Blue Ridge Conservancy - 2023 Annual Report

BLUE RIDGE CONSERVANCY

Defending the Places You Love ANNUAL REPORT: FISCAL YEAR 2023

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Board of Trustees Bonnie Weyher McLamb Chairperson Kadie Dean Vice Chairperson Patrick Hollowell Secretary David Harman Treasurer Ann Baker Ann Browning Lee Carter Dale Caveny Lisa Cooper Jennie Derby Holly Levinson Don Mikush Becky Pearson Shawn Poole Zika Rea Susan Ross

Staff Charlie Brady Executive Director Scott Elliott Director of Development 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 Jordan Sellers Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator Maria Whaley Director of Finance and Operations

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 Land Protection: Camp Lutherock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Welcome to New BRC Trustees and Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BRC & Staff Accomplishments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Conservation Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Protected Lands Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Land Protection: Grandfather Mountain State Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Land Protection: Brushy Mountains, Three Top Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Land Protection: Watauga River Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Land Protection: The Peak, Bowditch Bottoms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Northern Peaks State Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Middle Fork Greenway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 BRC and the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-25 BRC Supporter Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Planned Giving & Memorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Volunteering with BRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Financial Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Donor Thanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-35 2024 Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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: Sunset sunflowers at Pond Mountain Game Land Photography by: Leila Jackson, Ben Bateson, Ben Lucas, Caspian Miller, Charlton Torrence, and Lynn Willis

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friends, The Blue Ridge Mountains hold a special place in our hearts. We choose to live, visit, recreate, and find Last year, Charlie rescued a Great Pyrenees and solace here. The enormous natural beauty of these named her Paddy, after Paddy Mountain in West mountains inspires us. The Blue Ridge is part of a much Jefferson. She does a great job in her role as larger ecosystem extending from Georgia to Maine, the BRC’s official greeter.

Appalachian Mountains. This region has been identified as one of the four most important on Earth for climate resilience. It is a superhighway for biodiversity.

The region is home to thousands of rare species and provides high priority bird species with a critical migration corridor. Its forests have a remarkable ability to absorb and store excess carbon; fifty-six percent of the eastern US above ground carbon is sequestered here.* However, the Appalachians are at a tipping point because of urban development and fragmentation – only twenty six percent of the landscape is protected. We cannot afford to lose the connections the Appalachians provide. BRC is doing our part to connect corridors of protected lands, protect forests for climate resiliency, and provide public access for recreation.

In the 2023 Annual Report you will read of BRC’s successes in land protection, and in our premier projects, the Middle Fork Greenway, and the Northern Peaks State Trail. You will learn how BRC stood up to a notorious developer by filing a lawsuit to hold the developer accountable for trespassing on conserved lands to cut a high-altitude forest. BRC stands behind our word and will fight to defend what we pledged to protect.

The time has never been more urgent to protect the lands we love. The Appalachians represent a place of hope. If we take these mountains for granted, we will lose a magnitude of species and the security and benefits of the landscape for future generations.

Thank you for being our partner in this work. The successes on these pages are your successes. While our lands are under threat, the future is bright because of your commitment. Our future accomplishments will only be limited by our imagination. It is time for all of us to go big – to be ambitious with our goals and efforts. There is so much more we can and must achieve to protect the Appalachians.

BRC Staff at Peak Mountain: (Top row) Charlie Brady, Maria Whaley, Scott Elliott, Jordan Sellers, Eric Hiegl (Bottom row) Leila Jackson, Sydney Phillips, Ben Lucas, Wendy Patoprsty

*The Nature Conservancy: www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/appalachians

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LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP Blue Ridge Conservancy and NovusWay Ministries Victorious in Conservation Easement Lawsuit

In 2023, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) and Camp Lutherock (NovusWay Ministries), a Lutheran camp and conference center, settled a lawsuit with WFG Sugar Pointe, LLC, a developer who encroached and trespassed on a conservation easement in Avery County.

A conservation easement is one way BRC protects land, and is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. In this case, the developer cut down protected trees on Camp Lutherock’s property to create a view for a lot they sold. This is the first time BRC has sued to defend a conservation easement, and sets a precedent for the enforceability of conservation easements.

variant of the northern hardwood forest, which was impacted by the encroachment. A population of Southern Appalachian brook trout, the only native trout to Western North Carolina, is also found on the property.

After noting the violation during an annual easement monitoring visit in 2020, BRC reached out to the lot owner where the tree cutting occurred, discovering in the process that the developer who sold the lot was the responsible party. BRC then hired a certified arborist to assess the value of the trees cut on the conservation easement. An attorney was also retained to represent BRC and Novusway, Inc. and, for several months, BRC’s attorney communicated NovusWay Ministries with the developer’s “BRC’s perpetual stewardship obligation begins when granted the attorney to attempt conservation easement to settle. When no we accept a conservation easement, and we take to BRC on its Camp agreement could be that responsibility very seriously. We have a duty to Lutherock property in reached, BRC’s Board of uphold the terms of our easements and maintain the 2015, which marked Trustees approved filing public’s trust in the organization, and we will take the beginning of a great a lawsuit in Watauga whatever action necessary to defend our easements.” partnership between County, and NovusWay

the two organizations.

Ministries agreed to - Ben Lucas, BRC Director of Stewardship The Camp Lutherock join BRC as a plaintiff. conservation easement The defendants is a 518-acre ecological attempted to have the treasure that protects the headwaters of the North case dismissed based on the statute of limitations, but Toe River, including almost ten miles of its tributaries. the judge denied the motion and agreed that the statute The property is part of the Lutherock Natural Area, as of limitations started when the encroachment was designated by the NC Natural Heritage Program, and discovered in 2020. Ultimately an acceptable monetary includes rare natural communities. Notable species settlement agreement was reached before the case went include the Weller’s salamander, Pygmy salamander, to trial. As for the area impacted by the encroachment, northern bittercress, and natural communities include the arborist determined that the forest is already high elevation seep, rocky summit, and a globally rare naturally regenerating and healing itself.

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“BRC’s perpetual stewardship obligation begins when we accept a conservation easement, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” says BRC Stewardship Director Ben Lucas. “We have a duty to uphold the terms of our easements and maintain the public’s trust in the organization, and we will take whatever action necessary to defend our easements.”

This was the first lawsuit BRC has ever filed to defend a conservation easement, and the organization was well positioned to do so thanks to its Stewardship and Legal Defense Fund and Terrafirma RRG LLC, a conservation lands insurance company. Terrafirma was formed in 2011 to help land trusts defend their conserved lands from legal challenges, and approved BRC’s claim and paid all legal expenses in excess of the deductible.

NovusWay Ministries, an independent non-profit entity, is a ministry of the North Carolina, South Carolina, Southeastern, and Florida/Bahamas Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In addition to Camp Lutherock, NovusWay also owns and operates Camp Lutheridge in Arden, North Carolina, Camp Luther Springs outside of Gainesville, Florida and Camp Lutheranch in Tallapoosa, Georgia. NovusWay offers year-round programs and summer camps for people of all ages and facilities for use by private groups. More information on the organization can be found at www. novusway.org.

“I am proud of Blue Ridge Conservancy for standing up to this developer and pursuing legal action. It is a clear example of how BRC is maturing as a land trust,” says Executive Director Charlie Brady. “BRC will never back down from the promise we made to our conservation easement partners to protect their property, especially from the unscrupulous actions of trespassers. We are unwavering in the defense of our conservation easements. The public can be assured we will always stand firm and do the right thing.”

BRC has been an Accredited land trust for the past ten years, adhering to the rigorous standards set out by The Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance and conducts an extensive review of BRC’s policies and programs.

The conservation easement at Lutherock protects the headwaters of the North Toe River, including almost ten miles of its tributaries.

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WELCOME TO NEW BRC TRUSTEES & STAFF Holly Levinson

Susan Ross

A native of Ohio, Holly is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill (BA in Economics and Political Science 1983. Phi Beta Kappa) and the University of Michigan Law School (1986. Order of the Coif). She worked as a lawyer in Charlotte at Moore and Van Allen, and later at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority (now Atrium Health).

Susan Ross is a native of Greensboro, NC, and graduate of UNC-CH. She has also lived in Winston-Salem, Davidson, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Blowing Rock. Currently she divides her time between Blowing Rock and Davidson.

She has been a devoted community, church, and school volunteer for many years.

Holly is an active civic leader and community volunteer, with a special interest in the critical need to provide educational and enrichment opportunities to children from all socio economic and racial backgrounds. She served on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation Board and its Children and Youth Committee, and was the board chair of Wayfinders, a local Charlotte non-profit providing residential summer camp experiences and year-round enrichment opportunities and mentoring to underserved children. She remains a volunteer mentor with the organization.

She has served on the Boards of the Greensboro Natural Science Center, Greensboro PTA Council, the Junior League of Greensboro, the Eastern Music Festival Auxiliary, Orange Literacy, Kidzu Children’s Museum, the Conservation Trust of North Carolina, President of Sternberger Elementary and Grimsley High School PTAs, Chair of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, and more.

Professionally, she has been a public school kindergarten teacher and served as Executive Director of the Greensboro Bar Association. She is married to Thomas W. Ross and the mother of two wonderful children and four grandchildren. Her hobbies include hiking and fly fishing.

She has served on the board of Temple Beth El, chaired a task force on Baby Boomer engagement for Temple Beth El, served on the board and as board chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, and served on the board of the Foundation of Shalom Park. Holly currently serves on the board of Aldersgate Life Plan Services (a continuing care retirement community in Charlotte) and on the board of the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community.

She is married to Hal Levinson, and has one son, Adam. Hal and Holly live on conserved property on the South Toe River in Yancey County.

Becky Pearson Currently the Foundation Director at Ashe Memorial Hospital, Becky has been working in the non-profit sector as a development professional since 2008. In her experience, she has raised funds for organizations in the arts, healthcare, education, and human services. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University where she studied Kinesiology, and has lived in 7 states and 2 countries. Living in different places and traveling as much as possible provides her perspective for valuing the natural beauty that surrounds us in the NC High Country and drives her interest in protecting it. Her hobbies include spending time with family, cycling, hiking, and traveling. She relocated to Ashe County in 2021 from Greenville, SC and now lives in Grassy Creek on a 7th generation family-owned cattle farm.

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Scott Elliott Director of Development Scott joins BRC after spending the last nine years as the Superintendent of the Watauga County School system, receiving numerous awards and recognitions in that time. He was named the Northwest North Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year in 2019 and was widely lauded for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scott is a native and lifelong resident of western North Carolina and is passionate about creating healthy and sustainable communities. He has served on the boards of numerous non-profit agencies in the High Country, including the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce where he previously served as board chair. In 2021 he was named the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. He currently serves on the board of the Watauga County Community Foundation.

Elliott and his wife Laura, an environmental educator at Parkway School, have a deep respect and love for the North Carolina mountains. They live with their two children in Boone.

BRC ACCOLADES US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Regional Director’s Honor Award for Conservation Partners Blue Ridge Conservancy was honored as a winner of the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Regional Director’s Honor Award for Conservation Partners for 2021-22. Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection, attended the awards ceremony at the regional office in Atlanta in June.

Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection and Stewardship

“BRC is honored to receive the prestigious US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Director’s Award for protecting critical mountain bog habitat. Because of the leadership and skill of Eric Hiegl, BRC acquired and transferred the first fee simple property to the Mountain Bog National Wildlife Refuge.”

- Charlie Brady, BRC Executive Director

BRC was recognized for this award thanks to successfully procuring an ecologically important bog in Alleghany County. This bog became the first property owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service within the Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge, a federally protected wildlife refuge located within multiple western North Carolina counties.

Blue Ridge Conservancy Honored as “Nonprofit of the Year”

Blue Ridge Conservancy is honored to be the Ashe Chamber of Commerce’s “Nonprofit of the Year” for work at Paddy Mountain and the Northern Peaks State Trail.

The award was announced at the Chamber’s annual meeting in July, and accepted by Executive Director Charlie Brady.

Blue Ridge Conservancy Improves Charity Navigator Rating to 99% Since 2019, Blue Ridge Conservancy’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency has earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. In the newest assessment, BRC jumped from a 92% to 99% rating, meaning donors can “give with confidence.”

Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director

Jordan Sellers, Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator

Wendy was honored as the recipient of the 2023 Michelle Ligon Community Service Award by Explore Boone/ the Watauga County Tourism Development at their annual meeting in November.

Jordan was named a finalist in the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s “4 Under 40” in the Nonprofit Business Professional category.

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THE BRC CONSERVATION CAMPUS 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 funds to repurpose the existing home into offices, 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!

Office and Deborah I. Swartzel Education Center

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.

Parking, Picnic area, Little Free Library

2.2 Mile Loop Trail

Aho Branch Creek Pollinator Meadow

Agricultural area

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The trail and pollinator meadow are home to many plant and animal species. The campus is a designated eBird Hotspot, so visitors can log avian species they observe.

The Deborah I Swartzel Education Center

The Bentley property included a detached 3-car garage, that was used as storage when BRC moved in July of 2021. After the main office was finished, attention turned to the next phase: upgrading the garage into an education center. Work began in the summer of 2022, and was completed in late 2023. The extensive renovation included a new roofline, bathroom and kitchen space, new flooring, a seating area, and flexible meeting space.

Donor Richard Swartzel named the center for his wife Debbie, to honor her lifelong committment to education.

To date, BRC has used this beautiful center to host board and committee meetings, art workshops, high school and college school groups, and social/networking events. We look forward to the future opportunities this space will provide the community, and we thank the Swartzels for their continuing vision for the Conservancy.

Other Campus Improvements

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In 2023, a new deck was added to the main office to provide outdoor meeting and event space.

And what would a trail be without an informational kiosk? Thanks to the architectural and construction skills of Mike Whaley, BRC now has an kiosk at the trail parking area. The front includes a bilingual map and event information, and the back has history about BRC, the campus, and the MFG and NPST projects.

Some funding for the kiosk came from Stick Boy Bread Company employees in honor of the Coatney family’s many contributions to the community.

The BRC Board of Trustees at the newly finished Deborah I. Swartzel Education Center

The original garage, and progress throughout 2023.

Staff Spotlight: Maria Whaley

In addition to her dayto-day duties as BRC’s Finance Director, Maria Whaley is the staff member to thank for making the campus renovation project what it is today. From managing contractors to scheduling electricians, to calling plumbers, painters, and pavers, Maria has handled it all.

Maria, left, and her mother

Rita, on a BRC hike to Pond An integral part of the Mountain.

Conservancy since 2008, Maria’s unfaltering dedication to making BRC the very best it can be is evident in how hard she has worked to make the new campus our “forever” home.

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THE BRC CONSERVATION CAMPUS A learning and recreational space for the community

In October, BRC collaborated with Jeff Pippen of the NC Butterfly Monitoring Program for a workshop about crowdsourced assessments of native butterfly populations.

The trail is often used as an example of how sustainably built trails are designed to shed water, accomodate high volumes of hikers, and have minimal impact on the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.

Several classes from Appalachian State University have used the campus for their labs, including Dr. Jon Davenport’s Herpetology class, where students identified and catalogued reptile and amphibian species along the trail and in the woods.

A Little Free Library

We are thrilled to have our very own Little Free Library on the BRC campus.

Located at the trailhead between the apple trees, this library is open to all, so bring a book, take a book, enjoy a book! BRC received the library thanks to a grant from the Impact Library Program, and our wonderful volunteers Carolyn and Sandy installed it on campus.

“Reading is essential to personal growth, and two out of three children living in poverty don’t have a book to call their own. We hope that our efforts can help change this in our wonderful community. If you have books to share, please consider donating them to BRC, Hunger and Health Coalition or Appalachian Regional Library.”

- Carolyn Hart and Sandy Godwin

Honoring BRC’s agricultural roots Historically, BRC has strived to protect farms and agricultural tradition in the High Country. We honor this focus with a plot of land on the Conservation Campus dedicated to farming and gardening, offered to community groups that fit BRC’s mission and values.

In 2022 and 2023, Devin Lacey of Booze & Bouquets used the space to supplement his farm, located across the street, and he donated flowers to decorate the BRC Auction. Last year, we were also pleased to partner with Hunger & Health Coalition, Inc. to support their mission of feeding the community.

H&H garden intern Faye

Devin Lacey of Booze & Bouquets

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BRC continues to have a close relationship with the High Country Audubon Society. Members visit the campus regularly to birdwatch and volunteer.

In July, BRC hosted a mushroom identification hike with Dr. Coleman McCleneghan. It was one of the most popular events of the year, with over 40 community members in attendance.

Paul Laurent of Epic Nature Tours leads “Salamander Meander” night hikes at the campus, teaching visitors about the diversity of reptile and amphibian species in the Appalachians.

Restoring and Protecting the Campus The trail and grounds are home to embattled eastern hemlock trees, which are under attack from the hemlock woolly adelgid, an aphid-like insect. We have committed to saving as many of these trees as possible, and also educating the community about how to protect their own hemlocks. BRC has partnered with the Hemlock Restoration Initiative to treat and monitor our hemlocks, with the goal of saving them from the voracious pests. For more about HRI’s work, visit www.savethehemlocks.com.

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BRC PROTECTED LANDS MAP

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Blue Ridge Conservancy has protected 25,121 acres in 260 places

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14,500 acres through 148 conservation easements 10,621 acres through 112 land acquisitions

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15

28 27

26 18 25 17

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12

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20 13

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 30 22

Mountain Landscape

23 Farms and Agriculture

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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16

8

7

21

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2

1

10 31 14

Cultural Heritage

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Whippoorwill Academy Wilkes Co, 317 acres

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Old Orchard Creek Farm Ashe Co, 87 acres

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Valle Crucis Watauga Co, 1,100 acres

Valle Crucis

Recreational Opportunities

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BRC’s Conservation Campus Watauga Co, 46 acres

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YMCA Camp Harrison Wilkes Co, 712 acres

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Elk Knob State Park Ashe & Watauga Co, 718 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

Ecology and Habitat

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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

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Brushy Mountains Wilkes Co, 1,125 acres

Pond Mountain Game Land

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LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP Blue Ridge Conservancy guards the mountains Through deliberate purchases and work with landowners, BRC continues to guard our mountains from development. Forested acres for climate resiliency and contiguous lands for wildlife and public recreation remain a high priority, and partnerships with neighboring land trusts strengthen the network of protected areas.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Avery County, 24 acres In early 2024, BRC added 24 acres to Grandfather Mountain State Park, bringing the Conservancy’s total additions to the park to 400 acres. Located in the Grandfather Mountain Natural Area, the land has been in the Berry family for over 100 years, and the family is thrilled to see it protected in perpetuity.

“When I built the home I’m living in now, I realized my dream of moving back up here. I didn’t realize I would totally fall in love with this place. I knew I couldn’t have the property developed,” says landowner Butch Berry.

Funding for this acquisition was provided by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCWLF) and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).

Will Summer, Executive Director of the NCWLF, says: “Grandfather Mountain State Park is globally recognized for its biodiversity as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. Expanding conservation in the highlands around Grandfather Mountain supports the resilience of high elevation forests and seeps by providing a mature forest and protected corridor for migration of wildlife and rare species that are unique to this region of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

We are thrilled to partner with BRC and PARTF to make this addition to one of North Carolina’s newest and most spectacular parks.”

Andy Sicard, Grandfather Mountain State Park Superintendent says: “Grandfather Mountain State Park is fortunate to have partners like BRC working with us to protect the natural resources that surround Grandfather Mountain State Park and across the High Country.”

Landowner Butch Berry and BRC Director of Land Protection Eric Hiegl

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“When I approached BRC and Charlie Brady I found the perfect solution; I could sell it to someone who would care as much about this land as I do. My grandfather, Hardy Berry, purchased this property in 1921 and I’m positive that he would be happy that it will be taken care of.”

- Butch Berry,

Landowner

BRUSHY MOUNTAINS Wilkes County, 1,125 acres Foothills Conservancy of NC and Blue Ridge Conservancy completed the permanent protection of a 1,125-acre property that spans Wilkes, Alexander and Iredell Counties.

This property is located in the eastern Brushy Mountains and was purchased jointly by Foothills Conservancy and Blue Ridge Conservancy from private conservationist Tim Sweeney, who donated a significant portion of the land value after holding it for several years with permanent conservation in mind as the ultimate goal.

“The opportunity to permanently conserve over 1,000 acres in western North Carolina does not happen often. We are grateful the landowner’s goal was to protect a significant and important tract of land in the Brushy Mountains,” said Charlie Brady, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Conservancy. “I am especially proud of our partnership with Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina in this project. The effort was a unique collaboration

of land trusts working together with a common goal of conservation, in partnership with the landowner. Providing public access on a large scale in the Brushy Mountains will be an increasing focus of Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work.”

“This project is noteworthy because of the large amount of protected natural land in a single transaction and special because of the partnership Foothills Conservancy and Blue Ridge Conservancy forged to complete the project. The Brushy Mountains have become a conservation focus area for both of our land trusts, and we’re anticipating other partnership opportunities with BRC in the near future.”

- Andrew Kota, Executive Director of Foothills Conservancy of NC

THREE TOP MOUNTAIN

Ashe County, 103 & 90 acres

BRC continues adding land to Three Top Mountain Game Land in Ashe County, which is currently 3,100 acres.

“Protecting forested land in the Amphibolite Mountains is one of BRC’s priorities. Conservation land acquisitions protect the property’s conservation values while allowing appropriate public use. Land in the Three Top Mountain Game Land can be enjoyed by hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and hikers.”

- Eric Hiegl, BRC Director of Land Protection and Stewardship In March 2023, BRC purchased 103 acres of forested land on the western slope of Three Top Mountain. The upper slopes are located in the “Amphibolite Mountain Important Bird Area” as defined by the NC Audubon Society’s “Global Priorities.”.

The majority of the property is ranked 10/10 in the Biodiversity Wildlife Habitat Assessment completed by the NC Natural Heritage Program.

The goal is to eventually transfer this land to the Wildlife Resources Commission for inclusion in the the Three Top Mountain game land.

In December 2023, BRC transferred 90 acres to NC Wildlife Resources Commission on the east end of Three Top Mountain.

This is in addition to 615 acres transferred in recent years.

The south facing property is entirely forested, with elevations exceeding 4,200 feet. A mature Carolina hemlock forest is located on the eastern ridge of the property and a headwater stream originates on the property and flows into Buffalo Creek. It is located in the Three Top Mountain Natural Heritage Area, which is ranked Exceptional by the NC Natural Heritage Program.

The property provides a linkage to other properties BRC has acquired. The adjacent tracts are also forested, tying into BRC’s mission of protecting ecology and habitat, and protecting and creating recreational opportunities.

Funding for these acquisitions was provided by the NC Land & Water Fund and Fred & Alice Stanback.

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LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP WATAUGA RIVER ACCESS Watauga County, 8.5 acres Blue Ridge Conservancy transferred a newly constructed access on the Watauga River in Valle Crucis to Watauga County for management. The access is part of the Watauga River Paddle Trail and is located between the Hwy 194 bridge and Mast Gap Road. Currently, the property features a parking area and a ramp to the water, and a kiosk and entrance sign will be added in the near future. This is the second access on the Watauga River BRC has helped facilitate, joining the Guy Ford Rd / Lower Gorge River Access, completed in 2020.

Eric Hiegl, BRC Director of Land Protection & Stewardship: “BRC continues its commitment to increasing public access to our natural resources. The Watauga River Paddle Trail is an excellent example of strategic land conservation creating public places in the region.”

The property is 8.5 acres, with MaryAnn Mueller and Diana Travis gifting 6 acres, and the Tennessee Valley Authority and Watauga Tourism Development Association funding the purchase of the other 2.5 acres.

BRC received funds from the NC General Assembly and Watauga County Tourism Development Authority to construct the parking area and river access.

“This will be a great asset to the Foscoe and Valle Crucis communities. The River Access is a great example of collaboration between Watauga County and Blue Ridge Conservancy to improve our community and benefit our constituents.”

- Braxton Eggers, Watauga County Commissioner

MaryAnn Mueller and Diana Travis, pictured with Eric Hiegl, gifted 6 acres to BRC for the river access.

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“We are pleased to be able to support this project which will add another public access area to the Watauga River,” said Wright Tilley, Executive Director of the Watauga County TDA. “This access area will tie in to other popular areas on the Watauga River that the tourism development authority has been involved with including Watauga Gorge Park and the Guy Ford access.”

Watauga County Commissioner Braxton Eggers: “This will be a great asset to the Foscoe and Valle Crucis communities.

The Watauga River Access is a great example of collaboration between Watauga County and Blue Ridge Conservancy to improve our community and benefit our constituents.”

THE PEAK

Ashe County, 48 acres In late 2023, BRC purchased 48 acres on The Peak in Ashe County for use as part of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST). This land is key to constructing the trail in a sustainable manner to avoid the ecologically significant rock outcroppings of The Peak. Located in the Long Hope Valley/Elk Knob/The Peak Natural Area as identified by the NC Natural Heritage Program, the acreage has an “Overall Rating” of Excellent, the highest designation. Funding for this project came from the NC Complete the Trails Program.

“BRC is excited to continue land protection efforts at Elk Knob State Park with this acquisition on The Peak,” says Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection and Stewardship.

“The property encompasses multiple conservation values including ecological, recreation, and scenic qualities.”

NPST Coordinator Jordan Sellers: “This is a critical acquisition to ensure the NPST is designed and constructed in a sustainable manner. Our goal is to tread lightly on the land, and the west slope of The Peak was identified as the preferred location of the NPST in the Elk Knob State Park Master Plan. Leveraging the NPST to protect land along the Amphibolites is a great example of BRC and our partners at the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources getting creative in order to conserve land and increase public access.”

At 5,207 feet, The Peak is the highest mountain in Ashe County, and this property adds to the over 1,500 acres already protected.

Bowditch Bottoms, Yancey County, 80 acres In 2023, BRC was transferred a conservation easement on 80 acres of farmland in Yancey County from Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. SAHC now owns and manages this tract of land for agricultural use. Both organizations work in Yancey, Avery, and Mitchell counties, and are excited to partner for great conservation outcomes for the western North Carolina mountains.

Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection, speaks at an info session on conservation options for landowners in the South Toe River Valley in Yancey County. The event, held with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, was at a private residence that sits on a BRC conservation easement.

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NORTHERN PEAKS STATE TRAIL On the Cover: Sunflowers in a sunset glow at Pond Mountain Game Land Photography by: Leila Jackson, Ben Bateson, Ben Lucas, Caspian Miller, Lynn Willis.

The Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST), one of 14 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 downtown 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 Mount Jefferson.

2023 was a monumental year for the NPST project. Several parts of the trail are currently in the planning stages, including over six miles in Elk Knob State Park, ten miles in Three Top Mountain Game Land, three miles at Paddy Mountain Park and just under a mile in downtown Boone at Rivers House Park. These portions of the trail will more than double the amount of public trails within the Amphibolite Mountain corridor.

“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. BRC is taking the unique and novel approach of using biological guidance to guide the entire NPST. Significant progress has been made at Paddy Mountain Park in West Jefferson, the 152acre property that BRC and numerous partners protected in 2021.

Unlike State Parks, which are operated and managed by the North Carolina State Parks, 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: “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.”

The NPST is a partnership between: l Blue Ridge Conservancy l NC Division of Parks and Recreation l Ashe County l Watauga County l Ashe County Chamber of Commerce l West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority

Watauga County Tourism Development Authority l Town of Boone l Town of Jefferson l NC Wildlife Resouce Commission l

NPST VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - MARGARET NEWBOLD

In November, Jordan started a series of “Amphibo-hikes,” held the first Thursday of each month. The hikes are open to the public and take place on a different part of NPST or have a theme that ties into the trail, such as sustainable trail building.

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“I was thrilled and honored to serve as the chair of the inaugural NPST Committee during NC’s Year of the Trail.

NPST is an exciting project that is strengthening and connecting communities in Ashe and Watauga counties. It is a strong partnership of committed local visionaries and a coalition of conservation and trail enthusiasts that will lead to a healthier and more vibrant High Country. It’s so inspiring to see the progress Jordan, the committee, and the entire team are making! With continued support from the community there will be more trail on the ground each year.”

- Margaret Newbold, Former BRC Board Chair and NPST Committee Chair

PADDY MOUNTAIN PARK NPST PARTNER OF THE YEAR BRANTLEY PRICE “What an honor to take part in making Paddy Mountain Park a reality not just a dream. The park and trails are going to be such an asset to West Jefferson and our region. Thanks to Blue Ridge Conservancy and all the partners that made this project come together.”

- Brantley Price, West Jefferson Town Manager

Mike Leonard, Jeff Michael, Brian Strong, and Palmer McIntyre

State Representative Ray Pickett speaking at the Paddy Mountain Park groundbreaking ceremony.

In August, Blue Ridge Conservancy held a groundbreaking at the site of the new Paddy Mountain Park in West Jefferson as part of Year of the Trail NC Trail Days. The park will feature three miles of stacked loop trail as well as parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities. The park will serve as a trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail, which will connect the Jeffersons to Boone. BRC, who facilitated the purchase of the property, is coordinating the construction of the NPST in partnership with state and local government agencies.

Speakers at the event included North Carolina Deputy Secretary for Natural Resources Jeff Michael, North Carolina

BRC’s Sydney Phillips chats with visitors to Trail Days in WJ about the NPST.

Charlie Brady with West Jefferson Mayor Tom Hartman.

Representative Ray Pickett, West Jefferson Mayor Tom Hartman, and Ashe County Commissioner Chuck Olive, who have all been instrumental to the project.

The Paddy Mountain Park trails project was made possible by a Recreational Trails Program grant, which is administered by NC State Parks, a direct appropriation from the NC General Assembly, and a NC Parks and Rec Trust Fund grant.

In December, BRC transferred the Paddy Mountain property to the town of West Jefferson. The park will be open to the public by early 2025.

Paddy Mountain Park groundbreaking ceremony in August 2023.

Pictured, L-R: William Sands, Jerry Powers, Adam Stumb, Eric Hiegl, Jeff Michael, Tom Hartman, Jordan Sellers, Ray Pickett, Deanna Ballard, Chuck A rough overview of the NPST shows the path of the trail Mount Jefferson Olive, Charlie Brady, Kitty Honeycutt, and Brian Strong from Boone to the Jeffersons.

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MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY

Boone Gorge in the fall

2023 Middle Fork Greenway Highlights

2023 saw continued Middle Fork Greenway progress, including $2,000,000 in project funding, a completed traffic study along the Blue Ridge Parkway, final design approval for Section 1 in Blowing Rock, and initial construction of the Tweetsie Railroad underpass. The annual Round-Up for the Greenway was a success, with funding from that effort going toward the construction of Boone Gorge Park.

The 2023 Round-Up for the Greenway benefited Boone Gorge Park, and leveraged over $500,000 in grants from the state and Watauga County TDA

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Future Angler Park

Land to the south of Sterling Creek Park (towards Blowing Rock) has been purchased, and design, engineering, and permitting is underway. 2024 fundraising efforts are focused on this area for Greenway, stream restoration, and another trailhead.

Boone Gorge Park

Final design, engineering, and permitting is underway for Boone Gorge Park, which will eventually connect Payne Branch Park to the Boone Greenway. The park will include parking, facilities, and amenities such as wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms, restrooms, a pavilion, a sculpture walk, and interpretive signage. The project should go to bid for construction in 2024, but as with all MFG sites, multiple partners mean delays are possible.

Special thanks to Urban Planner and Landscape Architect Jon Wilson (pictured), who graciously volunteers his time and expertise on the Boone Gorge Park project.

Round-Up For the Greenway

July’s annual Round-Up for the Greenway was a success, with over 50 local businesses participating. The money raised was matched for over $500,000 going towards the development of Boone Gorge Park. A check dropoff party was held at the park in August, the first chance the public had to see the space.

Tweetsie Underpass

After many delays, the permit for an underpass at Tweetsie Railroad was approved. Cinderella Partners and Interface Environmental Consulting (pictured) are working on the project, which will connect Sterling Creek Park to the 321 Trailhead.

Collaboration Brings Art to the Middle Fork Greenway Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Watauga Arts Council are working to bring public art to the MFG. In late 2023, Zach Smith-Johnson and Fred Mead’s “Home” sculpture was installed at the 321 Trailhead, joining Cindy Michaud’s mosaic posts at Sterling Creek Park. Concrete was donated and poured

by Chandler Concrete. Funding for the projects came from the Conservation Fund, a grant administered by the ARC in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts.

More installations are planned, including mosaics and sculptures at Boone Gorge Park. To learn more about WAC, visit www. watauga-arts.org/.

Cindy Michaud

Joe Temple of Chandler Concrete and Zach Smith-Johnson

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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.

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, Blue Ridge Energy Member Advisory Committee, Watauga Arts Council, Boone Sunrise Rotary, Watauga Riverkeeper, Hunger and Health Coalition, Watauga Community Housing Trust, Watauga County Community Foundation Board, Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development, and Watauga Women in Leadership.

The Mandela Washington Fellows Program BRC was once again chosen as peer collaborators for environmentally focused Mandela Washington Fellows. Sydney spent several weeks during the summer with Refiloe Semethe, a climate change educator from the Kingdom of Lesotho in Southern Africa. Refiloe’s work centers around climate change education and action for young girls and women.

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.

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

Hellbender Bike Ride 22

Grandfather Mountain Anniversary Celebration

Elk Knob Community Heritage Day

Honoring those making an impact in the community

BRC’s Charlie Brady and Eric Hiegl present Kelly Coffey the inaugural “Land Conservationist of the Year” award.

Local farmer Kelly Coffey was named BRC’s inaugural “Land Conservationist of the Year” at the 67th annual Farm-City Banquet, held by the Watauga County Cooperative Extension. This event brings the urban and rural community together to celebrate the contributions and local impact of farming and conservation.

“Kelly is an extraordinary individual who has made significant contributions to land conservation and agricultural preservation in northwest North Carolina.

Kelly is a Watauga County Native, and his local roots instilled a deep passion for conservation and community action within the county.

Kelly’s multifaceted involvement in land conservation, agriculture, and community development showcases his commitment to preserving the unique character and natural beauty of the North Carolina mountains.

His work and dedication will have a positive and lasting impact on the region.”

- Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection

Camp “Girls on the Run” BRC was once again invited to visit the Girls on the Run camp for 3rd-5th graders. Due to a sudden summer rainstorm we did not get to get in the river to look for critters, but volunteer Laura Elliott did an excellent job teaching the kids about river and stream ecology.

Outreach with Watauga County Schools BRC visited several groups of local students from the Watauga County School system, met with the science staff from Watauga High School to discuss possibilities for future educational collaborations, and assisted with the high school’s rain garden refurbishment.

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR BRC

Ray’s Weather Blue Ridge Calendar

Thanks to Rays Weather for having BRC as a beneficiary from the popular Ray’s Weather Calendar again in 2023. Charlie and Leila attended the photographer reception and check presentation at Banks Creek Barn in Linville and heard how some of the amazing images in the calendar came to be.

The Cooper Family and Mast General Store

In May, Mast General Store invited BRC to the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event in Valle Crucis. We had a great time chatting with folks and talking about all the work we’ve done in the valley with the help of partners like the Cooper family. To date, BRC has conserved over 1,100 acres in the area, and added trails and an access to the Watauga River.

The first Saturday in June is Land Trust Day, and Mast General Store has a been wonderful partner, donating a percentage of that day’s sales to BRC.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery - Pineapple Picker & Locals’ Pint Night

Thanks to Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery for their support in 2023. AMB donated $1 of each pint of “Pineapple Picker” cider to the Middle Fork Greenway, for the Round-Up for the Greenway, and invited the staff to participate in their Locals’ Pint Night to talk to customers about BRC’s work in the High Country. AMB and Blowing Rock Brewing also sponsored drinks for the Round-Up check drop-off party at Boone Gorge Park.

Booneshine Brewing Co. Old Man Maple Imperial Stout For the second December in a row, Booneshine Brewing has released Old Man Maple, an imperial stout aged on toasted sugar maple, to benefit BRC. The beer is named for the stately tree at Old Orchard Creek Farm.

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New socks from Boone Bike & Touring Thanks to the generosity of Sarah and Shaw from Boone Bike & Touring, we have awesome new DeFeet Aireator socks highlighting the Middle Fork Greenway and Northern Peaks State Trail. Show your support for the trails while you’re on the trail!

Rhoddie Round-Up BRC appreciates all the support, from our friends of all ages! For the second year in a row, Lacey from Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters had a popsicle stand at the bike shop and donated her proceeds to the Greenway.

2023 EVENTS Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction

The popular Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction was held again at the Mill at Rock Creek. Guests ate, drank, enjoyed music from The Burnett Sisters, bid on silent and live auction items with auctioneer Jesse Miller, and celebrated another great year of land preservation.

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! Christopher Vega of Vilas, NC took the top overall spot with a time of 17:08.

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

Hiking Series The popular BRC Hiking Series was once again a success, giving friends and supporters the chance to explore lands that are not always open to the public, guided by BRC staff to learn more about how the properties are protected. In 2023 we visited Beech Creek Bog (far left), Old Orchard Creek Farm, (top left), Bear Paw State Natural Area (bottom left), Camp Lutherock, and YMCA Camp Harrison. Thanks to everyone who joined us to learn about BRC’s work and enjoy the beautiful hikes.

We were fortunate to be joined by botanist Drew Jenkins (right) at Beech Creek bog, who taught us about the rare plant communities present there.

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SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT Bill and Judy Watson

Bill and Judy Watson have been long-time friends of Blue Ridge Conservancy. They are avid hikers and regularly join the BRC staff for the Guided Hiking series. The Watsons are passionate supporters of numerous causes, ranging from land conservancies to music and the arts.

“It’s my honor to recognize Bill and Judy Watson as the NPST Supporters of the Year for 2023. Their commitment to public access and hiking trails in our region was truly a game-changer for the NPST, in its first year of development. Without their contribution, we would not have been able to pursue all of the public funding that we were awarded in 2023 and I am extremely grateful for their support.”

-Jordan Sellers NPST Coordinator

Walter and Jean Wilkinson

Since 2017, Walter and Jean Wilkinson have been ardent supporters of BRC’s work, and engaged in the Conservancy’s activities. The Wilkinsons believe in protecting land and access in perpetuity, and trust that BRC is the organization to meet that challenge.

“There are two reasons we support Blue Ridge Conservancy. First, one of our philanthropic interests is conservation. Second, we believe in the management team at BRC. We are excited about the future of the projects the Conservancy is undertaking and managing so well.”

- Walter and Jean Wilkinson

Cecil Gurganus

Since the 1970s, Cecil Gurganus has been an active member of Watauga County’s old-time music and dance community. Cecil has been involved with BRC for several years, most recently bringing top-notch talent such as Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road (pictured) to events, and we are thankful for his expertise and time.

“Music and mountains are inseparable.

Surely, many of the old fiddle tunes were inspired by a birdsong high up on a ridge, or the wind whispering through the red spruce needles in that special, musical way. Innumerable songs and ballads have been composed with the beauty of the mountains as their central theme, and expressing the love the singers have for their homes in the Blue Ridge. To me, the music of the mountains is reason enough for their preservation!”

- Cecil Gurganus

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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?

Don and Audrey Bentley Legacy Giving Society

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.

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.

Audrey and Don Bentley

Thank you to the following donors for including BRC in their estate planning, assuring the important work of the conservancy will endure.

Mike & Catherine Aiken Anonymous Bill Barrier Judith Beale Don & Audrey Bentley Greg Bradley & Lee Carter Kathryn Charles Roger Clark Kristan Cockerill Henry E. Dillon Jr. Jennifer Dotson Bob & Susan Hambright Jean & George Harrison Juliana Henderson Paul Koza Jeff Tiller & Ingrid Kraus Bill Pelto & Linda Larson

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

2023 Memorial Gifts John Aldridge Edwin “Chip” Arnold Charles Clement Ben E. & Shirlee Edwards William Clyde Edwards, Jr. Mari FitzGerald Jeffrey Eldon Fish Lynda Jean Fowler Dr. Bill Herring Donald Joines Edith Kilany Rose Mary Moseley Richard Quinn Barbara Whitener Dr. Bill Herring was an early leader and board member of Blue Ridge Conservancy. He served as Board President for BRC’s predecessor, Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust.

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VOLUNTEERING WITH BRC

Students from Wildwood Agile Learning Community help clean up the woods near Payne Branch Park on the Middle Fork Greenway.

We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends

Blue Ridge Conservancy has relied on volunteers since the beginning, tapping supporters with time and energy to help with projects ranging from road cleanups to park design to event check-in to agricultural maintenance. No matter what age, life stage, or ability level - if you believe in the mission of BRC to Save the Places You Love, you are welcome.

To sign up for the volunteer list, visit www.blueridgeconservancy.org.

Mountain Alliance volunteered with BRC for their Youth Service Day, an annual event where groups of high schoolers from Watauga and Avery counties participate in a full day of outdoor service projects.

A group visited the Conservation Campus and spent the day removing invasive barberry, cleaning up the agricultural field, and working in the trout stream. We appreciate all Mountain Alliance does to connect students to the land in the High Country!

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Kelly Coffey was named BRC’s inaugural “Conservationist of the Year” thanks to his work to preserve land in the High Country. He also volunteers with BRC, tilling and preparing the agricultural plot of land on the Conservation Campus.

Jim Loscheider volunteers to keep Boone Gorge Park mowed and looking great. His work was on display for the “Round-Up for the Greenway” check drop-off party in August, the first public event held at the park.

A longtime friend of the Conservancy, Johnny Schell mows, weedeats, and keeps the Conservation Campus looking its best.

Earth Day Cleanup at the Conservation Campus

Earth Day, held each April, has become the unofficial kickoff to BRC’s spring and summer events, including the hiking series.

On one day, volunteers gather to clean up the campus, including picking up litter on Aho Rd, BRC’s Adopt-a-Highway, removing invasive plants from the pollinator meadow, doing trail maintenance, and other tasks to prepare for growing season.

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2023 FINANCIAL REPORT Blue Ridge Conservancy leveraged operating expenses of $1,017,098 to generate $10,598,027 for programs, including Middle Fork Greenway, Northern Peaks State Trail, and land conservation projects.

OUTER CIRCLE Total Conservation Investment

INNER CIRCLE Operating Expenses $1,017,098

$10,598,027

Land Protection Projects

10%

1% 2% 1%

BRC Conservation Campus 20%

Middle Fork Greenway Northern Peaks State Trail Stewardship

14% 32%

$1 Generated $10.50

9%

Fundraising Operations

30 30

3%

9%

34%

2% 12%

51%

RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS We appreciate our 2023 donors!

This list represents donations made to Blue Ridge Conservancy, Middle Fork Greenway, and the Northern Peaks State Trail during the 2023 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) The David M. Andrews Memorial Fund 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 Kevin and Sandy High Tim and Carolyn Hilton David Brendle and Torre Hinnant Ken and Donna Lewis Tom and Donna Medlin Kenneth and Angela Melcher Dyke and Deborah Messinger 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 Mike and Virgina Tate 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 Paul and Debra Dickenson John and Sally Gentille Pat and Nancy Grantham

The Bryant and Nancy Hanley Foundation Laura and Zachary Hamm Juliana Henderson Ken Nelson and Julie Hettiger Don and Sandra Mikush Tim Gupton and Brent Moore Mark and Maloo Murrey Mike and Rosemary Nelson Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps Shawn and Gigi Poole Mebane Rash 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 Bob and Phyllis Andrews 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 Baird and Harriette Buchanan 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 CP and Adele Dunbar Joe DeLoach Mike Madritch and Laura England Mike and Jeri Gray Bob and Susan Hambright Gary Swartz and Sally Hatch Bill and Jo Herring Tim and Carolyn Hilton Pam Hoffman Frances Huber Clyde and Eva Ingle David Janes Bill and Kay Layton Hal and Holly Levinson Skip Sickler and Lisa Loveday Van and Leigh Lucas Larry and Sarah Manning Mast General Store John and Connie McLendon Dyke and Deborah Messinger Harold and Pat Miller Kincaid and Allison Mills Theresa Morr Tim and Heather Murphy Richard and Janet Paulette

Cynthia Payne John and Cathy Pfeil Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps Janet and Louis Pittard 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 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 David and Susan Yount Sam Tallman and Mike Zuravel BLACK BEAR SOCIETY Sustainers: $25,000+ Appalachian Ski Mtn. Jeb and Molly Burns The Cannon Foundation Myles Standish and Shelley Crisp Mariam and Robert Hayes Janes Charitable Lead Trust Mast General Store NC General Assembly NC Land and Water Fund NC State Parks - CTP Robert DeHart and Nancy Nygren Cliff and Stephanie Rogers Fred and Alice Stanback Richard and Debbie Swartzel Watauga County TDA Bill and Judy Watson Walter and Jean Wilkinson Preservers: $10,000 - $24,999 Fred and Lois Adams Alex and Anne Bernhardt Ric and Ann Browning The Anne Cannon Trust Greg Bradley and Lee Carter Clayton and Juanita Dean The Keith and Lu Ann Driscoll Foundation Alton Louis Eubanks Frontline Conservation Real Estate Garrett Family Ever Forward Foundation Patrick Hollowell and Laura Paynter

Kim Hombs Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation McLendon Family Foundation Caroline Capps Miller North Carolina Community Foundation Carol B. Phelon Foundation Bob Flanigan and Annie Pipes Paul and Margaret Porter Foundation Ian Stewart Brian and Mimi Sturgell Charlton Torrence Jon Wilson Protectors: $5,000 - $9,999 Greg and Missie Alcorn Curtis Andrews and Ellen Harrell Robert and Phyllis Andrews Anonymous Ashemont Title Charlie and Ann Baker William S. Barnickel Foundation Bill and Laura Barrier The Bent Family Foundation Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation Judi Brown Monroe and Becky Cobey Janet Cone Rob and Kathy Connelly John and Faye Cooper Couch Family Foundation Leigh and Jennie Derby Andy and Robin Ebert Richard and Colleen Fain Kent Davis and Carlos Garcia-Velez Jason and Heather Hammer Pam Hoffman Bill and Susan Leonard Dan McLamb and Bonnie Weyher McLamb John and Connie McLendon Allen Moseley and Cindy Wallace Michelle Novacek Emma Pickett Pete and Zika Rea Stick Boy Bread Co. Brett and Greyson Summey Steve and Carolyn Trinkle Pamela Vinson Steve Duprey and Steve Wylie C. John and Mary Wiley Advocates: $2,500 - $4,999 Mike and Catherine Aiken David and Joanie Andrews Anonymous (4) James and Marci Bent Jay Biles Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Mike and Wendy Brenner Kyzer and Amanda Cauthen Al Cheatham Russ Curtis and Lisa Cooper Dan’l Boone Inn Deal, Moseley & Smith, LLP Jim Deal Tom O’Brien and Kadie Dean Destination by Design Planning

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RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS Anthony and Kimberly Forman Bob and Julie Gates Green Park Inn Andy and Pam Guion Bob and Susan Hambright Hemlock Inn Robert Hess Kevin and Sandy High Tim and Carolyn Hilton Henry and Dyeann Jordan Sandra Leary Hugh Criswell and Greta Lee LifeStore Bank Community Fund Gennard and Christy Lombardozzi Larry and Sarah Manning Kenneth and Angela Melcher Dwight and Deborah Messinger Tim Gupton and Brent Moore M-Prints Eric and Diane Overcash Cynthia Payne Mike and Shirley Petroline Lou and Holly Pierce David and Julia Ralston Ray’s Weather Tom and Elizabeth Redding Wade and Kathy Reece Fairfax and Ann Reynolds Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters Tom and Susan Ross ROVE/Presidio Tim and Lori Rowe Eve Schreck Ted and Melissa Smyth State Employees Combined Campaign Bob and Janet Stout Michael and Virginia Tate Kip Kingree and Martie Thompson Joe Craig and Larry Tilson Jeff and Shirley Vestal Scott and Kayt Warren Brad and Carole Wilson David and Susan Yount Partners: $1,000 - $2,499 Dale and Nancy Allison Jon Cassidy and Cynthia Anderson Judy Andrews Glenn Astolfi George T. Baker Foundation Anna Banana’s John and Anne Barry

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Joe and Diane Bastian Raymond and Mary Boardman Anne Whitton Bolyea Legacy Fund Boone Bike & Touring Booneshine Brewing Co. Hanes and Lida Boren Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar Blowing Rock Brewing Co Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Frank and Kathy Bragg Joe Brank Bright Funds William and Erica Brinker JJ and Jennifer Brown Jim and Patty Butler Lance and Linda Campbell Drew Bratcher and Christina Carroll Caterpillar Foundation Chetola Mountain Resort Andrew Heckert and Kristan Cockerill Billy and Kathy Combs Bill and Kristi Cook Korey and Heidi Coon Bert and Fran Davis Paul and Debra Dickenson Ken and Diane Dulaney Charles and Adele Dunbar Marc Chabot and Cynthia Dillon Paula Dinnerstein CP and Adele Dunbar Douglas Eagon Jason and Marya Fancey John and Pam Farthing Adrian Brown and Keith Flynn James and Linda Fogleman Footsloggers Steve and Sandy Forrest David and Beth Frye Jim and Darlene Gale Patricia Geiger John and Sally Gentille Gideon Ridge Jon Goldberg David and Paula Goodson Mark and Liza Gosnell Pat and Nancy Grantham John Drake and Melissa Gray Cecil and Julie Gurganus The Bryant and Nancy Hanley Foundation David and Barbara Harman Sandy Godwin and Carolyn Hart Wesley and Amret Hawfield Hawksnest Zipline Hellbender Bed & Beverage Juliana Henderson Jo Herring Ken Nelson and Julie Hettiger Ernie and Patricia Hiegl High Mountain Expeditions High South Creative David Brendle and Torre Hinnant Dan and Karen Howard Frances Huber Thomas Pile and Barbara Idzkowski ImpactAssets Jenkins Realtors Tom Hollinshed and Kathy Lange La Quinta & Sleep Inn Lazy Y Mountain Farm LLC Michael Miller and Michelle Lee

Ken and Donna Lewis James and Adah Loscheider Denise and Fulton Lovin Susan Martin Brent Garrett and Glenda Marker Kimberly Marland Architecture Tom and Cindy Matthews Dayn and Suzanne McBee Leslie McKinney Scott and Cindy McNeely Kaylor and Aaron Mead Kenneth and Angela Melcher Mellow Mushroom Don and Sandra Mikush The Mill at Rock Creek Wayne and Jenny Miller John and Stephanie Mitchell Mark Mittelman Ruth Mohanram Dan and Joy Moore Julia Morton Mountain Beverage LLC Diana Travis and Maryanne Mueller Tim and Heather Murphy Mark and Maloo Murrey Mike and Rosemary Nelson New River Building Supply New River Engineering 945 Main Street Real Estate Joey Osborne Louis Parker Lawrence Pearson Michael and Andrea Pell Charlie Earp and Evelyn Phipps Bill and Missy Plyler Shawn and Gigi Poole Sonny Church and Piper Poteat Ben and Virginia Powell David and Kathy Pruett Sarah Rabinowitz Dr. Thomas Ratchford Jeff Roberts Kelley Russell Mr. and Mrs. James Ryan Charles Sasser John and Peggy Schug Caroline D. Smith Solid Rock Engineering The Speckled Trout St. Mary of the Hills Parish Drs. Thomas and Joanne Ratchford Ryan and Nikki Robinson Mark File and David Soyars Richard and Debbie Stevens Bob and Janet Stout Mike and Rosie Taylor Dwight and Judy Tedford Bill and Cynthia Tessien The Whole Shebang Eli Tiller B and Martha Townes Daniel Trimble Ben Henderson and Mary Underwood Valle Crucis Conference Center Barton and Robina Walker Terri Waller Margaret Newbold and Elizabeth Watson Carolyn and Gary Weckstrom Monty and Nancy White Fred Wilkie Clyde Williams

Robert Willis John and Ashley Wilson Ronald J. and Paula P. Withrow Family Foundation Peter and Betty Ann Wittenberg Eric Hallman and Elizabeth Woodman David Witsell and Kyle Worsham YMCA of Greater Charlotte James Young Peter and Avis Yount Samuel Tallman and Mike Zuravel MEMBERS $500 - $999 David and Shannon Andrews Arete Engineers Ashe Woodworking, Inc. Bank of America Karen Baucom Frank and Ranlet Bell Mitchell and Elizabeth Blair Jim and Berta Blecke Blue Ridge Hiking Club Karen Bobbitt Walter and Susan Bogushefsky William Kreutzberger and Janine Boudreau David and Laura Bourne Francisco and Katherine Bricio Walter and Jennifer Browning Alan Briggs and Cathy Buttler Feild Russell and Laura Carringer Dorothea Chambers Rob and Catherine Clegg John and Bobbie Coker Ken Abrams and Lyn Croft Deer Valley Athletic Club Henry E. Dillon Jr. The DuBard and Wang Fund Mark Everhart and Lavonda WyattEverhart Jamie Forbes John Mann and Ellen Freeze Joe Furman Ole and Ane Gade Madelyn George Robert Sherrill and Greta Grall Graystone Lodge of Boone Bart and Linda Greene Thomas and Susan Griffis Kyle and Susan Hall Douglass and Julie Hammond Gary Swartz and Sally Hatch Gael Hawkins High Country Neurology High Gravity Adventures Jerry and Rebecca Hutchins Elizabeth Iwaoka David and Leila Jackson Jerry and Nina Jackson Robert and Laura Johnson Robert and Cynthia Knakal Land and Woods Realty Roger and Kay Landis Hal and Holly Levinson Eleanor Lieberman Joseph Thomas and Allie Lin Nancy Little Tom and Carolyn Maddox Mananalu The Mustard Seed Market Gregg and Bonnie Marland

James and Margaret Massagee Wes and Sheryl McNair Robert and Cindy Michaud Allison and Kincaid Mills Miss Match Rentals Molecular Toxicology Inc John and Lisa Montgomery Joe and Jessie Moseley Arnold and Rosemary Nelson Todd and Jess Nolt Old Orchard Creek Farms Clifford and Cynthia Parks Gloria Pearson Chuck Smith and Amanda Perry Matthew Perry Fred Pfohl Jim Pick PIVOT LLC Ken Shelton and Mia Pizzagalli Gary Plaag Matthew Price Claudia Prose Sam and Missy Rankin Robert and Janet Reese F. Traylor and Diana Renfro Rewarded Behavior Continues River & Earth Adventures River Girl Fishing Co. Bob and Marge Rogers Rosemyr Corporation Terry Sambrook John and Leslie Samler Mary Lee Sayre Dan and Carolyn Shepherd Don and Kim Sherrill Gerald and Jo Sims Skyline Membership Corp.

Gary Smith Robert and Lori Souther The Spice and Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock Paul and Caroline Stahlschmidt Martha Stearns Russ and Julie Suddeth Bob and Nancy Sumner Marian Taylor Paul and Karen Tobben Bob and Angela Todd Hank and Carol Thompson Don and Mary Tucker Brooks and Norty Turner Todd and Sara Turner Dan and Saritha Vermeer Village Jewelers Chet and Christine Walker David Walker Wendy Waring Dewey Wells Turner and Cathleen Whitted Karen Wilson Gayle and Ann Wylie $250 - $499 Jon Wells and Maryam Ahmed Lex and Ann Alexander Perry and Donna Aliotti David and Paula Applegate Ellis and Barbara Aycock David and Lyn Batty Beech Mountain Resort Bald Guy Brewing Blue Bear Mountain Camp Blue Ridge Apiaries Mark and Judy Bokorney Glenn and Teri Boone Boone’s Fly Shop

Boston Scientific Baird and Harriette Buchanan Laura Callahan John and True Campbell Carolina West Wireless Michele Caudle Dale Caveny Dell Vance and Ann Coleman Pace and Sarah Cooper Linda Curran Dianne Davant and Associates Joseph DeLoach Robert and Kristen Dicks George and Johanna Edens Scott and Laura Elliott Equinox Environmental Sean and Paula Finneron Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. Dan and Laura Gentry Stephen Zoufaly and Deborah Gooch Elizabeth Goode Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Mike and Jeri Gray Susie Greene Carolyn Gummerson Karl and Holly Ham Zachary and Laura Hamm Todd Hancock Elizabeth Harris Dick and Pam Hay Richard Loeser and Cathie Heck Rick and Kay Herndon Highland Hills Cabins Joe and Donna Hightower Kendra Holcomb The Horton Hotel Bob and Marjorie Hrozencik Christopher Hughes Jon Burgess and Patricia Hurst Clyde and Eva Ingle Tony and Carol Ivey Dorothy Jackson Randy Jackson Scott Gray and Bethany Jewell Jack and Sue Jezorek Tom Kenney and Wendy Jodry Angela Kelly Keith Kersey David Koren Jeff Tiller and Ingrid Kraus Patrick Lantz and Shelley Kreiter Bill Pelto and Linda Larson Bob and Jane Lassiter Sherry Lear-Park Lazy Bear Lodge Eric and Ashely Limkemann Van and Leigh Lucas Grant Seldomridge and Laura Mallard Frank and Jerri Mayberry Mike and Sara Mayhew Susan McCracken Harold and Patricia Miller Jesse and Lindsay Miller Mark and Elizabeth Miller Sheila Mirchandani Daniel Mosteller Tony Horney and John Neal Richard and Joyce Newman Benjamin Nowikowski John and Neal Orgain Richard and Janet Paulette Becky Pearson John and Cathy Pfeil Pat and Debbie Phillips Deborah Pope

Wayne Powell Mebane Rash Red Onion Cafe Bill Reed Russell and Sally Robinson Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church Omar and Catherine Sangueza Little Saps Brett and Catherine Scantlin David and Peg Schroeder Catherine Schumak Beth Shanklin Paul and Jane Sharp John and Deborah Sherrill Jim and Debra Shetterly Jack and Marie Shirey Peter and Linda Shonka Keith Sipe Rob and Dell Slack J.Kyle Smith Snake Mountain Iron Works Chris and Hope Squires Bill Cockett and Sharon Stafford Lindsey and Seth Sullivan Janet Swaysland Paul Syers Michael and Alice Taylor Megan Thomas John Carlson and Katy Thompson Three Crows Metalworks Wright and Tracy Tilley Allen and Kate Torrey Scott and Jane Vandiver Robert and Beth Vonnegut Waypoint Outfitters Will White Wesley Whited John and Patti Whitehead Jeff and Joanne Williams Lynn and Abby Willis Roger Winsor Rosemarie and Arvids Ziedonis $100 - $249 Sharon Abernethy Juin Adams Matthew Adams Dawn Anderson Ellen Arnold App State Athletics Appalachian Home Care Jack Apple Marshall and Kellie Ashcraft ASU Office of Arts and Cultural Programs Bill and Sally Atkins Donald Baker and Melanie Blanchard Baker James and Martha Ball Roger and Kathe Ball Barney and Pam Barnhardt Sadler and Debbie Barnhardt Pamela Bashor Bob White and Patricia Beaver Bell Cook Family FDN Michael and Joan Bell Ty and Nancy Bell Ed Speas and Deborah Beroth Barbara Bevington George and Jane Bingham Blowing Rock Garden Club John and Bettie Bond Thad Throneburg and Kathy Boyd Charlie Brady Barbara Brank Damon and Cori Braxton

Mark Brewton Benjamin Knight and Margaret Brown Corwin Brown Tim Racz and Jeana Byrd Cafe Violette Mari Carlson John and Gail Carnahan Beth Carrin Bob Cherry Chevron Day Church CoBo Sushi Bistro Kelly Coffey Ida Maude Collins Com-Tech Communications, Inc. Michael Conner Pat Considine Gregory Cooke Larry and Nancy Cornwell Lon and Carol Coulter David and Janet Craft Nancy Cray Joseph A Davant III Nigel and Susan Davies Jane Davis Robert and Sharon Davis Diane Deal Wayne and Karin DellaMaestra Jim Deni Gina Diggs Kyle and Becca Dion Merideth Dolan Jennifer Dotson Carmen Dunbar G. Reid and Catherine Dusenberry Jason and Michele Early Leslie Eason Bruce Eckard Adrienne Edwards Lisa Emmett Mike Madritch and Laura England Daniel and Maryann Ennis Epic Nature Tours Benjamin Erlandson Netta Fedor Beverly S. Fickling Flannery Fork Botanical Garden Wes and Renee Fulk Harry and Debra Gandy David and Jackie Garner Herbert and Lynne Garrison Bishop Glover Mary Goode Jeff Deal and Jamie Goodman Eric Chance and Maeve Gould Jennifer Grady Jeffrey E. Gray Nancy Gray Abigail Grubb

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RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO OUR DONORS Robert Gurley Bryan Haas Justin and Kristy Hackler Joe and Betsy Hackney Thomas and Lise Haizlip Tammy Haley Jonathan Halsey Ron and Rockelle Hancock John Hand David Hardage George and Jean Harrison Tom and Ginny Harris Brittany Harrison Wildon and Laura Hayes Ann Haynes Headwaters Enterprises, INC. Joe Helton Denise Henderson Dana and Nancy Hershey Adam Hill DDS Al and Carolyn Hines Henry and Jill Hobson Carol Banaitis and Sarah Hogan Dennis and Linda Holcomb Philip and Lynette Holman Tony and Melinda Howell Hal Minis and Pat Hughes Zachary Hunter Beth Bartholomew and Susan Hurrell Chuck Huntley Liz Hynson IGS Energy Matthew and Stacey Iofredo Kammy Jain John and Karen James Elizabeth Jarriel Greg and Janet Jennings Thomas M. and Diane Johnston Conrad and Liz Jones Leslie Sargent Jones Sabrina Jones Patti Jupiter Gary and Saralyn Kader Dennis and Joyce Kekas Dale and Deborah Kirkley Jim Knapp Paul Koza Richard and Frankie Laurent Jennifer Laws Kenneth Laws Elizabeth Lea Mark and Linda Leithe Darrell and JoAnn Lewis Ron and Alice Linville Jane Lonon Skip Sickler and Lisa Loveday Scott Lycan Jim Baize and Beth Lyons Dick and Livy Ludington James and Frances Magruder Mallory Martin Patricia Mauldin Andrew and Pamela Mayberry Mike and Misty Mayfield David and Cherie McCluney Tom and Ann McConnell Thomas and Kathleen McGowan Aspen McKenna Matt and Beth McKeon Phillip and Beverly McKinney Jean McLaughlin Lynnwood Brown and Elise McLaughlin

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Jacob Mclean Chris and Carol McNeely James and Samantha McNoldy Chris and Katherine Metzger Brian and Heather Metzler Maggie Meyer Robin Meysenburg Ann Miller Charles and Kimberly Miller Clara Miller Sue Miller James Walling and Amy Millette William Mohr Mommani Threads Todd Moody Christopher Moore Morris Farms Cypress Sawmill, INC. David and Maureen Moses Sarah Mossburg Sophia Moundous Katie Murray Sherrey Murray Tom Musson Bill and Rose Myers Paul Bagus and Connie Nelin Michael Nguyen Wanda Nicholson Michael and Elizabeth O’Connor Barry Ostrow Over Yonder Ken Goldsmith and Ashley OvermanGoldsmith Mike and Laura Page Amy Parsons Todd and Wendy Patoprsty Donald Pathman Arthur and Miyoung Pazik Kevin and Lisa Pearce Jon and Ann Pershke Steven Petrow Anna Phillips Meagan Phillips Taylor and Sydney Phillips Harold (“HP”) and Susan Phipps Judith Phoenix Jeff and Cathie Poor Scot Pope John and Jeanice Porta Hugh and Lynn Rees-Jones Mitch Rees-Jones Reeves Divenere Wright Attorneys at Law Ben Floyd and Lisa Reynolds Robert Elliot and Suzanne Reynolds Reginald and Annice Rhue Johnathan and Martha Rhyne Byron Richard Reid Wilson and Karen Rindge J.M. Rodgers Co. Michael and Kathryn Rominger The Roost Ed and Ann Rowell Barbara Rule Matthew and Sarah Rupp Patricia Rusch Sarah Russo Dennis Sauls James and Elizabeth Savely Karen Schaaf Terri Polson and Jill Schrage Ronald and Denise Schwartz Marcia Sentell

George and Gwen Shafer Raleigh and Katy Shoemaker Shannon Shuping Pat Reighard and Elizabeth Smythe Carolin Spiegel Lori Spivey Shirley and Ross Stafford Susan Stark Scott and Cameron St. Clair Sheryl Steiner Marty Stenhouse Dennis Grady and Martha Stephenson TA and Ree Strawser Adam and Adrienne Stumb Michael Swanson Cullie and Sylvia Tarleton Jim and Cantey Tanner Temple Emanuel Music Staff Katrina Townsend John and Debbie Troxler Tsuga Canopies Shea and Bridget Tuberty Scott Abel and Kate Turner-Abel Twigs Restaurant & Bar Wayne and Lee Vason Marsha Walpole Kimberly Walker Jenny Ward Shelly Warder Blaire E. Warren DDS, PLLC Watauga Arts Council Jim R. Watson Craig Weaver Joel and June Weaver Dan and Paige Weeks John and Erin Welsh Jeanette West Cheryl Westbrook Stuart and Ann Whiddon Edward and Deborah Whitehorne Kim Whitener Jay and Hollis Wild Wildlands Engineering, Inc. Giles and Beverly Williams Susie Winters William Wiseman Jay and Beverly Womack Mary Wood Douglas and Debra Woodbury Cameron Gokee and Alice Wright Laura Yaeger Nikki Yarborough Donald Zobel $50 - $99 The Appalachian Theatre Mark Kirkpatrick and Debbie Arnold Richard Atwell Stephen and Susan Auffinger Annabella Barrett Carey Baumgarten Andrew and Kay Beekman Shruti Bhandari EL Bingham Birdies Coffee Jo Boggs Christin Boone Chris Souhrada and Alyson Browett Paul and Alyson Caldwell Jack Cassidy John and Ann Chalk William and Elsie Chandler

Molley Chomper Daniel and Betsy Couper Covered Creek Flower Farm, LLC Travis and Athalia Critcher Cecil and Barbara Cross Brian Crutchfield James Davidson David and Freda DeGruchy Jean Denman Sam Dennis Karen Drake Finley Dula James Dye Lois and Ed Evans Fred Fedewa James Flattery Jeff Foulkes Glen Cutting and Kelli Fuller Linda Fulper Renee Gamble Go Postal Boone Herman and Renee Godwin Kevin and Briggs Greenwood Laird and Carol Griffin Don Guthrie Nancy Guthrie Holly Hach Gwyn Hahn Jeffrey Hardin Phillip and Pam Hardin John Hawke Sean and Dale Hershelman Jason and Delia Hightower David Hougen-Eitzman Lisa Huggins Betsy Hughes J. Sterling Hutcheson John Mitchell and Nicole Hutchinson Elaine Jara Jeff and Dana Jenkins Scott and Dawn Jensen Johnson & Johnson William Joines Nicholas Poggioli and Stephanie Kelley John Dwyer and Rachel Knoepfel Mervyn and Lani Kowalsky Ireland Laxton Mike Lobban Greg and Claudine Lovins Todd Loy Allen Mabry Meredith Maiken Laurence Maloney Susan Mast Joseph Meehan Paige McBride Randy and Andrea McDonough Josh and Angela McMann Steve Gurganus and Kathleen McQuaid Meehan Market Edgar Miller Harrison Sterne and Denyse Miner Molly Moore Barbara Moran Theresa Morr Dennis and Myriam Mory Steve Nester Network For Good Michael Holland and Victoria O’Connor Arthur Bergen and Dawn Olivardia

Debra Patterson Katherine Patterson Wendy Fishman and Dorne Pentes Peter and Joni Petschauer Louis and Janet Pittard Dakota Poindexter Lat and Kathy Purser Ruth Renfro Frank and Charlotte Revels David Rice River Birch Sauna David and Tina Rizor Jon Robertson Alexandria Rowland Judy Rubin Richard and Virginia Salkowe Mike and Joni Salzano Ben Massey and Darlene Sekerak Patrick Setzer Garrett Sharpe Bob Oelberg and Katherine Shoffner Richard Friedman and Julie Shuman Bill and LaRose Spooner Peyton and Elsa Sturges Adrian and Heidi Tait John and Candace Tippett James Antczak and Ava Udvadia

April 22

James Warren Roger and Arameta Warren Kathy Weisfeld Justin Wells Amy and James Whiting Patricia Whitney Corrie Williams Jeff Williams Joan Woodworth Kenneth Thomas and Barbara Wulff Susan Wyatt Tou Yang Matt Young Kenny Zentner Up to $49 AbbVie William Aldridge Laura Andrews Amy Bowers and Renee Ashley William Barbour Anna Begich Ken and Susan Broderick Scott Brody Edward and Virginia Brooks Brandon Cantrell Donna Carter

Charles and Elizabeth Philipsen The Primavera Roadhouse Kendal Quinn Juliet Rath Catherine Reddick Stacey Rex Mary Reynolds Kristen Richardson Charlie and Lindsay Ritter Alton Franklin and Carolyn Sakowski Sherry Salyer Melissa Sathe John and Julia Scarmalis Bill Seward Autumn Simmons C.D. and Sally Smith Susan Speckman Elizabeth Still Ashley Tanner Ellen Thomas Jane Wallace Lorelei Watts Sarah Weiffenbach Anna Welsh Rita White

Indra Chilakala Jim Clabough Katie Cloutier Jim Conrad Joan Croteau Amy Culbertson Lillian Danner Joanna D’Aquanni Mathias and Linda Engelmann Meridith Entingh Dave and Valerie Everett Virginia Fox Aaron and Kerry Gersonde Linda Hartley Hazel Hiegl Dorothea Hoffman Marcia Hoffman William and Geralyn Homovec Michele Lerner The Liar’s Bench Melanie Litchfield Brad and Michele Makrucki Mary Mueller Julie Mullis Betty Paine Nate Bush and Celena Patella Joseph Pearlman

2024 Events

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Earth Day Cleanup at BRC Conservation Campus

May 18

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Paddle at YMCA Camp Harrison

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BRC Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek

June 22

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ASU Blackburn-Vannoy Farm Tour

July 13

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Guided Hike & Blueberry Picking at Old Orchard Creek Farm

August 17

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Guided Hike at Three Top Mountain

Sept. 21

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Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K & Kids Fun Run

June 6

October 12 -

Guided Hike at Camp Lutherock

BLOWING ROCK, NC SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

June 6 Blue Ridge Conservancy Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek

Enjoy great food from Reid’s Catering and The Gamekeeper, music, local craft beers, a variety of fine wines, and live and silent auctions - all to support saving the places we love!

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. 35

PO Box 568 Boone, NC 28607

BECOME A MEMBER You can support our mission by joining or renewing online: 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.