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.

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!

Partnerships and Pollinators

Center

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.

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

25,000 acres in 260 places

14,300 acres through 148

Three Top Mountain Game Lands

Ashe Co, 1,150 acres

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

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

Pond Mountain Game Land Ashe Co, 2,900 acres

Moses Cone Old Growth Forest Watauga Co, 60 acres

Paddy Mountain Ashe Co, 335 acres

Penland Preserve Mitchell Co, 141 acres

S. Toe River Conservation Area Yancey Co, 206 acres

Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area Watauga Co, 130 acres

Foscoe Wetland Birding Trail Watauga Co, 10 acres

Bear Paw State Natural Area Watauga Co, 385 acres

High Haven Avery Co, 100 acres

Camp Lutherock Avery Co, 518 acres

Grandfather Mountain State Park Watauga Co, 367 acres

Cane River Conservation Area

Yancey Co, 118 acres