny and Lisa Cottom funded a bench at the new 321 trailhead, Hellbender Bed & Beverage took gold in the 2022 Winterfest Chili Challenge, and the Blowing Rock Rotary Club installed custom pavers at the Blowing Rock trailhead.

“When we were visiting Blowing Rock, we wanted to march in the Fourth of July parade with our puppy. The MFG folks invited us to join! They were our kind of people. Because we are passionate supporters of Rails to Trails and our local greenway in Greensboro, we thought this was a perfect place for us to share our resources. We look forward to hiking and biking and meeting more like-minded friends!”

- Jeb and Molly Burns Middle Fork Greenway Supporters 17

BRC & THE COMMUNITY Blue Ridge Conservancy is fortunate to have a history of support within the communities we serve.

We appreciate those relationships, and work with local businesses and organizations to keep those connections strong.

The Mandela Washington Fellows Program BRC staff were excited to serve as peer collaborators for environmentally focused Mandela Washington Fellows this summer.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Since 2014, nearly 5,100 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Fellowship. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished leaders and have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries.

NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative BRC and the MFG partnered with Western Youth Network (WYN) to distribute helmets to local youth through a grant from NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative. Staff visited WYN’s after school program in October, handing out a total of 50 helmets and assisting with fitting and safety education.

Since 2007, the Bicycle Helmet Initiative has equipped thousands of children with a helmet – a simple and essential means of reducing bicyclist injuries and fatalities. Funded by proceeds from North Carolina’s “Share the Road” specialty license plate, the program distributes helmets to government and non-government agencies. BRC was one of 261 organizations across the state awarded a total of 20,000 helmets in 2022, a record number for the program.

Making the Places You Love Safer Over the summer, members of BRC staff and Board received First Aid and CPR training from Kristina Shableski of Innovative Solutions in Healthcare Education. The training included Automated Exterior Defibulator (AED) training. According to the American Heart Association, use of an AED more than doubles the survival rate of a heart attack victim versus CPR alone. After the training, BRC purchased an AED device for the campus and for guided hikes.

BRC Staff Community Involvement Being an active part of the High Country community and giving back is important to the BRC staff. Some of the organizations and boards the staff devotes time to include Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Green Valley Community Park, Watauga Arts Council, Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, Boone Sunrise Rotary, Watauga Riverkeeper, Health and Hunger Coalition, Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development, and Watauga Women in Leadership.

Staff participate in Hunger & Health Coalition’s “Simple Gesture” food program 18

Valle Crucis Park’s “Bioblitz” In April, BRC participated in Valle Crucis Park’s biannual “Bioblitz,” where professionals and enthusiasts come together to catalogue species of plants, animals, and fungi at the park.

BRC volunteer Gina Diggs joined naturalists, mycologists, and biologists, as well as students from Watauga High School’s Mountain Alliance program, for a daylong search for the native species at the park.

VCCP’s naturalist Paul Laurent holds a juvenile northern water snake found during the Bioblitz.

Camp “Girls on the Run” Over the summer we were invited to visit Girls on the Run camp for 3rd-5th graders. Wendy taught the campers how to catch, identify, and catalog critters in streams and rivers to assess the health of the water.

We tested sections of the East Fork and Middle Fork on the Greenway in Boone. Thanks to Girls on the Run for having us!

Elk Knob Heritage Festival BRC particiapted in the 15th annual Elk Knob Heritage Festival, answering questions about the new Northern Peaks State Trail.

Community Support for the Middle Fork Greenway

From the “Round Up for the Greenway” to individual business contributions, the High Country community always steps up to raise money for the Middle Fork Greenway.

Ronnie Marks, Ben Powell, and Charles Hardin present MFG a check with proceeds raised by Symphony by the Lake

Jimi Combs and TSUGA donated proceeds from the Gear Swap to the MFG.

Charlie Brady accepts a check from David Jackson of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for the “Round Up for the Greenway.”

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR BRC Community Fundraisers

We are fortunate that so many individuals and businesses in our area care as deeply about protecting land as we do. Throughout the year, many of these hosted fundraisers and donation drives to benefit BRC.

Wood Valley Farm In April of 2022, Matt and Beth McKeon from Wood Valley Farm teamed up with Lost Province Brewing Co. to make a blueberry sour beer called Blue Ridge Blue. The resulting beer was sold on draft at Lost Province, with $1 from each pint donated back to the Conservancy.

Wood Valley Farm also hosted an afternoon with a group of Mandela Fellows, giving a tour of the farm and orchard, and explaining what goes into maintaining and running the property. Matt also donated lovely custom woodworking to the 2022 BRC Fundraising Auction.

Revolution Boone BRC was Revolution Boone’s “Pedal with a Purpose” organization in March, and donated a portion of the profits that month, as well as hosting a BRC-themed “community ride.”

Draba Boone’s Spring Fling Draba Boone donated proceeds from their “Spring Fling” music event to BRC in April.

Kids Supporting BRC BRC received several donations in 2022 thanks to the fundraising efforts of young conservationists! One group of kids arranged an art sale and donated the proceeds to BRC, and another group of enterprising youngsters gave out popsicles on a hot summer day in exchange for donations to the Middle Fork Greenway.

Mast General Store & Land Trust Day The first Saturday in June is Land Trust Day, and our friends at the Mast General Stores have been wonderful partners, donating a percentage of that day’s sales to BRC. Last year BRC Trustee Lee Carter and Stewardship Director Ben Lucas were on hand for the day to talk to customers about the mission of BRC and the work that has been done to preserve the beauty of Valle Crucis.

Ray’s Weather Blue Ridge Calendar BRC was again the beneficiary of proceeds from the Blue Ridge Calendar, presented by Ray’s Weather. Pictured above is the cover photo for the calendar and pictures from the photographer reception, held in October at Booneshine Brewing in Boone.

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2022 EVENTS Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction The popular Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction finally returned to the High Country in June, at the Mill at Rock Creek. A summer afternoon storm gave way to a breathtakingly beautiful evening, with racing clouds and a spectacular sunset as guests ate, drank, and celebrated the work of BRC. Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road entertained guests during dinner before Executive Director Charlie Brady and Board Chair Don Mikush said a few words to the crowd about conservation wins and the Northern Peaks State Trail.

Auctioneer Jessie Miller then took the stage to raise funds by auctioning off several lovely donated items to the raucous crowd. As usual there was a lively silent auction, and many guests took home excellent finds.

Thanks to our event sponsors Deal Moseley & Smith, LLP, Ashemont Title, Destination by Design, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine Brewing Co., Lost Province Brewing Company, Blowing Rock Brewing, Reid’s Catering, Gamekeeper, Booze & Bouquets, Stick Boy Bread Co., Miss Match Rentals, The Whole Shebang Event Planning, and Mountain Linens.

Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K and Fun Run, Sponsored by Stick Boy It was a beautiful autumn Saturday for the annual BRC 5K and Kids Fun Run through the Mayview Neighborhood of Blowing Rock, NC. Sponsored as always by Stick Boy Bread Company, the event welcomed runners from all over the region to tackle the challenging course for prizes, glory, and of course, beer, and sticky buns!

Thanks to Lynn Willis and Jim Magruder for the photos, and to all of our sponsors, including M-Prints, Blue Ridge Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Hemlock Inn, The Rosemyr Corporation, Bistro Roca, Booneshine Brewing, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Mountain Running Company, Bald Guy Brew, Snake Mountain Iron Works, Mananalu Water, and Mast General Store.

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SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT Fred and Lois Adams

Fred and Lois Adams have been ardent supporters of Blue Ridge Conservancy’s mission since moving to the High Country in 2017. With several BRC conservation easements visible from their home, they appreciate on a daily basis the work the Conservancy does with their generous support.

“We care about our Blue Ridge Mountains and find it a great pleasure to help preserve our most cherished landscapes and ecosystems through BRC. Where the land is taken care of, it remains healthy and protected and makes a happy place for the animals, birds, and people.

Taking in the beauty of the mountains is so relaxing and peaceful, so let’s all of us do what we can to preserve these beautiful mountains for all of us to enjoy for now and many generations to come and create the best health for everyone!”

- Fred and Lois Adams,

Members of BRC’s Peak Society

Carson and Mindy Coatney

The Coatneys are longtime supporters of Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work, both personally and through their business, Boone’s beloved Stick Boy Bread Co. Among other ways Stick Boy supports the Conservancy, they have long been the title sponsor of the popular BRC 5K.

“Being involved with BRC makes us feel incredibly linked to this community in a hands-on way. The work they do from the Greenway development to land protection is something we are always proud to support.”

- Carson and Mindy Coatney

Carson and Mindy at the 2022 BRC Auction.

Some of the Stick Boy Bread Co. crew at the 2021 5K. 22

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT - PLANNED GIVING Leave Your Legacy on the Land Estate gifts protect undeveloped land in perpetuity and demonstrate a deep-rooted commitment to conservation. This means that our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations will be blessed with the same clean mountain air, fresh drinking water, and healthy local foods that we enjoy today. It means they will have even greater opportunities to explore the natural world. And it means the inherent spirit of this region, the natural and cultural heritage that makes our mountains such a special place to call home, will endure.

What better way to make your own contribution to this legacy than to include a gift to BRC in your will?

There are many ways to make an estate gift to Blue Ridge Conservancy: Bequests: A bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to leave a gift to BRC through your estate. Gifts of cash, securities, or other property can be included in your will or living trust.

Retirement Accounts: You may designate BRC as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401k, or other retirement savings plan.

Life Insurance. You may name BRC as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

Real Property: BRC can accept gifts of real estate, with or without high conservation value. Properties with high conservation value will be preserved. Properties without high conservation value will be sold, and the income used to support BRC’s mission.

Life Income Gifts: Life income gifts allow you to make a gift to BRC while guaranteeing income for yourself or your family in the future.

Gift options include Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, and Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts.

“We’ve seen changes here in the last 40 years, and it’s important to preserve as much undeveloped space as we can.

It’s simple- we do a lot outdoors, and it’s important for future generations to experience that. If our gift is combined with others and encourages people to give, that increases its impact. Every bit helps, and we are happy to know that the remainder of our assets will help make the world a better place.

We know BRC, the type of people they hire, and the work they do. Our gift is unrestricted and we have all the confidence that it will be well used.”

- Ben Henderson and Mary Underwood

Don and Audrey Bentley Legacy Giving Society Thank you to the following donors for including BRC in their estate planning, assuring the important work of the conservancy will endure.

Mike and Catherine Aiken Anonymous Bill Barrier Judith Beale Don and Audrey Bentley Greg Bradley and Lee Carter Kathryn Charles Roger Clark Kristan Cockerill Henry E. Dillon Jr. Jennifer Dotson Bob and Susan Hambright Jeff Tiller and Ingrid Kraus Bill Pelto and Linda Larson Mazie Levenson

Bonnie Weyher McLamb Todd and Wendy Patoprsty Cynthia Payne Harold (“HP”) and Susan Phipps Caroline Poteat Elizabeth Redding Wade and Kathy Reece Marilyn Reid Mark File and David Soyars Pauline Thompson Ben Henderson and Mary Underwood Dewey Wells Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie James and Katherine Zisek

Audrey and Don Bentley If you have included BRC in your estate plan, we would appreciate the opportunity to thank you for your support. To notify us of an estate gift or to learn more about planned giving opportunities, please contact BRC’s Development Director at 828-264-2511.

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VOLUNTEERING WITH THE CONSERVANCY Blue Ridge Conservancy depends on the help of our volunteers

Whether it’s picking up trash on BRC’s “Adopt A Highway,” doing trail maintenance, giving expertise in the office, or helping weed out invasive plants on our properties, we get by with a little help from our friends. If you haven’t already, sign up for our volunteer list today!

“We support the Blue Ridge Conservancy because we like the combination of conserving land and maintaining controlled access to the land. We also know that the staff at BRC are incredibly dedicated to the mission of conservation and double as educators to Blue Ridge communities. Many of the projects we support will long outlive us. We are investing in the next generation so that they can enjoy the outdoors as much as we do.”

- Steve and Carolyn Trinkle,

Longtime BRC Volunteers

Earth Day Cleanup at the Conservation Campus The Conservation Campus has been an incredible addition to BRC, but it is a lot of land, and a lot of work. In April of 2022 we held the inaugural Earth Day Campus Cleanup, and with the help of over 20 volunteers, managed to get much of the campus cleaned up, including: • • •

Cleaning the Adopt a Highway stretch of road on Aho Road Removing invasive plants from the stream and meadow Removing trash from the stream • Performing needed trail maintenance • Removing construction debris left over from the office renovation project Thanks to everyone who participated! We hope this will become a successful yearly event for BRC and the community.

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High Country Audubon Society & Native Plant Society

Some of our best volunteers are with the High Country Audubon Society and the North Carolina Native Plant Society. They have been instrumental in removing invasive plants from the pollinator meadow and replacing them with native plants and trees. Their work encourages the return of birds and pollinator species to the area.

“High Country Audubon has been thrilled to collaborate with BRC to establish a demonstration area of natural communities at the BRC campus, featuring the newlyplanted pollinator meadow.

Research has shown that one of the most critical factors in protecting wildlife and pollinators is the accessibility of native habitat. Both the Native Plant Society and High Country Audubon appreciate the opportunity that BRC has provided with the campus and are looking forward to utilizing the campus natural communities to help educate landowners as to how they can duplicate such natural areas in their own yards in order to help birds and wildlife.”

- Debbie Shetterly, High Country Audubon and Native Plant Society

Lynn Willis - High South Creative Being a volunteer for BRC does not necessarily mean digging up multiflora rose or clearing trails. In the case of Lynn Willis, it means donating time and years of expertise as a professional photographer and designer to tell the story of our various events.

A locally and regionally award-winning photographer, Lynn is a longtime supporter of BRC, getting up early to capture runners at the 5K and staying up late to document the excitement of the fundraising auction. He also donates physical work to the Conservancy, including beautiful prints for the auction and art to adorn the walls at the office space.

His wife Abby works for Stick Boy Bread Co, and is also an avid supporter of BRC’s work. Thanks for all you do!

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2022 FINANCIAL REPORT Blue Ridge Conservancy leveraged operating expenses of $837,575 to generate $10,027,029 for programs, including Middle Fork Greenway, Northern Peaks State Trail, and land conservation projects.

OUTER CIRCLE Total Conservation Investment $10,027,029

INNER CIRCLE Operating Expenses $837,575

1% 1% 3%

34%

3%

11%

20%

13%

$1 Generated $12

Stewardship Land Conservation Projects

22%

36% 15%

Middle Fork Greenway Northern Peaks State Trail Fundraising Operations

41%

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RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS We appreciate our 2022 donors!

This list represents donations made to Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Middle Fork Greenway during the 2022 calendar year.

Peak Society These donors have committed gifts of $5,000 or more per year for at least three years Fred and Lois Adams Ric and Ann Browning Greg Bradley and Lee Carter Rob and Kathy Connelly John and Faye Cooper Leigh and Jennie Derby Curtis L. Andrews and Ellen Harrell Bill and Susan Leonard Dan McLamb and Bonnie Weyher McLamb Richard and Debbie Swartzel Steve and Carolyn Trinkle Walter and Jean Wilkinson Conservation Ambassadors (These donors have committed gifts of $2,500 or more per year for at least three years) Appalachian Framing and Carpentry Bill and Laura Barrier The Bent Family Foundation Jimmy and Marci Bent Hanes and Lida Boren Tom O’Brien and Kadie Dean Bob and Julie Gates Andy and Pam Guion Bob and Susan Hambright Ken Nelson and Julie Hettiger Kevin and Sandy High Tim and Carolyn Hilton David Brendle and Torre Hinnant Ken and Donna Lewis Kenneth and Angela Melcher Dyke and Deborah Messinger Tim Gupton and Brent Moore Cynthia Payne Emma Pickett Lou and Holly Pierce David and Julia Ralston Pete and Zika Rea Tom and Elizabeth Redding Wade and Kathy Reece Tim and Lori Rowe Bob and Janet Stout Joe Craig and Larry Tilson Jeff and Shirley Vestal Bart and Robina Walker Bill and Judy Watson Brad and Carole Wilson Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie David and Susan Yount Leadership Circle These donors have committed gifts of $1,000 or more per year for at least three years Dale and Nancy Allison JJ and Jennifer Brown Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler Kristan Cockerill John and Sally Gentille Pat and Nancy Grantham The Bryant and Nancy Hanley Foundation Juliana Henderson

Tom and Donna Medlin Don and Sandra Mikush Mark and Maloo Murrey Mike and Rosemary Nelson Martha Brown and Cynthia Perrino Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps Shawn and Gigi Poole Tom and Susan Ross Mark File and David Soyars Margaret Newbold and Liz Watson John and Ashley Wilson Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg Eric Hallman and Elizabeth Woodman David Witsell and Kyle Worsham Evergreen Circle These donors have made gifts to BRC every year since 2013 Charlie and Ann Baker Bill and Laura Barrier John and Anne Barry Jimmy and Marci Bent Alex and Anne Bernhardt Jim and Berta Blecke Glenn and Teri Boone Hanes and Lida Boren Judi Brown Ric and Ann Browning John and Ann Chalk Bob Cherry Johnny Burleson and Walter Clark Kelly Coffey Ida Maude Collins Fairley Bell Cook John and Faye Cooper Russ Curtis and Lisa Cooper Joe DeLoach Mike Madritch and Laura England Mike and Jeri Gray Bob and Susan Hambright Gary Swartz and Sally Hatch Bill and Jo Herring Pam Hoffman Frances Huber Clyde and Eva Ingle David Janes Bill and Kay Layton Hal and Holly Levinson Skip Sickler and Lisa Loveday Larry and Sarah Manning Mast General Store John and Connie McLendon Kincaid and Allison Mills Tim and Heather Murphy Richard and Janet Paulette Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps Deborah Pope Pete and Zika Rea Wade and Kathy Reece Reid’s Catering Reginald and Annice Rhue David Rice Pat Rusch Jack and Leslie Samler John and Deborah Sherrill Jack and Marie Shirey Brian Caldwell and Robert Shore Caroline Smith Paul and Caroline Stahlschmidt

Fred and Alice Stanback Martha Stearns Stick Boy Bread Co. Cullie and Sylvia Tarleton Jim and Alicia Toomey “B” and Martha Townes Roger and Arameta Warren Bill and Judy Watson Joel and June Weaver Lynn Weis Dewey Wells Jeff and Joanne Williams John and Ashley Wilson Roger Winsor Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie BLACK BEAR SOCIETY Sustainers: $25,000+ Curtis L. Andrews Appalachian Ski Mtn. Ashe County Jeb and Molly Burns Walter and Gloria Cheatham Clayton and Juanita Dean Janes Charitable Lead Trust Mast General Store NC General Assembly NC Land and Water Fund Robert Dehart and Nancy Nygren Fred and Alice Stanback Brian and Marilyn Sturgell Richard and Debbie Swartzel Town of West Jefferson Watauga County TDA Preservers: $10,000 - $24,999 Fred and Lois Adams Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Laura Blackwood Blue Ridge Energy Ric and Ann Browning The Anne Cannon Trust Greg Bradley and Lee Carter Al Cheatham Conservation Trust for North Carolina Myles Standish and Shelley Crisp Leigh and Jennie Derby The Keith and Lu Ann Driscoll Foundation Andy and Robin Ebert Frontline Conservation Real Estate Tom Webb and Kathryn Heath High Country Pathways Patrick Hollowell McLendon Family Foundation Scott and Cindy McNeely Caroline Capps Miller Carol B. Phelon Foundation Bob Flanigan and Annie Pipes Jeffrey and Mary Scott Walter and Jean Wilkinson Jon Wilson Protectors: $5,000 - $9,999 Greg and Missie Alcorn Robert and Phyllis Andrews Anonymous Charles and Ann Baker William S. Barnickel Foundation

Bill and Laura Barrier Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation Mike and Wendy Brenner Judi Brown Rob and Kathy Connelly John and Faye Cooper Couch Family Foundation Mannon Eldreth Alton Louis Eubanks Kent Davis and Carlos Garcia-Velez Scott Ramming and Diana Godfrey Jason and Heather Hammer Ken Nelson and Julie Hettiger Frances Huber Bill and Susan Leonard Dayn and Suzanne McBee Dan McLamb and Bonnie Weyher McLamb Tim Gupton and Brent Moore Mountain Construction Enterprises Michelle Novacek Pete and Zika Rea John Thompson and Lee Rocamora Stick Boy Bread Co. Brett and Greyson Summey Steve and Carolyn Trinkle Pamela Vinson VirPack C. John and Mary Wiley Advocates: $2,500 - $4,999 Mike and Catherine Aiken Franklin and Frances Amburn Anonymous (4) Appalachian Custom Builders Appalachian Framing and Carpentry Ashemont Title The Bent Family Foundation James and Marci Bent Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Billy and Kathy Combs Russ Curtis and Lisa Cooper Deal, Moseley & Smith, LLP Tom O’Brien and Kadie Dean Marc Chabot and Cynthia Dillon Bob and Julie Gates Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. Glenn Eagle Lending Andy and Pam Guion Bob and Susan Hambright Hawksnest Zipline Kevin and Sandy High Tim and Carolyn Hilton Pam Hoffman Hugh Criswell and Greta Lee Ken and Donna Lewis LifeStore Bank Community Fund John and Connie McLendon Kenneth and Angela Melcher Robert and Roey Mendel Dwight and Deborah Messinger Don and Sandra Mikush M-Prints Murphy’s Naturals Cynthia Payne

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RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS Lou and Holly Pierce David and Julia Ralston Ray’s Weather Tom and Elizabeth Redding Wade and Kathy Reece Fairfax and Ann Reynolds Jeff Roberts Tim and Lori Rowe Bob and Janet Stout Michael and Virginia Tate Kip Kingree and Martie Thompson Eli Tiller Joe Craig and Larry Tilson Jeff and Shirley Vestal Bart and Robina Walker Bill and Judy Watson Margaret Newbold and Liz Watson Brad and Carole Wilson Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie David and Susan Yount Partners: $1,000 - $2,499 Dale and Nancy Allison Peter and Jean Anderson Anna Banana’s Anonymous Arete Engineers Marshall and Kellie Ashcraft George T. Baker Foundation Karen Baucom Alex and Anne Bernhardt Carol Black Blowing Rock Brewing Co Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Raymond and Mary Boardman Boone Bike & Touring Hanes and Lida Boren William Kreutzberger and Janine Boudreau Thad Throneburg and Kathy Boyd Lillie Brady Frank and Kathy Bragg Joe Brank Chris Souhrada and Alyson Browett Jim and Patty Butler Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler Lance and Linda Campbell Catalyst Construction Caterpillar Foundation Kyzer and Amanda Cauthen Carrie Caviness Chetola Mountain Resort Korey and Heidi Coon Hobart and Lora Davis Jim and Sheila Deal Frank Denny Memorial Fund Destination by Design Planning Paul and Debra Dickenson Paula Dinnerstein Jak Reeves and Tamara DiVenere Ken and Diane Dulaney George and Randi Edmiston Jason and Marya Fancey John and Pam Farthing Bill and Karen Fioramonti Adrian Brown and Keith Flynn James and Linda Fogleman Jamie Forbes Anthony and Kimberly Forman Steve and Sandy Forrest Jim and Darlene Gale

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Patricia Geiger John and Sally Gentille Gideon Ridge Inn The Giving Block GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Jon Goldberg David and Paula Goodson Judy Goodwin-Rosenberg Mark and Liza Gosnell Robert Sherrill and Greta Grall Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Pat and Nancy Grantham John Drake and Melissa Gray Cecil and Julie Gurganus The Bryant and Nancy Hanley Foundation David and Barbara Harman Wesley and Amret Hawfield Richard and Eileen Hayes Hellbender Bed & Beverage Hemlock Inn Juliana Henderson Robert and Kristen Henderson Jim Henson Bill and Jo Herring Ernie and Patricia Hiegl David Brendle and Torre Hinnant Lyle Schoenfeldt and Wanda Hinshaw Dan and Karen Howard Thomas Pile and Barbara Idzkowski T. Cooper and Glinda James Jenkins Realtors Scott Gray and Bethany Jewell Laurence Keech Joe Kelleher Thomas S. Kenan III Nancy Kish Tom Hollinshed and Kathy Lange La Quinta & Sleep Inn Michael Miller and Michelle Lee Lost Province Brewing Company Larry and Sarah Manning Kimberly Marland Architecture Susan Martin Leslie McKinney Tom and Donna Medlin Jesse and Lindsay Miller Wayne and Jenny Miller Miss Match Rentals John and Stephanie Mitchell Mark Mittelman Gary and Fuschia Moss Tim and Heather Murphy Mark and Maloo Murrey Mystery Hill Mike and Rosemary Nelson New River Building Supply Lawrence Pearson Edgar Peck Martha Brown and Cynthia Perrino Pat and Debbie Phillips Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps Kristopher and Jennifer Pickler Shawn and Gigi Poole St. Mary of the Hills Parish Reid’s Catering Revolution Boone Tom and Susan Ross Mr. and Mrs. James Ryan Gary and Julie Schreiber John and Peggy Schug

Jordan Sellers Dan and Carolyn Shepherd Don and Kim Sherrill Caroline D. Smith Walt and Sharon Smoski Ted and Melissa Smyth Mark File and David Soyars The Speckled Trout Joanna Sturm Russ and Julie Suddeth Mike and Sharon Sweeting Jay Biles and Dan Swift “B” and Martha Townes Valle Crucis Conference Center White Fence Farm Monty and Nancy White Nathan and Kathy White The Whole Shebang Events Brian and Mira Williams John and Ashley Wilson Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg Eric Hallman and Elizabeth Woodman David Witsell and Kyle Worsham Sheldon and Nikki Yarborough YMCA Camp Harrison James Young James and Katherine Zisek Samuel Tallman and Mike Zuravel MEMBERS $500 - $999 Jon Cassidy and Cynthia Anderson David and Shannon Andrews Anonymous (2) Julien Balkany and Raya Abid Balkany Bank of America John and Anne Barry Frank and Ranlet Bell Ed Speas and Deborah Beroth Chip and Cathy Blackwelder Ernest Young and Erin Blondel Blue Ridge Hiking Club Walter and Susan Bogushefsky Bonomo Family Foundation Boone Drug, Inc. Booneshine Brewing Co. David and Laura Bourne Charlie Brady Joseph M. Brantley III JJ and Jennifer Brown Walter and Jennifer Browning Brushy Fork Environmental Baird and Harriette Buchanan Anne Burgess Dale Caveny Rob and Catherine Clegg Dillon and Tama Coleman Bill and Kristi Cook Fairley Bell Cook Larry and Nancy Cornwell Creekside Electronics Deer Valley Athletic Club Henry E. Dillon Jr. Draba Jack and Susan Duncan Michael and Angela Earnhardt Equinox Environmental Sean and Paula Finneron Richard and Polly Gambill Green Park Inn Thomas and Susan Griffis Marc and Jill Guerra

Kyle and Susan Hall George and Agnes Harvin Gael Hawkins High Country Neurology High Gravity Adventures High South Creative Larry Turnbow and Marjory Holder David L. “Chuck” Hood Jr. Hound Ears Club Inn at Ragged Gardens Jerry and Nina Jackson Joe and Beth Jackson Tom and Charlene Johnson Daniel Jones Gordon Leker Family Fund Hal and Holly Levinson Isadore Lewis Eleanor Lieberman Joseph Thomas and Allie Lin Henry and Sandra Loehr Mananalu Brent Garrett and Glenda Marker James and Margaret Massagee Tom and Cindy Matthews Matt and Beth McKeon Wes and Sheryl McNair Brian and Heather Metzler Jay and Jennifer Mills Kincaid and Allison Mills Julia Morton Joe and Jessie Moseley Arnold and Rosemary Nelson Todd and Jess Nolt Outdoor Supply Company Clifford and Cynthia Parks Becky Pearson Michael and Andrea Pell Chuck Smith and Amanda Perry Matthew Perry Charles and Elizabeth Philipsen Claudia Prose Robert and Janet Reese F. Traylor and Diana Renfro Bob and Marge Rogers Rosemyr Corporation Omar and Catherine Sangueza Carrie Simpson Sky Valley Zip Tours Judy Carter and Susan Sluyter Gary Smith Solid Rock Engineering Robert and Lori Souther The Spice and Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock Paul and Caroline Stahlschmidt Martha Stearns Stepping Stone of Boone Super 8 of Boone Marian Taylor Andrew and Lois Thompson Hank and Carol Thompson Paul and Karen Tobben Tsuga Canopies Don and Mary Tucker Brooks and Norty Turner Todd and Sara Turner Village Jewelers Chet and Christine Walker Watauga Riverkeeper Dewey Wells Weyerhaeuser Turner and Cathleen Whitted

Wildlands Engineering, Inc. Clyde Williams The Withrow Family Foundation Douglas and Debra Woodbury Mark Everhart and Lavonda WyattEverhart Gayle and Ann Wylie Peter and Avis Yount $250 - $499 Kenneth J. Abrams Jon Wells and Maryam Ahmed Lex and Ann Alexander Perry and Donna Aliotti Chris Almerini Scott and Suzan Anderson Anonymous David and Paula Applegate David and Lyn Batty BE Natural Market Mitchell and Elizabeth Blair Jim and Berta Blecke Blue Bear Mountain Camp Blue Ridge Apiaries Glenn and Teri Boone Miles and Elizabeth Britton Dawn Burks Laura Callahan John and True Campbell Dave Chilton Cisco Dell Vance and Ann Coleman Pace and Sarah Cooper Ken Abrams and Lyn Croft Linda Curran Susan Curtin Doug Blackford and Martha Cutler Gerald and Maureen Denny Robert and Kristen Dicks DNV Merideth Dolan Footsloggers of West Jefferson Brandon Fowler John Mann and Ellen Freeze Fun ‘n Wheels Goode Chiropractic Mike and Jeri Gray Abigail Grubb Steve and Ann Hammond Elizabeth Harris Gary Swartz and Sally Hatch Dick and Pam Hay Wildon and Laura Hayes Eric and Nicole Hiegl Highland Hills Motel Joe and Donna Hightower Andy Heckert Jon and Patricia Hlafter Bob and Marjorie Hrozencik Clyde and Eva Ingle IQVIA Inc. David and Leila Jackson Jack and Sue Jezorek Sophie Jordan Marc and Sandy Kadyk Angela Kelly David Koren Patrick Lantz and Shelley Kreiter Craig and Jessica Lancaster Bill Pelto and Linda Larson Bob and Jane Lassiter Lazy Bear Lodge Sherry Lear-Park Nancy Little Van and Leigh Lucas Robert and Robin Mason

Frank and Jerri Mayberry Mike and Sara Mayhew Kimberly McCrea Michael and Amie McPherson Mellow Mushroom of Blowing Rock Mellow Mushroom of Boone Microsoft Harold and Patricia Miller Steven Prediletto and Brigid Murray Tony Horney and John Neal Richard and Joyce Newman Old Orchard Creek Farms John and Neal Orgain Eric and Diane Overcash Richard and Janet Paulette Kevin and Lisa Pearce Steven Petrow Peter and Joni Petschauer Wayne Powell Jason Prindle Sam and Missy Rankin Red Onion Cafe Bill Reed Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters River & Earth Adventures Matthew and Sarah Rupp John and Leslie Samler Brett and Catherine Scantlin Beth Shanklin John and Joan Shannon John and Deborah Sherrill Mark Palkovic and Thomas Shessler Jim and Debra Shetterly Jack and Marie Shirey Ed and Beth Shuford Gerald and Jo Sims Linda Lacy Sipe Rob and Dell Slack Joan Smyth Pat Reighard and Elizabeth Smythe Snake Mountain Iron Works The Spice & Tea Exchange of West Jefferson Chris and Hope Squires Bill Cockett and Sharon Stafford Storie Street Grille Adam and Adrienne Stumb Jim and Cantey Tanner The Tavern Michael and Alice Taylor John Carlson and Katy Thompson Caleb and Jennifer Thorp Wright and Tracy Tilley Neil and Jacqueline Tilton Allen and Kate Torrey Don and Laurie Trexler Scott and Jane Vandiver Wayne and Lee Vason Wendy Waring Lynn Weis Wesley Whited David B. Williams Jeff and Joanne Williams Roger Winsor Rita Wiseman Dave and Carolyn Yawars $100 - $249 Jeffrey Adolphsen Michael Lemanski and Guenevere Abernathy Juin Adams James Aldridge Brian and Laura Alexander Chase and Holly Ambler Bill and Christine Anderson

Judy Andrews Anonymous (4) Mark Kirkpatrick and Debbie Arnold ASU Office of Arts and Cultural Programs Patricia Austin Ellis and Barbara Aycock Bald Guy Brewing William Baird Timothy and Catherine Ballard Barney and Pam Barnhardt Sadler and Debbie Barnhardt Thomas Barrie and Lisa Grele Barrie Bill Holman and Stephanie Bass Bob White and Patricia Beaver Ty and Nancy Bell George and Jane Bingham Blue Ridge Mountain Club Ben and Molly Bonner Michael Black and Mike Bost Kyndall Boyle Barbara Brank Damon and Cori Braxton Jim Brooks Jack Knight and Margaret Brown Robert and Ann Buys Alan Ellstrand and Karen Byers Seo-Young Byun Cafe Violette Carolina West Wireless Jack Cassidy Robert Archer and Danielle Chabot Dorothea Chambers Richard and Dorothy Chesnutt Indra Chilakala Roger Clark Heather Coats Ida Maude Collins Eric and Barbara Crissman Nigel and Susan Davies Fran Davis Jane Davis Dell Technologies Wayne and Karin DellaMaestra Kyle and Becca Dion Robert and Roddy Dixon Jennifer Dotson Donna Drinnen Duke Energy Foundation Charles and Adele Dunbar Susan Dunlap G. Reid and Catherine Dusenberry James Dye Bruce Eckard Lynda Eckard Derrick and Dawn Ely Mike Madritch and Laura England Meridith Entingh Epic Nature Tours Susan Evans Fred and Suzanne Falchook Edwin Farthing Jeff Foulkes Howard and Janice Friedman Wes and Renee Fulk Joe Furman Harry and Debra Gandy David and Jackie Garner Charles Gill Leora Goetschel Stephen Zoufaly and Deborah Gooch Jeff Deal and Jamie Goodman Go Postal Boone Rustin Gray George Antczak and Kristin Grieneisen Dorothy Griffith

Carolyn Gummerson Owen and Darri Gwyn Joe and Betsy Hackney Gene and Holly Hafer Thomas and Lise Haizlip Douglas and Constance Hall Jonathan Halsey Karl and Holly Ham Antoinette Hamilton Douglass and Julie Hammond Jack Apple and Michelle Handler Bill and Amanda Hans David Hardage Phillip and Pam Hardin Thomas and Michele Harrison Bill and Carol Hassell Ben and Linda Hawfield Eric and Mason Heistand Joe Helton Denise Henderson Rick and Kay Herndon Robert Hess High Country Audubon Society Henry and Jill Hobson Carol Banaitis and Sarah Hogan Dennis and Linda Holcomb Kendra Holcomb Philip and Lynette Holman Jerry Cantwell and Tina Houston Tony and Melinda Howell Hal Minis and Pat Hughes Beth Bartholomew and Susan Hurrell Incredible Toy Company Greg and Janet Jennings Tom Kenney and Wendy Jodry Johnson & Johnson Brad and Christa Johnson Thomas M. and Diane Johnston Leslie Sargent Jones Dale and Deborah Kirkley Rita Kluck Ben Koren Bill and Cathy Kratt Barbara Krause Keith and Pamela Larson Kenneth Laws Bill and Kay Layton Darrell and JoAnn Lewis Jack and Andrea Limehouse Ron and Alice Linville Melanie Litchfield Little Saps Skip Sickler and Lisa Loveday Jim Baize and Beth Lyons Tom and Carolyn Maddox James and Frances Magruder Grant Seldomridge and Laura Mallard Jack and Debbie Mason Susan Mast Patricia Mauldin Andrew and Pamela Mayberry Bill and Annette McCarter Tom and Ann McConnell Susan McCracken Fred Martin and Michele McCubbins Jason and Craig McDaniel Craig McFadden Aspen McKenna Lynnwood Brown and Elise McLaughlin Jean McLaughlin Robin Meysenburg Ann Miller Mark and Elizabeth Miller Sue Miller James Walling and Amy Millette William and Cynthia Milliken

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RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS Sheila Mirchandani Pamela Mitchem William Mohr Mommani Threads Robert and Beth Monaghan Marshall Montgomery Joe and Kay Morgan Lou and Diane Morrison David and Maureen Moses Mountain Linens Russ and Jean Moxley Marc and Emmy Murphy Scot and Colette Nester Michael Nguyen Optimal Performance PT Kenneth Otterbourg Mike and Laura Page Amy Parsons Todd and Wendy Patoprsty Laura Paynter John and Cathy Pfeil Harold (“HP”) and Susan Phipps Judith Phoenix Deborah Pope Mike Evans and Julie Poppell John and Jeanice Porta Jesse Suh and Jenna Powell-Malloy Richard and Carolyn Pressley Tom and Geri Purpur Frank and Charlotte Revels Ben Floyd and Lisa Reynolds Robert Elliot and Suzanne Reynolds Reginald and Annice Rhue Priscilla Rich Reid Wilson and Karen Rindge Tim and Stephanie Roberts Russell and Sally Robinson Ryan and Nikki Robinson Michael and Kathryn Rominger Samuel and Penny Rothrock Judy Rubin John and Celeste Rudolph Barbara Rule Roger and Gayle Rulifson Scott and Cameron St. Clair Alton Franklin and Carolyn Sakowski James and Elizabeth Savely Daniel and Christina Scagnelli Genevieve Scalan Karen Schaaf Terri Polson and Jill Schrage David and Peg Schroeder Ronald and Denise Schwartz Bill and Judy Sears Marcia Sentell Shoemaker Appraisal Services Raleigh and Katy Shoemaker Bob Oelberg and Katherine Shoffner W. Cabell Smith Susan Stark James and Gwen Steele Dennis Grady and Martha Stephenson Aaron Stumb Eric Stumb Roger and Cilie Sutton Cullie and Sylvia Tarleton Bob and Angela Todd Jim and Alicia Toomey Jason and Mitzi Triplett John and Debbie Troxler Twigs Restaurant & Bar Bert and Donna Valery

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John and Caroline Vance VMWare Foundation Jonathan and Kelly Vogel Robert and Beth Vonnegut Virginia Wallace Dorothy Walters Shelly Warder James Warren Jim R. Watson Waypoint Outfitters Craig Weaver Joel and June Weaver Mindy Meade and Mary Weber John and Erin Welsh Julian and Jill West Mike and Maria Whaley Bill and Pat Wheeler Whit and Mary Whitaker Jim and Vicki Williams Gary and Dawn Wilson Ansel Strickland and Audrey Wolford Cameron Gokee and Alice Wright Theodore Yawars Joshua Blair and Emma Zisek Donald Zobel $50 - $99 Herman and Kathy Anderson Anonymous (3) Ashe County Arts Council ASU Athletics Greg and Cindy Barr Jamie and Julie Beth Bean Becton, Dickinson and Co. Michael and Joan Bell Barbara Bevington Shruti Bhandari Birdies Coffee Mark and Judy Bokorney Frank and Kay Borkowski Brian Burton Paul and Alyson Caldwell Will and Rebekah Canu John and Ann Chalk Billy and Amy Chamblee Bob Cherry Elsa Claverie David and Courtney Clem Gary and Astrid Coffey Kelly Coffey Jim and Deb Collins Daniel and Betsy Couper Cathy Credle David and Lynn Crimmins Dale and Mary Crosby Cecil and Barbara Cross Celeste Crowe Brian Crutchfield Oscar and Lillian Danner Joseph A Davant III Jon and Jenny Davenport David and Freda DeGruchy Amy Newell Denker Fred and Helen Dorman Finley Dula Jacqueline Dunbar Scott Ernest Fred Fedewa Dawn Fellers Joseph and Michelle Fink Beth Flora Florence Thomas Art School

Suzette Foster Glen Cutting and Kelli Fuller Linda Fulper Doug and Mary Galke Amy Galloway John and Sandy Glasser Herman and Renee Godwin Eric Strickler and Jennifer Grady Annette Graham Nancy Gray Wes Greene Laird and Carol Griffin John Hand George and Jean Harrison John Hawke Sean and Dale Hershelman High Country WATCH Al and Carolyn Hines Douglas and Amy Hoogervorst Benjamin Horne Grover and Ellen Huffines Steven and Debra Huffines J. Sterling Hutcheson Charles and Lisa Hypes Conrad and Liz Jones Gordon Hinners and Rebecca Keeter Cynthia Keller Mandy Kline John Dwyer and Rachel Knoepfel Hillel and Charlotte Koren Mervyn and Lani Kowalsky Paul Koza Sarah Larson Robert Lenn LifeStore Bank Neal and Katie Lineback Benjamin and Emily Link Lindsey Linker Doug Lisenby Mike Lobban Jane Lonon James and Adah Loscheider Greg and Claudine Lovins Dominique Lowitz Joseph and Betsy Lowman Todd Loy Dick and Livy Ludington Christian Ludwig Laurence Maloney Mastercard Impact Fund Dave and Sharon Matney Mike and Misty Mayfield Randy and Andrea McDonough Thomas and Kathleen McGowan Josh and Angela McMann Mark McNeill Tim Meigs Ellen Milford Theresa Morr Jeffrey and Louise Morris Mountain Running Co. Doug and Carol Murison Shari Nicholl Ken Goldsmith and Ashley OvermanGoldsmith Judy Owen Tyler Pait Nate Bush and Celena Patella Katherine Patterson Chandrajeet Pawar Arthur and Miyoung Pazik Jon and Ann Pershke

Anna Phillips Stephen Phillips Jesse and Meredith Pipes Louis and Janet Pittard Nicholas and Sara Placentra Dakota Poindexter Jeff and Cathie Poor Carl and Debbie Powers Smith Raynor Brandon Redding Josh Rees-Jones Marilyn Reid Ruth Renfro Dave and Harriet Reynolds David Rice David and Gail Richardson Amy Roberts Robert Franklin and Cheryl Roberts Jon Robertson Dan Chait and Aisling Roche Alexandria Rowland Patricia Rusch Mike and Joni Salzano Mary Sheryl Horine and Stacy Sears Will and Gail Sears Ben Massey and Darlene Sekerak Patrick Setzer Bill Seward George and Gwen Shafer Teresa M. Shook Brian Caldwell and Robert Shore Jim and Cindy Slamin C.D. and Sally Smith Carolin Spiegel Lori Spivey Bill and LaRose Spooner Dean Huff and Kim Stahl Miranda Stone Mickey Maloney and Betsy Templeton David Testa Tristan Thomas Rob and Ellen Thompson John and Candace Tippett Bill and Jane Tucker Zach Loncar and Mary Conyers Tucker Steve and Lisa Turner Shelda Upchurch Zan Valliant John Matuszak and Mary Vasseur Tony and Elizabeth Voiers David Walker Roger and Arameta Warren Wes and Lynne Waugh Bill and Stephanie Whitesides Leslie and Beth Wickham Aaron and Jaime Windeler Susie Winters Mary Wood Up to $49 AbbVie Sharon Abee William Aldridge Ameriprise Financial Services: Walker and Associates Anonymous (6) William Barbour Anna Begich Katherine Betz Steve and Ronda Blayer David Broderdorp Ken and Susan Broderick

Edward and Virginia Brooks G. David Brown Gregory D. Buckner Ellen Gwin Burnette Barbara Campbell Howard Neufeld and Claudia CartayaMarin Chevron Judy Clarke Kevin Eckardt and Yvonne CliftonYoung Dan Greene and Patti Connor-Greene Philip Cooper Belinda Dining Richard Elledge Todd Elledge Mathias and Linda Engelmann Eric Erdman Lara Eventide Dave and Valerie Everett Facebook

Kevin Farrar Virginia Fox Tim Garrison Sarah Grady Faith Gray Judah Grieme Robert Gurley Tom and Ginny Harris Ann Haynes Lauren Hayworth Marcia Hoffman Rob Holdsambeck Ashley Honeycutt Liz Hynson Jordan Jackson Sabrina Jones Nicholas Poggioli and Stephanie Kelley Michael Knott Erin Kohler Jennifer Laws Ireland Laxton

David and Lisa Macdonald Brad and Michele Makrucki Lara Marshall William and Caitlin Massey Janet Maxwell Steve Gurganus and Kathleen McQuaid Jessica Meeks Dan Miller Julie Mullis Denise Murray Frank Naccarato Rusty and Carrie Painter Marcia Prill Carol Query David and Tina Rizor Anthony Schultz Garrett Sharpe Charity Shatley Keith and Keena Sidden Julia Simmons Hayes and Susan Smith

Marian Smith Susan Speckman State Farm Sarah Stephenson Claire Sullivan Target Corporation Lila Taylor Ellen Thomas Sarah Thompson Three Crows Metalworks David and Kristen Travis Bailey Vonnegut Kathy Waites Ann Wall Jane Wallace Jenny Ward Lorelei Watts Justin Wells Cheryl Westbrook John and Deb Wieskamp

2023 Events April 21 May 20 - June 3 June 8 June 24 July 8 August 19 Sept. 16 October 28 -

June 8 Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek Enjoy great food from Reid’s Catering and The Gamekeeper, music from The Burnett Sisters Band, local craft beers, a variety of fine wines, and live and silent auctions - all to support saving the places we love!

Earth Day Cleanup at BRC Conservation Campus Guided Hike at Beech Creek Bog Land Trust Day at Mast General Store BRC Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek Guided Hike at Bear Paw State Natural Area Guided Hike & Blueberry Picking at Old Orchard Creek Farm Guided Hike at Camp Lutherock Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K & Kids Fun Run Guided Hike at YMCA Camp Harrison

Hiking Series - Guided Hikes

BRC 5k & Kids Fun Run

You’re invited to join BRC for group hikes across our northwestern North Carolina region. Come along with us to reconnect with nature, learn more about our ongoing conservation work, and simply have some fun with fellow conservation supporters. Hiking sign-ups will be available on a rolling basis.

Enjoy the scenic views of the Blue Ridge as you challenge yourself with a climb up Wonderland Trail Road alongside other Blue Ridge Conservancy supporters.

Run the 3.1 miles as fast as you can knowing that sticky buns, coffee, and even beer await as you cross the finish line. Sponsored by Stick Boy Bread Co. 31

PO Box 568 Boone, NC 28607

BECOME A MEMBER You can support our mission by joining or renewing online at www.blueridgeconservancy.org.

Pass this newsletter along to a friend to double its impact without any additional cost to you or Blue Ridge Conservancy.

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989.

The license is not an endorsement by the State.

A young climber on “Ice Rock,” a BRC-protected property in Alleghany County.