Blue Ridge Conservancy - 2023 Annual Report

BLUE RIDGE CONSERVANCY Defending

ANNUAL REPORT: FISCAL YEAR 2023

Board of Trustees

Bonnie

Chairperson

Kadie

Vice

Patrick

Secretary

David

Treasurer

Ann

Ann

Lee

Dale

Lisa

Jennie

Holly

Don

Becky

Shawn

Zika

Susan

Charlie

Scott

Leila

Ben

Sydney

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.

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

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 solace here. The enormous natural beauty of these mountains inspires us. The Blue Ridge is part of a much larger ecosystem extending from Georgia to Maine, the 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.

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

Last year, Charlie rescued a Great Pyrenees and named her Paddy, after Paddy Mountain in West Jefferson. She does a great job in her role as BRC’s official greeter.

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.

NovusWay Ministries granted the conservation easement to BRC on its Camp Lutherock property in 2015, which marked the beginning of a great partnership between the two organizations. The Camp Lutherock conservation easement is a 518-acre ecological treasure that protects the headwaters of the North Toe River, including almost ten miles of its tributaries. The property is part of the Lutherock Natural Area, as designated by the NC Natural Heritage Program, and includes rare natural communities. Notable species include the Weller’s salamander, Pygmy salamander, northern bittercress, and natural communities include high elevation seep, rocky summit, and a globally rare

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.

“BRC’s perpetual stewardship obligation begins when we accept a conservation easement, and we take that responsibility very seriously. 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.”

- Ben Lucas, BRC Director of Stewardship

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 with the developer’s attorney to attempt to settle. When no agreement could be reached, BRC’s Board of Trustees approved filing a lawsuit in Watauga County, and NovusWay Ministries agreed to join BRC as a plaintiff. The defendants attempted to have the case dismissed based on the statute of limitations, but the judge denied the motion and agreed that the statute of limitations started when the encroachment was discovered in 2020. Ultimately an acceptable monetary settlement agreement was reached before the case went to trial. As for the area impacted by the encroachment, the arborist determined that the forest is already naturally regenerating and healing itself.

“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.

“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.

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.

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

WELCOME TO NEW BRC TRUSTEES & STAFF

Holly Levinson

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).

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 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.

Susan Ross

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director

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.

“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

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.”

Jordan Sellers, Northern Peaks State Trail Coordinator

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

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!

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

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

Agricultural area

Pollinator Meadow

Aho Branch Creek

Parking, Picnic area, Little Free Library

Office and Deborah I. Swartzel Education Center

2.2 Mile Loop Trail

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

TIn 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.

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.

An integral part of the 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.

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

The original garage, and progress throughout 2023.

Maria, left, and her mother Rita, on a BRC hike to Pond Mountain.

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.

A Little Free Library

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.

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.

Devin Lacey of Booze & Bouquets H&H garden intern Faye

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.

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

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.

Old Orchard Creek Farm Ashe

Knob State Park

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

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

Pond Mountain Game Land Ashe Co, 2,900 acres

Moses Cone Old Growth Forest Watauga Co, 60 acres

Paddy Mountain Ashe Co, 335 acres

Penland Preserve Mitchell Co, 141 acres

S. Toe River Conservation Area Yancey Co, 206 acres

Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area Watauga Co, 130 acres

Foscoe Wetland Birding Trail Watauga Co, 10 acres

Bear Paw State Natural Area Watauga Co, 385 acres

High Haven Avery Co, 100 acres

Camp Lutherock Avery Co, 518 acres

Grandfather Mountain State Park Watauga Co, 367 acres

Cane River Conservation Area Yancey Co, 118 acres

Brushy Mountains Wilkes Co, 1,125 acres

Pond Mountain Game Land

Valle Crucis

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.”

“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

Landowner Butch Berry and BRC Director of Land Protection Eric Hiegl

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

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.

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

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.

LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP

“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

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.

“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.”

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

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.

NORTHERN PEAKS STATE TRAIL

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.

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.

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

l Watauga County Tourism Development Authority

l Town of Boone

l Town of Jefferson

l NC Wildlife Resouce Commission

NPST VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - MARGARET NEWBOLD

“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 YEARBRANTLEY 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.”

Representative

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

- Brantley Price, West Jefferson Town Manager

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.

Charlie Brady with West Jefferson Mayor Tom Hartman.

State

Ray Pickett speaking at the Paddy Mountain Park groundbreaking ceremony.

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

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

A rough overview of the NPST shows the path of the trail from Boone to the Jeffersons.

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 Olive, Charlie Brady, Kitty Honeycutt, and Brian Strong

MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY

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

Boone Gorge in the fall

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

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.

Hellbender Bike Ride

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

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.

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Cecil Gurganus

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Conservation Campus

CIRCLE Total Conservation Investment

$10,598,027

$1,017,098

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 peryear 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 everyyear 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 22 - Earth Day Cleanup at BRC Conservation Campus

May 18 - Paddle at YMCA Camp Harrison

June 6 - BRC Auction at The Mill at Rock Creek

June 22 - ASU Blackburn-Vannoy Farm Tour

July 13 - Guided Hike & Blueberry Picking at Old Orchard Creek Farm

August 17 - Guided Hike at Three Top Mountain

Sept. 21 - Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K & Kids Fun Run

October 12 - Guided Hike at Camp Lutherock

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

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.

BLOWING ROCK, NC SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

BRC 5k & Kids Fun Run

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.

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.