CATAWBA LANDS CONSERVANCY & CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL
FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER
CELEBRATING A QUARTER CENTURY OF CONSERVATION A LOOK BACK AT OUR FIRST 25 YEARS By Page Leggett emember middle school science class? That’s when we learned about forest succession – the process by which forests are created from nothing and grow to be nature’s cathedrals. Organizations evolve in much the same way. They start with a seed. Twenty-five years ago, Mary McDaniel had an idea. She wanted to protect Mountain Island Lake, the drinking water source for hundreds of thousands of area residents, from being overdeveloped. “I guess I was a little obsessed,” she said of those early days. “But that’s how I was raised. I was raised on a small farm and was outside all the time. Growing up, there were always two books on my family’s dining table: the Bible and Peterson Field Guide to Birds.” A dining table played an important role in Mary’s adult life, too. The group that would later become Catawba Lands Conservancy convened for the first time around Mary’s dining table in 1991. She and her core group of volunteers —lots of ecologists and activists, CLC’s Executive Director Tom Okel said—attracted media attention, then moved on to capture the attention of government officials. She named her fledgling group SMILE (Save Mountain Island Lake for Everyone), and their efforts prompted Mecklenburg County to propose a $5.6 million bond in 1991 that allowed the county to buy the lakefront property Mary wanted
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protected. The bond’s passage wasn’t just a financial win; it gave the group confidence—and clout. They realized there was an opportunity—and a need— for similar conservation work throughout the Catawba River Basin, and a formal organization—with nonprofit status— was necessary. The group needed a leader. Ron Altmann, took on the role and led the group for its first decade. Under Ron’s leadership, CLC grew from a scrappy, all-volunteer grassroots advocacy effort with no operating budget into a viable land trust. But it all began with Mary’s idea. Tom said Mary’s passion was essential in getting the effort off the ground. “I’ve always been an organizer, and I’ve always had a fervor,” she said.
A business focus For 25 years, the Conservancy has benefited from strong leadership. When Frank Bragg got involved in 1996, he brought a business perspective to the board that grew stronger over his 12 years of service and remains in place today. This phase of CLC could be compared to the migration phase of a forest – when new seeds are introduced. That’s not to say CLC was all business during those years. The focus was still on acquisitions and conservation. It was in 1995 that CLC acquired and protected its first property, the Catawba Wildflower Glen. And also during Frank Bragg’s tenure – in 1999 – the Conservancy completed its first conservation easement. That was in Gastonia at Redlair Farm and Forest.
The 731-acre property along the banks of the South Fork Catawba River, a working farm at the time, is a part of the Plant Conservation Project today, and offers habitat for many species of plants and wildlife. Frank, equal parts conservationist and businessman, praises the people who came before him. “A wonderful group of highly intelligent people got this thing started,” he said. “There were probably half a dozen Ph.D.s involved in those early days.” As chairman, he helped define the board’s focus. “I saw that we could easily slip into being an advocacy group,” he said. “And those already exist. We’re not the Sierra Club—even though I love the Sierra Club; I joined in 1976—or the
is going to happen, but he wants it balanced with conservation. He knew CLC needed the support of the business community, including real estate developers. He wanted developers on CLC’s board. “I thought: If we do this right and stick to the principle of permanent land protection, then everyone will benefit,” he said.
A regional vision
Each era in CLC’s first 25 years has been essential. Each period laid the groundwork for what would follow. But even Mary McDaniel, who dreamed big, couldn’t have predicted what came next. Dave Cable, now executive director of TreesCharlotte, led CLC from 2004 until 2011, a period of explosive growth for the group. During Dave’s tenure, CLC became one of the first accredited land trusts in the nation. While Dave accomplished a lot in his years at the helm, he said, “In reality, the best thing I did at the Conservancy was hiring Sharon Wilson.” Hired in 2005, Sharon was—and remains—the Conservancy’s Mary McDaniel, founder of the small group that would later become first full-time stewardship Catawba Lands Conservancy. director. Riverkeeper. I thought our job should be “Leaving CLC was the most difficult to protect the land in order to balance the decision of my life,” Dave said. “I was relieved when we found Tom Okel growth our region was seeing.” to assume the helm and move the Frank frequently uses the word organization forward.” “balance” in talking about CLC’s work. A pragmatist, he understands development Continued on page 3 >>>
The Past is Our Future Letter from the Director
This 25th anniversary issue of our newsletter celebrates the history and accomplishments of Catawba Lands Conservancy. During my five years as director, I’ve learned that CLC is as much about people as it is about the land we protect. In the cover story, you’ll read about some of these people—like Mary McDaniel, who transformed her passion and concern into an organized effort—as well as the people who led CLC as our region and its challenges evolved. I only wish we had the space to acknowledge the thousands of landowners, volunteers and donors who each played, and continue to play, an important part in CLC’s story.
As appropriate as it is to celebrate the past, we are also very focused on the future. When I look at the next 25 years of our organization, nothing is more important than what Mary McDaniel did at her kitchen table 25 years ago —protecting our drinking water by preserving the land surrounding our water basin. The pressures on the Catawba River are once again making headlines. The land we conserve now will have a huge impact on the quantity and quality of water needed for our region to thrive. It’s more effective and efficient to protect water by preserving its natural land barriers than it is to engineer solutions once it has been impaired. Clean water is a major focus of our efforts, but truly safeguarding water takes collaboration with those upstream and downstream, which is why we have launched an effort with
the Foothills Land Trust to our north and The Conservation Fund to devise a long-term solution for alleviating pressures on the Catawba River basin. This work is only just beginning, but I look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming months. You’ve probably noticed this newsletter has a different look. We have spent the past year designing a new brand for CLC—one that better conveys who we are as an organization today and what we will grow to be in the future. We’re thrilled with our new logo, and we hope you’ll find it as dynamic, relevant and fresh as we do! You can read more about it below. Also, go to our website to see its new redesign and join us on a hike or paddle soon! Thank you for being a part of the CLC family on this special occasion. We’re looking forward to the next 25 years.
Sincerely,
Tom Okel Executive Director, Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail
A NEW LOOK Rebranding Reflects CLC at 25 Years “The new logo does a fantastic job of telling the story of Catawba Lands Conservancy,” said board member John Mader. “For those who may have no clue who we are or what a conservancy is, this paints a picture.” As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, CLC unveiled its new logo at Taste for the Land on October 27. Guests went home with hats and car decals emblazoned with CLC’s new mark. “We had outgrown our previous visual identity both in project area and mission,” said Executive Director Tom Okel. A survey of donors last spring confirmed those suspicions that the previous logo—which had been used for most of CLC’s 25 year history—didn’t hold much positive equity with the organization’s most loyal supporters. A change was needed. And what better opportunity than a major anniversary? Staff and board wanted the new logo to feel modern, but also timeless. After all, the work of saving land is forever. Julianne McCollum, chair of CLC’s marketing and outreach committee and principal of Yellow Duck Marketing, led the charge to get a new look for CLC. Board member John Mader, vice president
of connections at Wray Ward, knew just the person for the job. He enlisted the help of colleague Brandon Scharr— the force behind design work for brands like Springmaid (Springs Global), The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Moen Faucets, NASCAR Hall of Fame and Britax—to create CLC’s new brand identity package. “We needed the new logo to accomplish a lot,” says Julianne. “We wanted a mark that quickly communicated the essence of the organization. It also needed to resonate with the next generation of conservationists, while not alienating our loyal, longtime donors. Plus, show a relationship to our most visible project— the Carolina Thread Trail,” she said. Brandon was up to the challenge. “The current mark had more of an abstract feel to it, so I decided to take more of a literal approach and create an identity that at first glance you knew had to deal with land and nature,” he explains. Protecting land and water resources is at the heart of CLC’s mission and the new mark puts those natural elements— tree, river, land, sky—front and center.
CatawbaLands.org Never Looked So Good! Check out our newly redesigned website, built by Yellow Duck Marketing. Trimmed down, more visually exciting and easier to navigate, the new catawbalands.org reflects CLC’s new brand and also provides visitors with incredible photography, interactive property maps and an all-around better surfing experience.
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“The new logo does a fantastic job of telling the story of Catawba Lands Conservancy.” John Mader - Board member
Take a closer look and you’ll also notice the foothills on the horizon situating CLC in the Piedmont and the winding river combined with the emphasis on Catawba in the name treatment conveys the importance of the river to CLC’s history and land protection work. The most surprising element will probably be the new brand colors, which diverge from the typical green palette favored by most conservation organizations.
“I took cues from the Carolina Thread Trail mark and tried to use colors that worked with it, but had an ‘earthy’ feel as well as some warm tones,” explains Brandon. The orange bears a striking resemblance to our Carolina clay soil. “We wanted to distinguish ourselves from our peers,” said John. “CLC isn’t your typical land trust, and it was important that the new logo show that.”
S Some of our favorite ffeatures: • Responsive web design for user-friendly viewing on mobile and tablet devices • Easy to use onsite blog for sharing news • New events calendar
Continued from front page
Connecting people to land Kathryn Heath served as board chair from 2006 to 2007. It was under her leadership that the Carolina Thread Trail took root. But the initial idea came from Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC)—and it was a revolutionary concept when first conceived. Michael Marsicano, FFTC president and CEO, helped birth the idea, and Jill Flynn was chair of the FFTC committee that first studied the concept. FFTC and CLC formed an alliance to promote the Thread Trail and get support and funding for the project. The idea of a land trust taking on such a large public trail project was untested, and some questioned whether it was consistent with the CLC mission and whether the organization had “Every land the capacity to lead the effort. “And now, trust in the every land trust in country would the country would love to have a love to have a Thread Trail.” Thread Trail,” – Tom Okel Tom said.
With nearly 1,600 miles of trails now part of the master plan and 350 miles already on the ground, the once-controversial idea now seems like a no-brainer. In a forest ecosystem, this era could be likened to the competition phase where plants and trees are vying for the same space, light and nutrients.
Looking ahead Frank Bragg knows CLC will continue to evolve, like nature itself, but hopes the mission never changes: “Permanent land protection has got to always be the goal.” That goal becomes more important with the increasing development our region is seeing. Kathryn Heath sums up the wonder—and the worry—inherent in living in a boom town: “Isn’t it wonderful to live in such a vibrant region? Yet the downside is that you see land gobbled up. You can see the density change when you compare maps from 1970 to 1980 and from 1990 to today. Land has been lost, and eventually, time will run out.”
She said a recent study showed that the Charlotte area has good parks—but not enough of them for our current and projected population. “The Carolina Thread Trail is really a linear park,” she said. “It’s exactly what our area needs.” CLC has come a long way, but there’s still much work to be done and plenty of exciting work happening now. Tom cites the recent hiring of CLC’s first program coordinator. Thanks to a grant from the Women’s Impact Fund, Mary Ann Harrison is focused entirely on outdoor programming that connects the public with nature.
Honoring the past The Conservancy looks much different from the days when it was an all-volunteer organization that met in Mary McDaniel’s dining room. The organization now encompasses six counties and has preserved more than 15,000 acres. Water quality is still an important component of CLC’s work, but the scope has expanded to include farmland, wildlife habitat and making connections between people and nature.
Over the last five years, membership has grown dramatically—and grown more diverse. There are now more than 1,000 members, which include members of Catawba Society and Catawba Corps, two important affinity groups for CLC. “Our donors have really changed us as an organization,” said Margaret Brantley, development director. “Our water supply, wildlife, open space—all of that is vulnerable without human intervention. We’re tremendously grateful to everyone who’s willing to invest in preserving land and protecting natural resources. We couldn’t have achieved financial security—and we wouldn’t be sustainable—without the generosity of our members.” Volunteers are crucial to CLC’s mission, too—just as they have been since the beginning. “Everyone who has ever helped clean up a stream, remove debris, planted trees, hiked or canoed our properties or attended one of our events has played a role in getting us to this milestone,” Tom said. “We all have a lot to be proud of.”
HISTORIC MILESTONES 1991:
The first meeting of CLC is held at Mary McDaniel’s home in Charlotte.
1995:
In April, CLC protects its first property, the Catawba Wildflower Glen.
1999: The first conservation easement is completed on Redlair Farm and Forest, home to the rare bigleaf magnolia and the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower.
2000: The Pharr Yarns Company donates Pinhook Preserve, a 125-acre area in Gaston County adjacent to Redlair. 2001:
The 252-acre River Oaks Plantation is preserved, adding 252 acres that aid watershed preservation along the South Fork Catawba River in Lincoln County.
2003: In December, the 506-acre Stanley Creek Forest, home to a state significant natural heritage site, is permanently protected.
2005: CLC’s first public-access trail opens in May at the Rhyne Conservation Preserve in Lincoln County. 2005: CLC hires its first full-time stewardship director, Sharon Wilson. 2007:
Catawba Society, a group of CLC’s most generous donors and advocates, is formed.
2009: CLC becomes one of the first land trusts in the country to receive national accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance.
2010:
CLC surpasses 10,000 acres of land protected.
2010:
CLC protects Pharr Yarns Preserve, 95 acres of protection for water quality, fish, wildlife and plants, and 719 scres in the Mountain Creek and Terrapin Creek conservation area on Lake Norman.
2011:
CLC protects Seven Oaks Preserve, 77 acres along Lake Wylie and adjacent to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
2012:
Taste for the Land, CLC’s annual celebration of local farms and food, hosted by Catawba Corps, debuts.
2013:
CLC protects The Fork, its largest conservation project to date at more than 1,300 acres, in Norwood, N.C.
2013:
CLC protects Waxhaw Creek Preserve in Union County, home to a federally endangered species of freshwater mussel, and Girl Scouts’ Property in Iredell County.
2015:
The final of 15 counties adopts a Carolina Thread Trail master plan, and CLC surpasses 15,000 acres protected.
2015:
CLC protects Bigleaf Preserve, the last inholding in a 1,200-acre area along the South Fork Catawba River.
2016:
CLC launches a new logo and website to mark its 25th anniversary.
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CONNECTING LIVES TO NATURE
Looking for a great weekend escape? How about a leisurely paddle down the South Fork River? In April, CLC and Thread Trail members went for a guided, 5-mile paddle on the South Fork Blueway, passing by land conserved by CLC.
CLC and Thread Trail members enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience Redlair, a private state preserve protected by CLC. Attendees were treated to spectacular views of blooming mountain laurel and bigleaf magnolia. Photo by Heidi Pruess
Throughout June, more than 100 students with Right Moves for Youth and the Boys & Girls Clubs went fishing and hiking at a conserved property in Huntersville, N.C. Photo by Frank Bragg
Taste for the Land Honors CLC’s 25th Anniversary; Raises $60,000 CLC’s Taste for the Land and 25th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 27 raised $60,000 in sponsorships and new memberships! CLC founder Mary McDaniel and special guests from throughout CLC’s 25- year history were in attendance to help celebrate the milestone. The staff unveiled a new logo, and all guests went home with a commemorative hat. At the fifth year of Catawba Corps’ annual fundraiser, more than 430 guests enjoyed seasonal hors d’oeuvres, local craft beer from Unknown Brewery and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and music from Dead Man’s Banjo. Rowland’s Row Family Farm, Barbee Farm, Windy Hill Orchard and Riverbend Farm filled our onsite market with pumpkins, apples, sweet potatoes and other harvest-fresh produce for guests to enjoy at home.
THANK YOU, SPONSORS STEWARD
SUSTAI NER
O2 emc Faison Regions Financial Corporation Troutman Sanders PATRON
Childress Klein LITTLE GreerWalker Integra Realty Resources UNDERWRITER
Wray Ward Yellow Duck Marketing Brandon Scharr FRI END
Horizon Investments Alexander Ricks Foresite Development Design Resource Group
Magnolia Society In celebration of our 25th anniversary, this giving circle of passionate supporters has committed five-year pledges that will allow CLC to maximize its impact during the critical period of growth we will experience over the next 25 years. This is our last opportunity to protect a significant amount of the important remaining natural spaces in our region. Named for the bigleaf magnolia, the Conservancy’s most impressive protected plant species, this group will be the greatest example of commitment to our mission of saving land and connecting lives to nature. These pledges provide for operational stability and dedicated funding for land acquisition. Dante and Candace Taylor Anderson Philip and Amy Blumenthal Phillips and Leslie Bragg Ric and Ann Browning Jarred and Emily Cochran Ralph and Nancy Falls Walter and Michele Fisher Andy and Claudia Heath Jim and Becky Hovis Kelly Katterhagen and Larry Nabatoff Jud and Deborah Little Jonathan and Marianne Mangels Tom and Robin McCoy Tim and Julianne McCollum
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Bob and Sally Miller Bill and Katharina Mumford Tom and Amy Okel Richard Osborne Scott Pyle and Eileen Friars Lat and Kathy Purser Stephen and Parker Shuford Laurie Smith Jack and Melissa Sullivan Bill and Rita Vandiver Henry and Jenny Ward Chet and Christine Walker Tom Webb and Kathryn Heath
To become an inaugural member of our Magnolia Society, contact Margaret Brantley at margaret@catawbalands.org, or call (704) 342-3330 x 218.
Bigleaf magnolia at Redlair by Nancy Pierce
CONSERVATION FOCUS AREAS CLC identified nine areas as the focus of its land and water conservation efforts.
These geographic areas represent opportunities to conserve a critical mass of protected land that safeguards water quality and wildlife habitat, in addition to providing places for recreation.
X Riverbend Conservation Area 990 acres; 11 tracts In the northern part of CLC’s footprint, Henry Fork and Jacob Fork meet to form the South Fork Catawba River which carves a wide and flat valley down to Lincolnton, N.C. Here, in this heavily farmed area of Lincoln and Catawba counties, the forested floodplains, wetlands and slopes help protect water quality and provide flood protection for the river downstream.
X Forney Creek Conservation Area 281 acres; 3 tracts Nestled in a quickly developing area of Lincoln County, this conservation area provides important protection for Forney Creek, an impaired stream. Starting at Sally’s YMCA, a 2.5-mile trail allows visitors to explore hardwood forests, waterfowl ponds and floodplain forests. In time, we hope to extend the trail farther upstream and downstream.
X Mountain Island Lake Conservation Area 569 acres; 7 tracts Mountain Island Lake is the primary source of drinking water for the Charlotte region, and protection of this area spurred the founding of CLC in 1991. CLC coordinated with the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation to protect the lake’s shores and tributaries. These lands include mature forests, family farms, wetlands and rare Piedmont prairies in a quickly developing area less than a mile away from N.C. Hwy. 16.
X Ramah Creek Conservation Area 738 acres; 16 tracts What a story this 700-acre area could tell: one of history, change and a bright future. Historic McAuley Road, the last public gravel road left in Mecklenburg County, has shared its vistas of fields and forests since the 1920s. Two N.C. Species of Concern find refuge in the area: the timber rattlesnake and the Carolina darter (fish). Conservation has provided forested buffers that contribute to the water quality of Ramah Creek.
X Gar Creek Conservation Area 333 acres; 10 tracts History and water quality characterize this vital conservation area that’s home to Gar Creek, a major tributary to Mountain Island Lake, the drinking water source for over 1 million people. Forested buffers and limited development in the watershed are important for water quality conservation. Local farms are a focal point for the Conservancy, and this area provides protection for one of the oldest working farms in Mecklenburg County.
X Historic Rhyne Conservation Area 462 acres; 7 tracts This state significant natural area protects a forested and rugged valley of the South Fork River around the historic Laboratory Mill, a cotton factory dating to 1819. The valley is covered with mature hardwood forests which are home to the dwarf-flowered heartleafed ginger, a threatened plant. The South Fork Rail Trail winds through the area, passing waterfalls, historic mills, and following the turbulent South Fork River.
X Spencer Mountain Conservation Area 1,531 acres; 31 tracts The largest of CLC’s conservation areas sits in the shadow of Spencer Mountain, where the South Fork River flows through one of the most ecologically rich areas of our state. The mature hardwood forests, rocky bluffs, rolling pastures and flowery meadows protect rare species such as bald eagles, Schweinitz’s sunflower, bigleaf magnolia and pink lady slippers. CLC maintains a trail and canoe launches, so you can enjoy this region by boat or on foot.
X Long Creek Conservation Area 191 acres; 6 tracts This complex of properties has a focus on conserving water quality in Long Creek, which is a tributary of the Catawba River. Located in what once was a highly industrialized area, with its forested slopes and flood plains, the land provides a variety of plant and wildlife habitats. With the U.S. National Whitewater Center as a neighbor, this area is becoming a favorite for outdoor recreation.
X Stanley
Creek Forest Conservation Area 1,215 acres; 14 tracts This is an area rich in natural and cultural history. Conservation of these rolling hills and pastoral farms along the banks of Stanley Creek was accomplished through the generosity of many local families with long ties to the area. The mature forests include showy wildflowers, towering hardwood trees and the bigleaf magnolia—a rare tree in North Carolina, first discovered nearby in 1796 by André Michaux.
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Gum Branch Creek
Saving Land Collaboration Protects Charlotte’s Tree Canopy
Conserved Lincoln County Land Protects South Fork River, Expands Trail
In May, the City of Charlotte and CLC partnered to permanently protect 46 acres of forestland along Gum Branch Creek as part of an initiative to protect the city’s treasured tree canopy. The Gum Branch property is in a developed residential area just west of Brookshire Blvd. “This preserved land helps advance our goal of achieving 50 percent canopy by the year 2050, and the trees will provide many benefits for current and future generations,” said Erin Oliverio, tree canopy program manager for the city of Charlotte. Additionally, the land will be home to the future Gum Branch Greenway. The County has already acquired 47 acres along the creek for developing the greenway. The conservation easement restricts specific uses and ensures long-term management to protect the natural resources of the property, which provides relatively natural habitat for fish, wildlife and plants, and watershed protection of Gum Branch Creek. “Any time we can preserve some of the limited remaining natural space in Mecklenburg County, it’s a significant accomplishment,” said Tom Okel, executive director of CLC.
CLC also recently protected 22 acres on N.C. Hwy. 150 in Lincolnton, N.C. using grant funding from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Known as the Carpenter Conservation Easement, the land protects 2,647 linear feet along the South Fork Catawba River. The property will also have a half-mile segment of the Carolina Thread Trail that will extend the existing 2-mile South Fork Rail Trail and eventually connect to the nearby Marcia Cloninger Rail Trail. The landowners, the Carpenter Property Group, LLC, have also permitted the construction of a future trailhead parking lot on N.C. 150. Additionally, the Carpenter property expands CLC’s Historic Rhyne Conservation Area, which encompasses 440 acres of protected land along the South Fork Catawba River. This conservation area is listed as a Significant Natural Area by the N.C. Natural Heritage Program due to the presence of highquality natural communities and a number of rare plants, including the threatened dwarf-flowered heartleaf ginger (Hexastylis naniflora). This low-growing, spicy-smelling, evergreen perennial herb is endemic to a nine-county area in the western upper Piedmont of North and South Carolina.
Carpenter Conservation Easement
Stewardship Spotlight
EMERALD ASH BORER CONFIRMED IN LINCOLN COUNTY n July, the N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) confirmed what Catawba Lands Conservancy Stewardship Director Sharon Wilson had feared: The dying green ash trees she spotted on two CLC preserves in Lincoln County were indeed the result of a tiny invasive beetle. And nothing could be done to save them. This is the first confirmed major killing of ash trees by emerald ash borer (EAB) in Lincoln County. The NCFS suspected that EAB had arrived in the county when one was found in a trap. Trees susceptible to EAB attacks include green ash, white ash, Carolina ash, pumpkin ash and white fringe tree. “While the news is indeed sad for our preserves, the silver lining is that due to active monitoring of our conserved properties, we discovered the infestation quickly,” said Sharon. “We want homeowners, park managers and commercial property managers to know that emerald ash borer is in the area so they have the opportunity to treat landscape ash trees.” Insecticide treatments are recommended when the beetle is known to be within 15 miles of the tree, and can cost between $200 and $600 per tree depending on the size and health of the tree. Unfortunately, while this can be a viable option for those looking to protect just a few trees, it is not practical in a forest environment.
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The metallic green invader has been marching toward North Carolina for many years. Native to Eastern Asia, the EAB hitched a ride into the U.S. in 2002 via packing materials imported from China to Detroit. Since then, it has spread to 24 states and Canada, killing tens of millions of native ash trees. The damage is inflicted by the larvae of EAB. Adult beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees and when the larvae hatch, they bore into the tree and feed on tissue beneath the bark, ultimately killing the tree. According to pest specialists from the N.C. Department of Agriculture, the beetles most likely did their damage at Sally’s Y and Catawba Springs Preserves last summer, and we are just now seeing the results. This infestation will profoundly impact the preserves’ canopy, which is approximately 10 percent green ash and grows mostly in the flood plain. Thirty miles away, CLC staff also recently confirmed white ash tree mortality from EAB at Seven Oaks Preserve in Belmont, N.C. There may be temporary trail closures at Sally’s Y, Catawba Springs and Seven Oaks, while staff manage the dead and dying trees that would threaten user safety. EAB will have repercussions for the future of our forests across the country and locally. In North Carolina, ash trees make up about 2 percent of our forests, which represents more than 2 million trees. EAB was first discovered in North
Carolina in 2013 and is now found in 22 counties, including locally in Lincoln, Catawba and Iredell. The NCFS tracks its movements and its current range is continually updated. For more information, visit EmeraldAshBorer.info and the NCFS website at ncforestservice.gov.
N.C. Forest Service Ranger Chase Payne, County Ranger/Lincolnton checks for signs of borers at Sally’s Y.
EARLY DETECTION SIGNS • Areas of bark splitting and woodpecker activity on limbs two to four inches in diameter in the tree’s crown • Thinning of the tree canopy • S-shaped galleries just under the bark • Distinctive D-shaped exit holes • Mortality of large limbs combined with trunk sprouts
D-shaped exit hole from an ash tree killed by an emerald ash borer. The D-shaped exit hole is made by the adult beetle as it exits the tree. The larval stage of the beetle feeds on the inner bark of the tree which weakens and most often kills the trees. Photo taken at the Sally’s Y Preserve.
FIELD NOTES Women’s Impact Fund Grant Supports Outdoor Education At its annual meeting in May, the Women’s Impact Fund (WIF) announced to its membership a $74,000 grant to CLC to fund a full-time program coordinator responsible for developing environmental education and public programming. The women’s collective giving group awarded a total of $437,000 that evening to five local nonprofits in the areas of arts and culture, education, health, human services and environment.
Photo was provided by Women’s Impact Fund
Executive Director Tom Okel called the grant “transformative” and told the group of more than 100 women gathered at the Foundation For the Carolinas, “Because of you, we can expose more people to the wonders of nature. This is an exciting opportunity to get the public out on the land and ultimately broaden support for conservation.” Using events and educational experiences to foster an appreciation for the natural environment, the grant enables CLC to address critical community needs such as conserving natural resources and the health benefits of time outdoors. The WIF’s mission is to maximize women’s leadership in philanthropy by engaging and educating members, increasing charitable contributions and strengthening communities through the impact of collective giving. To date, the WIF has made 59 grants totaling more than $4.6 million.
CLC Welcomes New Teammates Mary Ann Harrison is the first program coordinator Mary Ann joined CLC and the Thread Trail in July as the first program coordinator, a new full-time position funded through the Women’s Impact Fund. Mary Ann brings tremendous experience in outdoor education from her background with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and most recently, the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Raised in the Southern Appalachians, Mary Ann first fell in love with the outdoors as a child digging through the mud to catch “crawdads” in local creeks. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in ecology/evolutionary biology and environmental studies, and for six years, she has enthusiastically shared the natural world with others as a park ranger, park guide and environmental educator.
From leading freshwater snorkeling tours to observe the mating colors of rare stream darters in Cherokee National Forest to gracefully crawling through caves in search of bat guano treasure in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Mary Ann has a wealth of experience in creating unique educational experiences that are sure to inspire and delight. Sam Kirk joins the stewardship team CLC’s new Stewardship Associate Sam is right at home caring for conserved lands. The Wendell, N.C. native graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2015 with a degree in environmental science with a concentration in conservation. While working at Carolina Beach State Park, he drafted and implemented a plan for the restoration of Longleaf Pine and also built and maintained trail systems in the park. Sam enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking and kayaking. Elizabeth Miller hired as executive team assistant A recent graduate of Queens University of Charlotte, Elizabeth holds a degree in Spanish and international studies and brings to CLC experience in marketing, communication and translating for two local nonprofits. The Alabama native enjoys hiking, kayaking and being outdoors.
N.C. Increases Conservation Funding by $10 Million In June, N.C. legislative leaders passed a new budget that significantly increases the state’s investment in land and water conservation, including: • $8.6 million increase for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Combined with the $13.8 million the program was scheduled to get, the total appropriation for fiscal year 2016-17 is $22.4 million. • $1 million increase for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. Combined with the $2.6 million the program was scheduled to get, the total appropriation for 2016-17 is $3.6 million. • $314,726 (recurring) increase for the Natural Heritage Program. This fully restores a $300,000 cut to the program from the 2015 budget. The revised net appropriation for the program is $764,726. • Maintains funding for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The 2015 budget contained a $10.4 million increase for PARTF for 2016-17, and this year’s budget retains that increase. The total appropriation for 2016-17 is $22.7 million.
Land for Tomorrow, a statewide coalition supporting public funding and tax incentives for land and water conservation, praised House and Senate budget writers for the additional appropriations. CLC and local land trusts are members of Land for Tomorrow. “This budget demonstrates a level of support for conservation programs that we haven’t seen for a number of years,” said Will Morgan of The Nature Conservancy.
THANKS TO AN ENERGETIC SUPPORTER O2 emc Supports CLC As Sustainer-Level Sponsor
Gaston County Run Raises $22,000 The 13th annual Community Foundation of Gaston County Run in April brought in over $1 million for nonprofits in Gaston County, with CLC receiving more than $22,000 in matches, donations and winnings from the event. The Community Foundation Run includes a 5K competitive race, a 2K fun walk, family-friendly games and informational booths from a variety of nonprofits each year in downtown Gastonia, N.C. Next year’s run will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2017.
In Memoriam Attorney and Conservationist Everett Jackson Bowman It is with great sadness that we share the news that CLC supporter and friend Everett Jackson Bowman, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away in June. An acclaimed antitrust lawyer and passionate environmentalist, Everett earned accolades for his philanthropy, including major gifts to CLC, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and N.C. Coastal Land Trust. In 2015, he received the N.C. Land Trust’s Stanback Volunteer Conservationist of the Year Award for his philanthropy and passion for protecting the places he loved. He was an ardent hiker, backpacker and whitewater canoeist and was renowned for his ability to identify on sight virtually anything that jumps, flies, dashes, burrows or is rooted in the wild areas he cherished.
Everett Bowman at Taste for the Land with his sister, Carol.
Everett explained his commitment this way: “Since high school, my greatest concern has been the damage that human beings have done and are continuing to do to our natural environment. My greatest hope is that we will come to better understand, respect and protect our environment and our fellow species in the web of life. I think this is crucial for those who come after us.”
Joel Olsen grew up in Charlotte and developed a love for the city—particularly the trees the Queen City is known for. The Olsen family lived in Charlotte when Joel’s mother was a professor of climatology and meteorology at UNC Charlotte. She later took a job at NASA and ran the Global Climate Change Master Directory project. Joel’s father is retired, but he’s become an advocate for action to address climate change. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, Joel lived and worked in Norway for 13 years. “The country is 100 percent powered by renewable energy,” he said. The experience had a big impact on him. While Norway runs on hydropower, Joel absorbed the lessons about the environmental benefits (and business opportunities!) in clean energy. His companies, O2 energies and O2 emc in Cornelius, develop, own and operate solar farms across the Southeast. O2 is about much more than energy, though. “We try to maximize the local jobs, the use of agriculture and create educational opportunities for local schools in the communities where we have our solar farms,” Joel said. Catawba Lands Conservancy has always maintained that conservation and business interests aren’t opposing ideas. Joel shares that belief. “The business opportunities in creating clean energy, water and air are tremendous,” he said. O2’s solar farms double as the more traditional kind of farm. O2 works with Sun Raised Farms to identify local farmers who place livestock on the O2 solar farms across North Carolina. “Livestock, primarily sheep, maintain the vegetation on our solar farms,” Joel said. (They’re nature’s lawn mowers, after all.) “Solar farms can provide a fenced-in pasture with ideal vegetation and protection for raising livestock. Since 99 percent of the land on a solar farm is arable, it creates an enormous opportunity for new forms of agriculture that were not economically viable before.” Supporting CLC is a natural extension of O2’s mission. “We admire the work CLC has done with … the Carolina Thread Trail and conserving land in the Charlotte area,” Joel said. “We believe there are opportunities in conserving land for future generations with the development of clean energy. For example, we’re currently developing Bear Poplar Solar on Barber Farm, which will provide a portion of land for the Carolina Thread Trail in the Rowan County master plan.” Learn more at www.o2energies.com
Students tour a solar farm. Photo provided by O2 emc
INAUGURAL CLAY SHOOT RAISES $35,000 FOR CONSERVATION Our first annual Clays for Conservation at The Fork Farm and Stables, CLC’s largest conserved property, was a huge success! With almost 90 participants, a great time was had by all and over $35,000 was raised for conservation. Thank you to everyone who came out and to our sponsors for their support. Presenting Sponsor
HOSTS
STEERING COMMITTEE
Robert McLean and Bill Mumford
Jarred Cochran, Lud Hodges, Jim Hovis, Tommy Lee, Palmer McArthur, John Mader, Scott Phillips and Louis Stephens
SPONSORS Lunch Sponsor
Gift Sponsors
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BORDER CROSSING Interstate Collaboration on the Cross-State Bridge Brings the Thread Trail Across State Lines By Ann Gibson
sk Lancaster County and Waxhaw officials about construction of the Twelve Mile Creek Cross-State Bridge— the first trail segment linking North and South Carolina—and the unanimous response is, “When can we do it again?” The April completion of the 180-foot suspension bridge over Twelve Mile Creek is confirmation that the vision of collaboration across communities, counties and states is thriving, and communities are embracing the results. “Twelve Mile Creek was a real choke point for bringing the trail into South Carolina,” says Carolina Thread Trail Senior Director Andy Kane. “Not just crossing the creek and bridging the flood plain, but crossing the state border for the first time.” The regional project team, initiated and led by the Carolina Thread Trail, included staff with the town of Waxhaw and Lancaster County Planning and Parks and Recreation Departments. Carolina Thread Trail support came in the form of grant funding and technical support and resources. “It was a true
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regional planning effort,” says Lancaster County Planning Director Penelope Karagounis. The Cross-State Bridge joins Lancaster County’s 3.5-mile Twelve Mile Creek Trail with Waxhaw’s 1.4-mile Twelve Mile Creek Greenway, providing local residents and visitors with more than four miles of contiguous paved and natural surface trail from Walnut Creek Park in Lancaster to H.C. Nesbit Park in Waxhaw. “The trail runs along the Twelve Mile Creek embankment overlooking the woods,” says Penelope. “It feels remote, yet you’re close to over 2,000 single-family homes.” The sentiment is echoed in Waxhaw. “The landscape contains lots of rock so it feels like you’re in the mountains,” says Waxhaw Parks and Recreation Director Natalie Jackson. Natalie says the regional planning experience was so positive that, since completion, three of their staff members went on to earn Trail Masters certification. To deepen the trail’s impact on the local economy, Waxhaw and Lancaster County commissioned local artisans to create custom benches reflecting local geography and partnerships behind the project. There’s evidence at all points along the trail that communities are taking ownership. “It’s amazing how citizens will report issues and remove downed trees,” says Penelope. With an interlocal maintenance agreement in place for upkeep of the Cross-State Bridge, both jurisdictions are hoping to expand trail connectivity. “Trail
maintenance, especially through unincorporated land, is an issue,” says Penelope. “Local leaders are looking for ways to expand and support these efforts with staffing and funding over the long term.” According to Andy, the Twelve Mile Creek Cross-State Bridge is the first step in creating interstate linkages across the Carolinas. “We’re actively working on other routes, most significantly Rock Hill’s Riverwalk toward Pineville and linkages to the west in Kings Mountain,” says Andy. “We have an amazing opportunity working with the National Park Service to push forward with the Overmountain Victory Trail, working with many jurisdictions, collaborations and partnerships.”
Bench made by local artisan on the Lancaster County side of the bridge.
Official ribbon cutting to open the cross-state bridge between Lancaster County, S.C. and Waxhaw, N.C.
NEW THREAD TRAILS TO EXPLORE X Lyle Creek Greenway Conover, N.C. 1.4 miles, gravel and crushed stone Following the banks of Lyle Creek, this new, enhanced surface section of the Thread Trail is an excellent location for biking, hiking and natural wildlife viewing, especially bird watching. This segment completes a 6.3-mile loop encircling the city of Conover. A true community effort, Tri-City Christian School and their cross-country team have partnered with the city to both use the trail and help maintain it.
X The Falcon Trail, Part of the Misenheimer Greenway Misenheimer and Richfield, N.C. 2.7 miles, natural surface Connecting the Stanly County communities of Misenheimer and Richfield, this mostly wooded and canopied trail offers lake and agricultural views, as well as access to Pfeiffer College and many historic buildings listed on the National Historic Register, such as The Gladstone Academy, a schoolhouse built in the 1890s. The trailhead entrance at Richfield Park has picnic tables, fishing and disc golf.
X Norwood Launch–Rocky River Blueway Norwood, N.C. Managed by the town of Norwood, a new wooden launch is located on Riverview Road, a few hundred feet from the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 52. It’s one of six launches along the 65-mile undammed blueway for flatwater kayaking and canoeing that provides paddlers with a true wilderness experience as it crosses rural areas of the state. Paddlers will be able to experience varying degrees of difficulty depending on the river level.
X First Broad River Trail Shelby, N.C. 2.1 miles, natural surface Take in the great views from this new trail which runs under a historic wooden railroad trestle and over the First Broad River via a 120-foot-long suspension bridge. The river outlook is perfect for wildlife and bird viewing and a hand-carry boat launch conveniently located near the trailhead parking lot offers easy access for paddling.
X Kings
Mountain Gateway Foote Trail Kings Mountain, N.C. 2 miles, gravel Utilizing an old highway overpass and meandering around an abandoned quarry, the new section of the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail on the south side of I-85 is great for flat surface walking and biking. KMGT offers 8 miles of trails open to the public and will eventually connect downtown Kings Mountain to Kings Mountain National Battlefield, Kings Mountain State Park and Crowders Mountain State Park.
X Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Launch–Rocky River Blueway Wadesboro, N.C. From this new launch tucked within the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, paddlers will enjoy traveling downstream through deep forests rich in wildlife such as wood ducks, otters, turtles and even an occasional bald eagle. It’s located about 8 miles downriver from the Norwood launch, and the next available launch is 3.6 miles downriver at Red Hill.
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FOOT NOTES New Community Coordinator and Davidson Fellow Join Thread Trail
Studies. In school, his research included the effects of organic pest control methods in small scale agro-ecology as well as effects of impervious surfaces on first order streams in Mecklenburg County. He also volunteered with the Davidson College Farm and helped develop an app for students promoting sustainable food choices. During his one-year fellowship, Matt will assist Bret with Thread Trail community outreach and land stewardship.
Thread Trail Wins First Place in Land Use from Sustain Charlotte
The Thread Trail welcomes Bret Baronak as our new community coordinator. Bret brings a wealth of public sector land use and transportation planning experience to this position. From 2006 to 2014, he served as the bicycle, greenways and pedestrian coordinator in Palm Beach County, Fla., where he was responsible for planning, funding and elevating awareness for non-motorized transportation. In late 2014, he moved to the Charlotte region and became senior transportation planner with the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization. A native of western Pennsylvania and a graduate of Penn State University, Bret is an avid road and mountain cyclist and also enjoys hiking, travel and NASCAR racing.
In July, the Thread Trail welcomed Matt Brantley as its new Davidson College Impact Fellow. Matt graduated from Davidson in 2016 with a BS in Environmental
In April, the Thread Trail won first place in Land Use from Sustain Charlotte at its annual Earth Day Celebration and Sustainability Awards. The nonprofit annually recognizes other local nonprofits, government agencies and businesses for their work in advancing the Charlotte 2030 sustainability plan, which they launched in 2010. The city of Charlotte’s Tree Canopy Preservation Program took second place, and third place went to the Thread Trail’s managing agency, Catawba Lands Conservancy. Three winners were recognized in each of nine categories.
REI Grant Expands Rocky River Blueway One of the Thread Trail’s final launches on the Rocky River Blueway is now complete, thanks to a $13,000 grant from REI. The grant was awarded to fund construction of a wooden canoe/kayak launch in Norwood, N.C. The new launch is on Riverview Road, a few hundred feet from the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 52. The N.C. Department of Commerce and the Thread Trail also contributed funds to the launch and parking lot. The Rocky River is a signature blueway of the Thread Trail, offering 65 miles of flatwater paddling from Midland to Wadesboro, N.C. There are six launches open to the public along the blueway with four additional launch sites planned. Part of the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin, the Rocky River forms the boundary between Cabarrus, Stanly, Union and Anson counties. Its headwaters begin in southern Iredell County and terminate at the confluence of the Yadkin Pee Dee at The Fork Farm in Stanly County.
FALL INTO THE THREAD
A great time was had by all at our fourth annual Fall into the Thread on Oct. 6. This year’s celebration was at Lenny Boy Brewing and featured guest speaker Cooper Lambla, globe-trotting whitewater kayaker and curator of the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s EXPLORE Series. Thank you to Jesse Brown’s, Lenny Boy Brewing, Whole Foods Market and Mountain Khakis for their support.
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REI supported the Thread Trail in 2015 with a $15,000 grant to extend a natural surface trail in Fort Mill, S.C.
Thread Trail Awards Grants to Projects in Salisbury and Kings Mountain The Thread Trail Governing Board awarded in May three implementation grants totaling $164,062 to the city of Salisbury and Cleveland County, N.C. for projects along the Thread Trail. The grant money will support: • City of Salisbury, N.C. (Rowan County) – $91,062 for the materials and construction costs for a 0.63-mile gravel trail, which will connect Kelsey Scott Park to Jake Alexander Blvd. and will eventually be part of the Salisbury Greenway. The project includes a $10,118 match from the city of Salisbury. • City of Salisbury, N.C. (Rowan County) – $40,500 to extend the Salisbury Greenway by providing funding for the design of a low water bridge and FEMA No Rise Certification. This proposed section of trail includes a bridge crossing Grants Creek, which will connect the existing portion of the Salisbury Greenway to Catawba College, Salisbury National Cemetery and Kelsey Scott Park. The city of Salisbury is providing a $4,500 match. • Cleveland County, N.C. – $32,500 to help fund the acquisition and corridor design costs for a 1.5-mile gravel extension to the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail (KMGT) from where it currently ends at Galilee Church Rd. KMGT is providing a $4,000 match. The KMGT is currently 7.5 miles long. In the future, it will continue from Galilee Church Rd. to the Boulders Access at Crowders Mountain State Park.
Group Explores Little Sugar Creek Greenway During BIKE! Charlotte
the stream. Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a part of the Thread Trail network, as well as the heart of the 26-mile Cross Charlotte Trail. Thanks to Charlotte B-cycle for providing loaner and to LandDesign and Wildlands Engineering for leading the ride! BIKE! Charlotte is 17 days of bicycle-related events and promotions that encourage families, friends and colleagues to break out the bike and integrate it into their daily routine.
College Students Lend a Helping Hand
A fantastic group of incoming Davidson College freshmen in the Service Odyssey program joined us in August for a service project on the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail. The students helped remove invasive autumn olive and enjoyed a guided nature hike along the way.
800 Hike, Paddle and Play Outside on National Trails Day
Paul Benton of LandDesign and Eric Newhaus of Wildlands Engineering led a guided bike ride in May along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway as part of BIKE! Charlotte. The two educated the group about this transformative greenway project and the positive effects of restoring
We had so much fun at our National Trails Day celebration June 4 at the South Fork Trail and Launch in McAdenville, N.C. Attendees of all ages enjoyed guided hikes and geocaching along the riverside trail, and many went paddling in the South Fork River on free loaner kayaks provided by the Floating Goat in Cramerton, N.C. The Thompson Brothers Band played bluegrass tunes throughout the afternoon, and delicious food and beverages were provided by Papi Queso food truck, King of Pops and Rivermen Brewing Company. Thanks to all our exhibitors, vendors and partners, especially Pharr Yarns, LLC, the town of McAdenville and Belmont Abbey College Art Club for supporting this event. American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day (NTD) happens annually on the first Saturday in June and features a series of outdoor activities across the country to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States.
CORPORATE WORKDAYS ADVANCE TRAILS, BUILD CAMARADERIE rail building and maintenance wouldn’t be possible without the support of many volunteers. Corporate workdays, in particular, are a significant part of the Thread Trail’s volunteer program. Over the last year, the Thread Trail hosted 25 volunteer workdays, and 16 of those were sponsored by corporations looking for opportunities to give back to the community while encouraging team building among their employees. “We rely on these groups to keep many of our natural surface trails in top condition,” said Vanessa Gorr, Thread Trail outreach and volunteer coordinator. “Plus, they are a lot of fun. We teach the volunteers about plants and wildlife in the area, so these outings are just as much about education as they are about service.” Employees from the National Renewable Energy Corporation (NARENCO), a corporate sponsor of the Thread Trail, participated in their first Thread Trail workday in May at the Long Creek Preserve Trail, which connects to the trails of the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The group helped clear the trail of overgrown vegetation and remove invasive species, such as autumn olive and Chinese privet.
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Jesse Montgomery, NARENCO president of development, said that the group chose to work with the Thread Trail because of common interests. “It is important for NARENCO to work with organizations like the Carolina Thread Trail that share its vision of a sustainable future,” he said. In May, the Thread Trail also hosted a workday for employees of the Huron Consulting Group’s Charlotte office at the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail. The workday was part of Huron’s Day of Service, where employees around the world give back to their communities. Carolinas HealthCare Systems (CHS) has been a longtime partner of the Thread Trail and sponsors the Volunteer Program, made up of both public and corporate workdays as well as the Trail
Masters program, which trains volunteers in sustainable trail building and leadership to lead workdays. Most recently, a division of CHS came out to Long Creek Preserve Trail to help restore the habitat for native trees, shrubs and grasses along the trail. Volunteers removed invasive species, so that native vegetation can grow in this riparian area. “The idea of providing a trail of health and well-being that becomes a network to serve all citizens, and ultimately a safer and healthier community is truly a powerful one,” said Travis O’Hara, CHS construction services superintendent.
BE A TRAILBLAZER! Company divisions, teams and entire offices are invited to support the Thread Trail at a private volunteer workday hosted by our staff. We provide all tools, materials, refreshments/snacks, safety items and project direction. Spend a half day helping with: Tread construction Viewshed clearing Reforestation
Tread maintenance Invasive plant management
TO LEARN MORE, contact Vanessa Gorr, volunteer and outreach coordinator, at 704-376-2556 ext. 215 or Vanessa@carolinathreadtrail.org
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As your company or organization about matching gift opportunities. To donate or make a gift in honor of a loved one, visit catawbalands.org/donate Children play in a creek along the South Fork Trail in McAdenville, N.C. Photo by Nancy Pierce
Girl Scouts enjoy outdoor adventures along the Hornets’ Nest Council Trail in Statesville, N.C. Photo by Nancy Pierce
A group of students walks along Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte, N.C.
A young girl walks down the South Fork Trail on National Trails Day. Photo by Nancy Pierce
Girl Scouts and their families enjoy outdoor adventures along the Hornets’ Nest Council Trail in Statesville, N.C. Photo by Nancy Pierce