Merrie-Woode Preserves Key Piece of Property on Old Bald The Merrie-Woode Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to share the exciting news of a very important property acquisition, Lot #17, a pinnacle lot in the Bald Rock development. This lot sits at the top of Old Bald and just to the left of the overlook that Merrie-Woode campers have enjoyed for more than a century. Nearly 25 years ago, Merrie-Woode started a major fundraising effort to purchase adjacent properties in an attempt to protect Camp from encroaching development. While so much at Merrie-Woode looks and feels the same as it has for multiple generations, Camp was concerned about the changes taking place just outside our gates and on top of Old Bald. Potential development of adjacent properties posed the greatest threat to Merrie-Woode. This particular property was held by the original owner, until recently when the heirs decided that they were going to put the lot on the market. Before doing so, they contacted Merrie-Woode to see if we would be interested.
Merrie-Woode’s newly-acquired lot, outlined in blue, is adjacent to the Maidenhair Conservation Easement, as well as the Old Bald overlook, shown in the green circle.
At first, the price was far too high for Merrie-Woode to consider, but the heirs all had summer camp backgrounds and seemed to have a strong desire that Merrie-Woode own it. As time went by, Camp
Securing ownership of this critical property will forever protect Merrie-Woode’s iconic view of Old Bald.
was able to negotiate with the heirs, who agreed to a significantly reduced purchase price. Thanks in part to our newly-formed Endowment and the Board’s willingness to rearrange some of the capital projects that were planned, the purchase of this property was possible. We very much appreciate the owners being so flexible, patient, and generous in the property negotiations. This 6 acre lot borders Merrie-Woode property on the two visible sides. The green oval shows where the overlook is and the light blue rectangle shows where the newly acquired property is in relation to the overlook. This is a strategic piece of property for Camp. With time, Merrie-Woode will explore establishing a new conservation easement or adding it to the existing 35 acre Maidenhair Easement already in place. The protected property will allow added access to Old Bald and Panthertown from the top, security for camp, and potential overnight use by the campers during the summer. In addition to these many possibilities for the uses, we are delighted that the Bald Rock view shed will forever be natural and preserved.
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