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.

“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

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”.

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 .