CLC 2014 Annual Report

CATAWBA LANDS CONSERVANCY

2014

Annual REPORT

15,000 ACRES PROTECTED 2014 CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Little Egypt Preserve, Lincoln County. Photo by Nancy Pierce

Catawba Lands Conservancy celebrated a major milestone in 2014: protecting its 15,000th

acre of land. In its more than 20-year history, CLC has evolved from a grassroots organization designed to protect Mountain Island Lake into a nationally accredited land trust that is preserving special natural areas across six counties and leading the Carolina Thread Trail.

In 2014, CLC added four new properties to its land protection program. Totaling some 200 acres, these new conservation areas are vital to our region’s water quality and agricultural economy, and three will be home to future segments of the growing Thread Trail. To date, CLC manages and monitors 185 properties comprising 15,087 acres of natural land across the southern Piedmont of North Carolina.

SEE HIGHLIGHTS ON NEXT PAGE

2014 Highlights CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER

A RIBBON OF GREEN IN LINCOLN COUNTY Little Egypt Preserve A desire to preserve a “ribbon of green” in Lincoln County motivated the Clark family and a group of investors to donate to CLC 60 acres of land off N.C. Highway 73. Named for the adjoining road, CLC’s newest preserve is part of a conservation corridor emerging in eastern Lincoln County along Forney Creek. Nearby, CLC already protects 135 acres of land at Catawba Springs Preserve and 85 acres at Sally’s YMCA. This permanent haven for wildlife, recreation and water quality will benefit all residents of Lincoln County and beyond.

The forested land provides important riparian protection along 2.1 miles of Forney Creek, a federally designated impaired stream, and will host a future segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. A portion of the Little Egypt Preserve was donated, and CLC purchased a portion through a bargain sale.

PROTECTING THE LAST OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY Newcombe Preserve Addition In a rapidly developing corner of Mecklenburg County, CLC saved 22 acres of forested land along McAlpine Creek. The property adjoins CLC’s 33-acre Newcombe Preserve. Combined, these two tracts protect approximately 3,200 feet along McAlpine Creek in Pineville, N.C., and offer a natural buffer east of the Carolina Sportsplex, a 48-acre recreational facility being constructed on Dorman Road. Plans call for a segment of the Thread Trail to eventually traverse the property.

Avant Garde Real Estate Consulting donated the land.

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY, ADVANCING THE THREAD TRAIL Elledge Preserve Near the Charlotte Motor Speedway, CLC conserved a 14-acre floodplain and upland forest along the Rocky River that will be used for a future segment of Thread Trail in Cabarrus County. The Elledge Preserve in Harrisburg, N.C., includes a 900-foot section of the Rocky River as well as a significantly rare population of crested coral root orchid. CLC purchased the land through a bargain sale using funding from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund.

SAVING UNION COUNTY FARMLAND Howey Farm Tract C Conservation Easement This 104-acre conservation easement in Union County ensures that existing farmland will remain undeveloped forever. It’s the second tract of land to be conserved by Frank Howey, Jr. and part of a plan to permanently protect more than 900 acres of his family farm.

“It’s really a legacy to my parents,” said Howey of his decision to conserve. But he also hopes it will be a lesson to his son and daughter. “Not many people have the opportunity to preserve open space while keeping farmlands that will continue to operate,” he says.

In addition to fields of corn, soybeans and wheat, the land also contains the farmhouse that Howey and his sisters grew up in. Designed to sustain prime farmland and sustain the agricultural heritage of the region, the Howey conservation easement was funded by the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and the Federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program.

Photos by Nancy Pierce

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Letter from the

BOARD CHAIR As spring emerges and we rejoice in the blossoming of flowers and forecasts that invite us to step outside, it’s the perfect time to take a breath and consider all that nature provides us.

Clean water and air, farm-to-table food and scenic surroundings for recreation are just a few of nature’s gifts. Perhaps even more important is the joy that nature brings to our lives, which is particularly apparent this time of the year.

CLC strives to strike a balance between development and growth and preserving our beautiful natural landscapes. Nature sustains us. And CLC’s mission, at its heart, is to sustain nature. This isn’t possible without your support, and for that I sincerely thank you.

In 2014, we permanently protected four new properties that safeguard water quality, preserve working farmland and provide public access through the Carolina Thread Trail. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about them in this issue. These natural areas will remain forever as they are now, thanks to you.

I’m proud of the strides our organization has made over the past year. We hired three new positions­—a director of land acquisition, a director of marketing and in-house legal counsel, and these important staff additions are advancing our work.

In August, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission renewed CLC’s accreditation. This honor places us among a distinguished group of 280 land trusts in the United States that

meet national standards for protecting important natural places forever.

Additionally, our organization welcomed 250 new members in 2014 and engaged many new corporate partners in connection with the Southern Spring Show preview event.

CLC is extremely well positioned to maximize its impact.

Doing so is critical because land conservation now is more important than ever.

Current projections call for the Charlotte region to lose about 30 percent of its remaining green space within 15 years. With the window of opportunity shrinking, the land we save today will help define our region forever.

While the regulatory and economic landscape will continue to evolve, we are committed to our mission of saving

Photo by Nancy Pierce

HISTORIAN and CONSERVATIONIST RICHARD RANKIN

Dr. Richard Rankin lives on Beyond was published last year.

Gaston County land that’s “When I finished my been in his family for book, I was struck nearly 250 years. As with just how much a historian, he has an CLC figured in my innate appreciation stories,” he continues. for what came before.

“The work of the But for Dr. Conservancy kept popping CARES AS MUCH ABOUT THE Rankin, Gaston Day up unexpectedly.”

FUTURE AS HE DOES THE PAST “Conservation and history School’s headmaster, the

By Page Leggett best part of his property connect,” Rankin says. isn’t its storied past. “My favorite things are the woods “Special places – the kind the Conservancy wants to and wild things,” he says. “I know where certain plants protect – typically retain their natural integrity because grow along the trails, and those plants have become a long succession of owners loved them. Conservation is familiar friends,” he says. “It is thrilling when I spot the history of humans caring for the land.” wild turkeys or – and this has only happened twice – a Rankin got involved with CLC in 1995 and has bald eagle on my pond.” been a supporter ever since. He was a member of The back part of the land is one of only four the board from 1997 to 2003. Working with CLC, state-level natural heritage sites in Gaston County.

Rankin turned 71 acres of his family’s property into a Mature hardwood forests, clean creeks, bottomlands nature preserve in 1999. and wetlands are all natural features. And Stanley Rapid growth in his hometown led Rankin to set Creek flows right through the middle of it all. aside land for future generations. In fact, he was an The land isn’t just rich with wildlife. It’s got a rich “early adopter” of the idea of conservation. CLC past. “King George III granted part of the land I live Executive Director Tom Okel says, “Richard was a on to Samuel Rankin in 1766,” Rankin says. “My leader in conservation long before most understood family has owned property there ever since.” how quickly and dramatically development would The area even has a name – Rankintown – that impact our region.” honors the family that has cared for it for so long.

“He had the vision to understand, decades ago, that Land with such history would make a great basis for a it would take a deliberate effort to protect the most book. And Dr. Rankin has written it. The Margins of a important natural assets as our region continued to Greater Wildness: Nature Essays on Stanley Creek and develop,” Okel continues.

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land and connecting lives to nature.

And this is clear to anyone who has experienced some of our 220 miles of the Thread Trail, 15,000 acres of permanently protected green space and approximately 3,600 trees planted in partnership with TreesCharlotte.

Thank you for your continued support.

I hope you’ll find time soon to experience in person the extraordinary work CLC is doing on behalf of our community by visiting one of our properties or joining a volunteer workday.

Sincerely,

Walter D. Fisher, Jr. Chair, CLC Board of Directors 2014-15

Rankin says, “Without CLC, we are in danger of losing our natural inheritance. Who wants to live in a place bereft of beautiful natural areas, clean creeks and old woods? If you take a long enough view, land and water conservation are matters of survival.”

Rankintown is home to more than Rankins. Big leaf magnolia, rare orchids, trillium, mountain laurel and ginseng are all native to the property.

Wildlife is abundant. In addition to commonplace critters (squirrels, raccoons and deer), there are box turtles, toads, bard owls, hawks, osprey, wild turkeys, river otters, wildcats and flying squirrels.

Rankin says CLC’s work is especially important “at a time when our state government is reducing its support for clean water and land protection.”

“I have tremendous admiration for the talent and commitment of the staff,” he says.

The feeling is mutual. Okel says, “Richard has remained committed to our efforts for over 20 years,” he adds. “To this day, he regularly makes us aware of opportunities to preserve special places. Having such eyes and ears in the community is critical.”

BOG TURTLES CLINGING TO LIFE The discovery of a rare, isolated colony of bog turtles in Gaston County began with a commonplace occurrence in 1991. A single bog turtle crossed a rural road, and Scott Williams, a municipal water treatment worker, spotted it while driving. He pulled over, picked it up and took it home. A wildlife lover, Williams had never seen a turtle like this with unusual orange markings on both sides of the neck. Much smaller than the more common eastern box turtle, the cute little creature fit snugly in the palm of his hand.

Williams kept his wild adoption for some time, feeding it crickets and worms, and tried without success to identify the species.

- An excerpt from The Margins of a Greater Wildness: Nature Essays on Stanley Creek and Beyond by Richard Rankin.

Published in 2014 by Willow Hill Press, this collection of essays is available for purchase through Amazon.

field notes CLC AND THE THREAD TRAIL WELCOME NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR After more than 20 years of service, Finance Director Kenni Brooks has left her position with Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) and the Carolina Thread Trail to spend more time with her family. Kenni is one of CLC’s longest-tenured employees, and we thank her for many years of dedication to our mission.

CLC is pleased to welcome Robin Buckler as its new finance director. A graduate of Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Robin worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young and most recently served as director of corporate accounting at Genuine Parts Company in Atlanta. Robin enjoys biking with her husband and three children, volunteering at her childrens’ school and horseback riding.

TREE PLANTINGS ENHANCE PRESERVES After the legal documents protecting

a property are signed, CLC’s work is far from complete. Ongoing monitoring and stewardship of all 185 properties is an important part of our conservation role.

Planting native trees was a major focus over the last year at three CLC properties: Seven Oaks Preserve in Gaston County and Catawba Springs Preserve and River Oaks Plantation in Lincoln County. Volunteers and staff helped plant walnuts, shortleaf pines, tulip poplars and persimmons among others. These native species replaced unwanted invasives, improved eroded areas and contributed to the scenic

NEW VIDEO PROMOTES CLC MISSION Working with former Channel 9 anchor Kim Brittain and her production company, Phase 2 Productions, CLC created a three-minute video to engage new supporters and members in its mission to save land and connect lives to nature. The video debuted in February at the Southern Spring Home & Garden Preview Celebration and is available at catawbalands.org.

Please watch and share with your friends and colleagues!

TRAIL OPENS AT CATAWBA SPRINGS PRESERVE

Catawba Springs Preserve in eastern Lincoln County. In March, the Thread Trail opened a new 1.3-mile natural surface trail which connects directly to the Sally’s YMCA Trail, creating a contiguous 2.4-mile path for hiking and mountain biking. This easy to moderate trail boasts beautiful views of Forney Creek and two impoundments once used by the Catawba Springs Hunt Club.

Many species of oak are found in the preserve, providing nice shade along the trail and shelter for wildlife.

Occasionally, trail visitors will be treated to the sight of an eastern box turtle or other small critters.

The public can now enjoy the scenic surroundings at CLC’s 135-acre

beauty and long-term conservation value of these protected properties.

Catawba Springs Preserve. Photo by Andy Kane

wildlife spotlight

SPRING BUTTERFLIES

Photo by Rob Van Epps

OF THE PIEDMONT

By Candice Abinanti, CLC volunteer

No matter our age, seeing a butterfly can stop us in our tracks and bring a smile to our faces.

This spring, a flutter of color on the trail may mean you’ve spotted a member of one of these butterfly species seen in or near Piedmont woodlands.

MOURNING CLOAK (Nymphalis antiopa) SPRING AZURE

(Celastrina ladon) With its trademark violet-blue wings, a spring azure might be caught sipping water from a puddle on the ground. You’re most likely to spot one of these common butterflies, though populations are on the decline, in early March through late April.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive mourning cloak butterfly. With velvety brown-black wings edged in yellow and lavender spots, these butterflies get their name from dark cloaks traditionally worn in mourning.

These butterflies have the longest lifespan of any East Coast species and can live up to 11 months. One of the first butterflies to emerge in the spring, elder adults take flight in mid-February to mid-June, and youngsters can be seen in mid-May before becoming dormant in the hot summer months.

FALCATE ORANGETIP (Anthocharis midea)

These petite, energetic butterflies are often seen flying low to the ground, nectaring on flowers in late March through early April.

Falcate orangetips are easy to spot. The tips of the males’ forewings are bright orange, while the females’ wings are all white.

Photo by Jeffrey S. Pippen, www.jeffpippen.com

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A TASTE OF SPRINGTIME, A CELEBRATION OF NATURE GARDENS & GREEN SPACE RAISES $200,000 When more than 700 guests entered The Park Expo for the preview benefit of the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show, they stepped out of the coldest night of the year and into spring! Overflowing with flowers and trees, the Garden Showcase featured more than 20 meticulously landscaped gardens complete with comfy courtyards, loads of colorful blooms and wonderful waterscapes. Guests enjoyed live bluegrass music and nibbled on bite-size barbecue sandwiches, shrimp Creole, pecan tarts and other Carolina-style hors d’oeuvres while meandering through idyllic indoor surroundings.

Through ticket sales and corporate sponsorships, Gardens & Green Space raised more than $200,000 for CLC. Southern Shows has graciously invited us to return as the nonprofit beneficiary of the 2016 Southern Spring Show.

Save the Date!

Photos by Todd Hess

2016 Southern Spring Show Preview Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016

EVENTS NATIONAL TRAILS DAY HIKE: SOUTH FORK TRAIL Saturday, June 6, 9-10:30 a.m.

119 Willow Drive McAdenville, N.C. Celebrate National Trails Day with a guided hike on the Thread Trail’s South Fork Trail. Connecting the towns of Lowell and McAdenville, this 2.2-mile natural surface path weaves through CLC’s Pharr Yarns Preserve. Space is limited; advance registration required.

Online registration opens May 1 at carolinathreadtrail.org.

CATAWBA CORPS AND TRAILHEADS PADDLE

CATAWBA CORPS AND TRAILHEADS HIKE

Save the Date

Rocky River Blueway Saturday, June 13, 9-11:30 a.m.

9111 Mount Pleasant Road South Midland, N.C. Members of Catawba Corps and Trailheads are invited to a 5-mile guided paddle along the Rocky River Blueway from Pharr Family Preserve to Riverbend Farm. Space is limited; advance registration required.

Online registration opens May 1 at carolinathreadtrail.org.

Ridgeline Trail Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, N.C. Take in fresh air and fantastic views along the Ridgeline Trail. On this 8-mile hike, you’ll peer proudly over both Carolinas from atop King’s Pinnacle and then descend into Piedmont hardwood forests. This hike is open to members of Catawba Corps and Trailheads and their guests only.

Space is limited; advance registration required. Online registration opens May 1 at carolinathreadtrail.org.

Thursday, Oct. 22 Mark your calendars for our annual celebration of local farms and food at Dressler’s Restaurant.

Rocky River Blueway in Midland, N.C. Photo by Nancy Pierce

TASTE FOR THE LAND

BECOME A

MEMBER TODAY and join us for members-only opportunities!

Plus, your contribution helps us save land, water, wildlife, farm life and quality of life. Join today! Visit catawbalands.org/member.

Ridgeline Trail in Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain, N.C. Photo by Nancy Pierce

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$1.2M IN GRANT FUNDING ADVANCES CONSERVATION WORK

With more than $1.2 million received in grant funding, 2014 marked another successful year for Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) and the Carolina Thread Trail. Major grants from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund and Duke Energy are driving conservation and trail projects that protect our region’s waterways. More than $1 million in funding will enable the two organizations to advance their shared mission of saving land and connecting lives to nature by acquiring natural lands and realizing new segments of the Thread Trail.

A planned 60-mile blueway on the Rocky River is moving forward thanks to funding provided by REI and the North Carolina Department of Commerce Underserved and Limited Resources Community Economic Development Grant. The money is earmarked for the construction of two canoe and kayak launches along the Rocky River in Anson County. These launches are part of a series that will ultimately create a paddle trail connecting four counties along the Rocky and Pee Dee Rivers.

As the number of protected properties and trails continues to grow, stewardship and trail maintenance remain a ubiquitous challenge. Grants from the Community Foundation of Gaston County and the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation are supporting improvements to the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail and South Fork Trail. From trail repairs to installing educational signage and removing invasive species, these grants will enhance the visitor experience at two popular Thread Trails that traverse CLC protected lands.

GRANTS AWARDED TO CATAWBA LANDS CONSERVANCY IN 2014 CARRIE E. AND LENA V. GLENN FOUNDATION $20,000 awarded to enhance the South Fork Trail, install safety signage and improve two South Fork River Blueway access points.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GASTON COUNTY $18,500 awarded to improve the visitor experience on the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail by managing invasive species and developing educational materials on native plants.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GASTON COUNTY CLC was selected as a beneficiary of the annual Gaston County Community Foundation Run held in April; amount to be determined.

CONSERVATION TRUST FOR NORTH CAROLINA (CTNC) $3,000 awarded through the CTNC Max Mukelabai Diversity Internship program to hire an intern to support CLC’s work in the summer of 2015.

DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION $25,000 awarded to acquire Waxhaw Creek Preserve, an area of high priority because of its significance in the watershed and valuable wildlife habitat.

DUKE ENERGY WATER RESOURCES FUND $50,000 awarded to acquire additional land along Waxhaw Creek.

Waxhaw Creek Preserve. Photo by Nancy Pierce.

New canoe/kayak launch on the Rocky River.

STEWARDSHIP IN ACTION: SEVEN OAKS PRESERVE The Seven Oaks Preserve, a signature conservation property in Gaston County, is home to wild turkeys, turtles, native wildflowers and magnificent swamp chestnut oak trees, whose sweet acorns are an important food for many animals. Kudzu and autumn olive, fiercely invasive species, also made the preserve their home where they impede view sheds, compete with native species and reduce available wildlife habitat.

Using grant funding awarded by the Community Foundation of Gaston County, CLC is actively eradicating invasive plants and introducing native species.

NORTH CAROLINA CLEAN WATER MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND $1 million awarded to protect riparian areas and build trails along the Rocky River.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE $86,940 awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Services to purchase Kistler Family Farm, a 92-acre property in Lincoln County.

GRANTS AWARDED TO THE CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL IN 2014 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE $25,000 awarded to construct a canoe and kayak launch along the Rocky River Blueway in Anson County.

NORTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL TRAILS EDUCATIONAL GRANT PROGRAM $1,800 awarded to cover the rental of Charles Mack Citizen Center for the Thread Trail’s Trail Forum, held in December 2014.

Invasive Before and After

An area of Seven Oaks Preserve overrun with kudzu.

After two rounds of goats grazing and two summers of mowing, the pesky invasive has now been 95 percent removed and replanted with native trees and grasses.

WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES? Plants, animals or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm.

Invasive species are one of the leading threats to native wildlife. Approximately 42 percent of threatened or endangered species are at risk primarily due to invasive species.

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REI $15,000 awarded to construct a canoe and kayak launch along the Rocky River Blueway in Anson County.

Z. SMITH REYNOLDS FOUNDATION $15,000 awarded to support the Thread Trail’s ongoing, collaborative work with North Carolina Trails Coalition.

IN MEMORIUM

ROY ALEXANDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DAVIDSON LAND TRUST

In January, the land trust community lost a dear friend when Roy Alexander, executive director of the Davidson Lands Conservancy and a longtime environmental leader, passed away suddenly. A Davidson College graduate with a master’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill, Roy began his career as a high school biology teacher. He later joined the Discovery Place science museum before it opened in 1981 and stayed 20 years, overseeing science education and special programs.

We are deeply saddened by Roy’s passing and our sincere condolences go out to his wife, children and grandchildren.

“Roy Alexander was a champion of conservation in the Metrolina region and my friend.

During the late 1990s, Roy and Ron Altmann were the two main volunteer leaders of Catawba Lands Conservancy, and Roy first proposed the idea of creating the Stanley Creek Conservation District to me in 1996. Roy had such a gentle, yet determined, way about advocating for the land. He had a great sense of humor, was an indefatigable worker and was just good company.

Roy loved being out on the land. I have wonderful memories of just the two of us eradicating invasive bushes from a hillside on the Rankintown Nature Preserve for the better part of a whole day in the late 1990s. That place remains largely free of invasive plants today and is a beautiful natural sanctuary. Every time I am there, I think of Roy and really feel his presence. Roy leaves a remarkable legacy of land conservation. For those of us who were his friends, we celebrate Roy’s good life and mourn losing him way too soon.”

- Richard Rankin, Landowner and Headmaster of Gaston Day School Photo courtesy of Davidson Lands Conservancy.

2014 in Review Volunteers cleared trash at Pharr Family Preserve in Midland, N.C. Photo by Nancy Pierce

Antea Group associates removed more than 200 tires from Stanley Creek Forest in Gaston County.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Edward McGavran recruited volunteers to plant native trees at Seven Oaks Preserve in Belmont, N.C.

Stewardship Associate Andy Kane monitoring at Mountain Creek Preserve in Lincoln County.

Girl Scouts on a nature excursion at Hornets’ Nest Council Conservation Easement in Iredell County. Photo by Nancy Pierce

Employees of Positec Tool Corporation planted trees and removed invasive species at Catawba Springs Preserve in Denver, N.C.

Stewardship volunteers Chip Sells and Jesscia Richmond monitoring the DuPuy Family Conservation Easement in Union County.

Members and friends celebrate local farms and food at the Third Annual Taste for the Land at Dressler’s Restaurant. Photo by Todd Hess

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FINANCIALS 2013 Actual

2014 Actual

REVENUE

Donors Foundations & Gov't Corp. Partners Other Stewardship Transfer Total Revenue

$456,141 $127,990 $129,150 $27,886 $25,000 $766,167

$723,035 $123,094 $88,805 $19,126 $25,000 $979,060

37% -4% -45% -46% 0% 2%

EXPENSES

BUDGET SUMMARY 2013-2014 / GENERAL FUND1

Compensation Office/Administrative Outreach & Development Total Expenses Operating Net

$514,398 $560,056 $118,771 $160,029 $94,498 $107,226 $727,667 $827,311 $38,500 $44,299

-8% -26% -13% 12%

LEVERAGING CAPITAL FOR CONSERVATION

Annual Avg. Delta

$34,000,000 $29,000,000 $24,000,000 $19,000,000 $14,000,000 $9,000,000 $4,000,000 -$1,000,000

2004

Notes: 1Excludes land projects, other project funding and costs, including the Carolina Thread Trail revenue and expenses

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

PRESERVED LAND VALUE

2013

2014

Average

OPERATING COSTS

GENERAL FUND REVENUE & EXPENSES

CASH BALANCES $4,000,000 $3,500,000

$979,060

$1,000,000

$3,360,291

$3,000,000

$800,000

$753,491

$2,518,003

$2,500,000

$827,311

$766,167

$709,263

$727,667

$2,349,543

$600,000

$1,905,527

$2,000,000 $1,644,649

$,1500,000 $,1000,000 $500,000 0

$400,000

$1,394,168 $787,901 $422,454 $442,435 $666,863

$200,000

$532,921 $430,919

$0

General Fund

Committed Funds

2012

Stewardship*

2013

Total*

2012

2013

2014

REVENUE

2014 EXPENSES

STEWARDSHIP & & LEGAL Stewardship LegalDEFENSE Defense

CONSERVATION ASSETS $2,500 Private Land Easements & Grants $65,792,852

CW MIT, $11,916,528

EEP, $3,000,000

$1,905

$2,000

$1,652

FRPP/ADFP $1,040,211

$1,500

Operations & Other Grants, $12,968,638

$1,000 CTNC, $134,000

$559

$602

$689

2004

2005

2006

$866

$708

$885

$1,041 $1,902

$1,273

$500

Mecklenburg County $1,589,087

$0 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 SUPPORTERS CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT PARTNERS !"#$%&'()*+,-.(/0(-0'1/0&-,/(2&'3-4%%5"6*7/3'0&89:;<=>6(4%%5"6*7/3'0&89:;<=>6(?'%(/0@"A'%*4((/&( Babson Capital Management

$20,000

Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation Community Foundation of Gaston County, Inc. Conservation Trust for North Carolina The Duke Energy Foundation Foundation For The Carolinas Mecklenburg County N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund

$10,000 Belk, Inc. BlackArch Partners Blumenthal Foundation Bragg Financial Advisors, Inc. CBI Community Foundation of Gaston County, Inc. Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation

$5,000 Akers Foundation ATCOM

ESRI Faison Marsh Properties Moore & Van Allen, PLLC Nancy Pierce Photography Troutman Sanders LLP

$2,500 Apartment Realty Advisors Autobell Car Wash Inc Carolina CAT Cato Corporation The Dowd Foundation Elliott Davis, PLLC Greer & Walker, LLP John A. Cable Foundation Lanier Material Sales Little Newland Communities Odell Associates Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein Town of Mineral Springs Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

$1,000

$500

Altavista Wealth Management Antea Group Appian Group, LLC Bank of America Foundation, Inc. Beacon Partners C Design Inc. Carstarphen Family Foundation, Inc. Catawba County Planning, Parks & Development CBRE Eleanor and James Barnhardt Foundation Great Outdoor Provision Co. Hart & Hickman Horack, Talley, Pharr & Lowndes, P.A. Integra Realty Resources Charlotte Jones Lang LaSalle Mythic ReVenture Park Investments I, LLC Revolve Residential The Trexler Foundation

Balfour Beatty Construction Charter Properties Clean Catch Fish Market Design Resource Group, P.A. Edible Charlotte Enpro Industries Gensler Hendricks Foundation The Housing Studio The Howe Foundation, Inc. The Katherine & Thomas Belk Foundation Meca Real Estate Services, LLC Myers & Chapman, Inc. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery PM Environmental Reidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Foods Rinehart Wealth Management Ronald J. and Paula P. Withrow Foundation Stewart Triple C Brewing Company Watson Insurance Agency

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Staff

HONORARIUMS Betsy Alexander* in honor of Garry Derrick Betsy Alexander* in honor of Michele Lacatena Betsy Alexander* in honor of Jon Reed Betsy Alexander* in honor of Sue Sasser and Carter Heyward Hans Armstrong in honor of Judith Ratcliffe and David Anderson Alisia Bergsman in honor of Maya Bergsman Robert Blanton* in honor of Suzy and Steve Hannon George and Mary Lou Buck * in honor of Laura and Carl Long Greg and Mary Lou Cagle in honor of James Galvin David and Lynn Caldwell in honor of Doug and Laura Caldwell Charlotte Energy Solutions in honor of Elaine Cahn Kenneth and Rush Coe in honor of Kathryn Heath and Tom Webb William J. Craemer in honor of Valerie and Marc Iverson William J. Craemer in honor of Guy H. Huggins Nancy Dartnall in honor of Adam Dartnall Kenneth and Laverne Davis in honor of Ann and Scott Withrow Rick and Shari Deitchman in honor of Ron Wolfe Ann Depta* in honor of Anne Davidson Margaret Devries in honor of Peggy Culbertson Warren and Camille English in honor of Robert Voelker Tere and Doug Ey in honor of Matt Covington Shirley Frank in honor of Sasha and Jackie Weiner Don and Kathy Gately in honor of Tom Okel David J. Hardage in honor of Frank and Susan Hardage Sharon L. Heinrich in honor of Jim and Jan Heinrich William and Katharine Hubbard in honor of Margaret Brantley Linda and Maurice Jennings in honor of Robert McLean David Jones and Randall Morrow in honor of Walter Fisher Carole and Bruce Larivee in honor of Allein Stanley Laura Laye in honor of Seven Oaks Trail Volunteers

Heike Biller – Administrative Director Rebecca Lesesne in honor of Lou Lesesne Pat Lyke in honor of The Kellers Pamela Mahony in honor of Elizabeth Bradford Alice B. Mauney * in honor of Martha and Tommy Frederick Eric McClellan in honor of Ayden McClellan Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Pam Deal Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Dow Bauknight Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Booth Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Tucker Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Turner Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Young Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Eastast Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Catherine and Henry Harkey Michael and Susan McCoy in honor of Linda and Jack Hinson Elizabeth and William McKee in honor of Linda and Steve Nye Elizabeth and William McKee in honor of Peggy Ann and Graham McLean Elizabeth and William McKee in honor of Susan and Vince Lewis Elizabeth and William McKee in honor of Stephanie and Craig McKee Elizabeth and William McKee in honor of Pat McKee and Terry Lee Deanna McRorie in honor of Barbara Alexander Tom and Jackie Mooney* in honor of David and Linda Kidd Judie R. Ratcliffe * in honor of David Anderson Patricia Schober in honor of Aylene Keen Chris and Marion Sekerak in honor of Geneva Schmidt Brett and Kristen Smith in honor of Sharon Malone Allein Stanley in honor of Susan Graham Richard Tarlton in honor of Brandon Pennington Cathy and Mike Weaver in honor of Tom Scott John Whitlock in honor of James and Cynthia Whitlock Michael and Chris Wiggins in honor of John Crosland, Jr.

Margaret Brantley – Development Director Kenni Brooks – Outgoing Finance Director Robin Buckler – Finance Director Saxby Chaplin – Legal Counsel Matt Covington – Land Acquisition Director Alesia DiCosola – Marketing Director Lynda Hunley – Land Protection Legal Assistant Andy Kane – Land Stewardship Associate Tom Okel – Executive Director Tammy Plaff – Land Protection Paralegal Anna Simpson – Development Associate Sharon Wilson – Land Stewardship Director

Board of Directors

Phillips Bragg – Chair, Land Acquisition Committee Vice President of Planning, Bragg Financial Advisors Jessica Braswell Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Queens University of Charlotte David Clark, Jr. President, Clark Properties, Inc. Jarred Cochran – Chair, Membership and Development Committee Vice President, Wells Fargo Securities Sandra Conway – Chair, Marketing and Outreach Committee Community Leader

MEMORIALS Brendan Battle in memory of Alice Battle Larry and Joyce Bennett in memory of Douglas Dunnam Dee Brickey in memory of Douglas Dunnam Gilbert and Jane Browne in memory of Douglas Dunnam Margaret Bryan in memory of Douglas Dunnam George and Mary Lou Buck * in memory of Vernita B. Coxe William R. Bullock in memory of Douglas Dunnam Virginia Carstarphen in memory of Bill Carstarphen Dan and Kathy Caylor in memory of Douglas Dunnam Lynn F. Chandler in memory of Douglas Dunnam Barbara Comin in memory of Paul Stevens Jim and Molly Crane in memory of Douglas Dunnam Annette Crespo and Karl Quinn in memory of Douglas Dunnam Donna DuHadway in memory of Douglas Dunnam Patrice Ebert in memory of Sam Ebert Mary Edgar in memory of Douglas Dunnam Ernest Ellison, II in memory of Col Thomas L. Neel Walter and Michele Fisher in memory of Mr. Harshrai J. Mehta John Garrity in memory of Ron Brooks Jane Harrington in memory of Douglas Dunnam Alan and Linda Hinderliter in memory of Douglas Dunnam Jane and David Hoyle in memory of Douglas Dunnam Ruth and John Hurst in memory of Carl E. Lady, Sr. ITW Global Brands - James Stone in memory of Ron Brooks Frank and Cookie Jessup in memory of Douglas Dunnam B.J. and Emily Jones in memory of Norma Dayton James and Geneva Kennedy in memory of Douglas Dunnam

Sean Bloom – GIS Director and Biologist

Holly Knox and Bruce Adkins in memory of Liz Hair Susan Kooiman in memory of Douglas Dunnam MaryAnn and Norman Langston in memory of Douglas Dunnam Elizabeth G. Loftin in memory of Bill Giles Marjorie Martin and Joe Van Alen in memory of Douglas Dunnam Jack and Pat Meckler in memory of Douglas Dunnam Michael OBryhim in memory of Douglas Dunnam Benjamin and Deborah Okel in memory of James L. Okel Bill and Janice Paris in memory of Douglas Dunnam Edwin B. Peacock, Jr. in memory of Gail T. Peacock Mona Radiloff in memory of Douglas Dunnam Anne Reed in memory of Ron Brooks Jeannie Rhodes in memory of Douglas Dunnam Linda and Wayne Riehl in memory of Douglas Dunnam Ann and Ed Rowell in memory of Silje and Isaac Rowell Sharon United Methodist Exercise Group in memory of Douglas Dunnam JT and Gloria Shelton in memory of Douglas Dunnam Ray and Frances Shue in memory of Douglas Dunnam Kathy Simpson in memory of Douglas Dunnam M.B. Somerall in memory of Douglas Dunnam Jacqueline Stegner in memory of Douglas Dunnam Brenda Stevens in memory of Paul Stevens Ivey Sumrell in memory of Vicky Ballman Rachael Tucker in memory of Douglas Dunnam Richard Womble in memory of Douglas Dunnam Mitzi Yount in memory of Douglas Dunnam

John Culbertson Owner, Cardinal Real Estate Partners, LLC Bobby Drakeford Founder/Development Director, The Drakeford Co. Ralph Falls President, Pace Commercial LLC Walter D. Fisher, Jr. – Chair of the Board Managing Partner, Troutman Sanders Claudia Heath Owner, Claudia Heath Fine Art Philip A. Kuttner Chief Executive Officer, Little John Mader Vice President, Director of Connections, Wray Ward Jonathan Mangels Partner, Greer Walker Julianne McCollum Principal, Yellow Duck Marketing Thomas H. McCoy, MD Physician, OrthoCarolina Robert McLean Vice President & General Counsel, EnPro Industries Bill Mumford Vice President, Development, Newland Communities Nancy Paschall Attorney, Mullen Holland & Cooper P.A.

STEWARDSHIP FUND Avant Garde Real Estate Consulting, Inc. Gary and Elizabeth Broome Walter Clark Fork Farm & Stables Franklin and Allison Howey

LANDOWNERS

KETNER LAND ACQUISITION FUND The Carolina Thread Trail Conservation Trust for North Carolina The Duke Energy Foundation Kathryn Heath and Tom Webb N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund William Noonan

Reed Perkins – Chair, Land Stewardship Committee Professor of Environmental Science, Queens University of Charlotte Scott Phillips Senior Vice President, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Lat W. Purser, III – Chair, Nominating Committee Chairman of the Board, CEO, Lat Purser & Assoc.

Laurie Smith – Chair, Governance Committee Community Leader Jenny Ward – Chair Elect Sustainability Engagement Manager, Duke Energy

Avant Garde Real Estate Consulting, Inc. Walter Clark Jack L. Elledge William P. Furr Franklin W. Howey, Jr.

H. Thomas Webb, III – Chair, Investment Committee President and CEO, Faison

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2014 MEMBERS & DONORS CATAWBA SOCIETY $20,000+ Anonymous Everett Bowman

$10,000 Kathy and Frank Bragg * Peggy and Bob Culbertson * M633, INC Amy and Tom Okel Rita and Bill Vandiver *

$5,000 Daila Allen Mr. and Mrs. Philip Blumenthal Emily and Jarred Cochran Anne and Peter Gilchrist * Jud and Deborah Little * Kenneth and Jean McCoy Tom and Robin McCoy Mr. and Mrs. Lat W. Purser, III

$2,500 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brinley Libby Griffin and Lee Chambers Veronica and Bill Clark * Peter and Nancy Covington Janis and Frank Dowd, IV Nancy and Ralph Falls Douglas and Elizabeth Goldstein Kathryn Heath and Tom Webb * Jeff and Mimi Kane Adam and Margaux Karagosian Jonathan and Marianne Mangels Robert and Anne Schleusner Bill and Mary Staton * Jenny and Henry Ward

$1,500 Willie and Natalie Alston Vernon and Gloria Anderson * Weston and Marty Andress Anonymous Mary Lou and Jim Babb Bill and Harriet Barnhardt * John and Anne Barry Alison and Bradford Barry Mary and Raymond Boardman Scott and Betsy Bodien * Gay Boswell Crandall Bowles Leslie and Phillips Bragg Robin and Bill Branstrom Ann and Ric Browning * Thomas and Gail Bunn Greg and Mary Lou Cagle * Robert P. Caldwell, Jr. Curtis and Dudley Carlson * Kathryn V. Clancy Barbara and George Climer Ginny and John Collett Peter and Sandra Conway Marjorie and Alpo Crane * Leslie and John Culbertson Hal and Cynthia Curry * Mr. Rennie Cuthbertson * Susan and Charles O. Dalton, Jr. Ms. Anne Davidson Alvaro and Donna de Molina Deborah and John Dohan Laura and Don Duffy J. Porter and Vicki Durham Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Edwards Linda and William Farthing Elizabeth and J.C. Faulkner Mr. and Mrs. John C. Fennebresque, Jr. Tom and Heather Finke Walter and Michele Fisher D. Scott Pyle and Eileen Friars * Mark and Liza Gosnell

Laura and Michael Grace John and Lisa Hairr * Dale F. Halton and Fred Wagner Carol and Watts Hamrick Andy and Claudia Heath Bill and Linda Hodges Jim and Becky Hovis Martin and Page Hull John and Maria Huson * John W. Harris Family Foundation Bob and Mindy Jones Kelly Katterhagen and Larry Nabatoff Bill Keenan Charlotte Kidd Elizabeth and Jamie Kiser Andrew and Sarah Kromer * Philip and Susan Kuttner Barbara Laughlin Tommy and Katie Lee * Julie and Howard Levine Anne and Dick Lupo John and Michelle Mader Dr. Marie-Claire Marroum * Kate and David Maynard Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McColl, Jr. Susan and Martin McCoy John McGee Sinclair and Robert McLean Susanne and Mark Memolo Richard and Dorothy Metzler Sally and Bob Miller Arrington and Burch Mixon Ron and Amy Nason Anna and Tom Nelson * Lisa and Mike North * Richard J. Osborne Heather and Neal Paule Dr. Charles Peach and Pamela Pearson Eddie and Joyce Poe John and Ann Porter Richard and Sarah Park Rankin Mr. Rednecheck * The Richards Foundation Joseph and Linda Roberts * Chris and Vickie Rolfe Bart Shaw Trey and Marianna Sheridan Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Allen and Sarah Shifflet Parker and Stephen Shuford Thomas and Sherry Skains Keith and Laurie Smith Mark Stanback and Nancy Popkin * Lucy and Louis Stephens Becky Stoever Richard M. Stowe, Jr. * Jack and Melissa Sullivan Drs. Lillian and Chris Teigland Lynn and Jeff Trenning * Carla and Larry Vitez * Chet and Christine Walker Christopher S. Walker Debra and George Warren * Joyce and H. Allan White James B. Wolf * Lisa and Scott Yarbrough Joan and Robert Zimmerman Dr. and Mrs. T. Price Zimmermann *

$1,000 CATAWBA CORPS SPONSOR Dale and Nancy Allison Mary Barry Tim and Sarah Belk Alice and Benton Bragg * Jennie Buckner and Steve Landers Brad and Amanda Cherry Marie Ann and Eugene Daniels * Jon Dressler Doug and Patricia Faris * John Ford and Donna Thrasher Dr. and Mrs. Clay Harrell Barnes and Cammie Hauptfuhrer

* denotes donors who have given to CLC for 10 consecutive years

Barbara B. Hiestand * Bonnie and Eric Krempa Brandon Little Esten and Robert Mason Julianne and Tim McCollum Pete and Page McEachern * Lindsay and Chuck Meakin * Don and Jill Olmstead * Bailey and Mildred Patrick Keith and Aline Robelen Dr. and Mrs. John B. Schug * Katie and Steve Scruggs Sally Serenius William Toole Edward Weisiger, Jr.

$500 CATAWBA CORPS FRIEND David Accipiter and Elaine Corvidae * Michael and Anne-Mari Alexander * David M. Alexander Judy and Jim Allison Mrs. May C. Barger Dan and Rosie Bodien Katherine Boyd Rankin * Doris Anne Bradley * Margaret McGee Brantley William and Elaine Brooks Katie and Bill Brown J. Doug Buchanan * Rebecca Canady Britt Canady Saxby and Elizabeth Chaplin Marion and Norma Cowell John Crosland, III Walt and Trudy Donham * Bobby Drakeford First Presbyterian Church Barry and Karen Greenblatt John Gregory Peggy Harrington Charles Hollar Lane Jacobs and Tamara Titus Michael and Cynthia Jones * Mr. Terry Katon William and Kathryn Kirk Harry Lancaster and Jane G. Henderson * Lin and Gary Leslie Jane and Luther Lockwood Paula Lombardi Gus and Geary Mandrapilias Tomas Mathews Caroline and Palmer McArthur, Jr. Richard I. McHenry William and Kaye McMullen Jack and Pat Meckler * Ruby A. Nock Christina and Dee Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell Nancy and Tim Paschall Tammy Pfaff Elizabeth Pruett and Cindy Hostetler Leonard Fumi and Lucy Quintilliano * Haywood and Sabine Rankin * Dennis Rash and Betty Chafin-Rash * Emily Reynolds David and Natalie Secrest Donna and Chip Sell Mr. and Mrs. Verner Stanley, III Mary and Peter Stauble * Arthur and Lisbeth Stockman * Charlton K. Torrence, III Alice and Brent Torstrick * Dr. and Mrs. Steven L. Tracy * James and Kelly Trexler * Donald Tyson and Katherine Sparrow * John and Kate Vassallo Peter and Vivian Vogt Mrs. Eugenia N. White Beverly and Joel Wissing Anne and Fletcher Wright

$250 CATAWBA CORPS Bryan and Candace Abinanti

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Mark and Amanda Abrahm Mrs. Robert L. Adams, Jr. Laura R. Allen Charles W. Allison, III Chip Allison Janett and Mark Anderson Addison and Rand Ayer Jay and Sylvia Bajorek Betsy and David Baker Alexandra M. Ball Larry and Louise Barden Mr. and Mrs. Dalon Bass Dr. Andreas H. Bechtler Andrew and Christine Beloni Anita and Jeb Blackwell William and Betsy Blue Barry Bobrow Nathan Boepple Charles and Mary Bowman William Brandon Neil Brennan Jan and Jim Brittain * Gary and Elizabeth Broome * Margaret and Thomas Bruce Harry and Ruby Bryant * Christopher and Amanda Buchanan * Dennis and Kathryn Bunker Baker and Amy Burleson Laura and Doug Caldwell * Mr. and Mrs. Rich Campbell Chuck and Becky Cheney Milt and Carol Childress David and Jo Clark Dr. and Mrs. Alan B. Clark Roger and Virginia Cobb Ceasar Cone, III * Mary Ingle Council DeWitt Crosby * Patricia and Peter Daniel Joseph A. Davant, III Mrs. Jean G. Dixon Miriam A. Dixon Elyn and Mike Dortch David Dubay Carol and Mike Dzvonik Tim and Coleman Efird Bo and Mollie Elliot Donald and Frances Evans Amy Farrell Carol Fogarty * Jeanne and Robert Fuller Charles and Sylvia Gill David and Sinclair Gillespie Rosemary and Richard Goodall * Dr. and Mrs. William Green Deidre and Clay Grubb David and Mary Hall * Lora Hamrick Joe Hamrick and Jean Woods * Mr. and Mrs. Donald L Harrison, Jr. Mark Heitbrink John and Claire Herring Steven and Christie Hinshaw Dr. Karen O. Hodges Barbara Horstmann Barbara A. Huffman * Cameron Icard Elizabeth and Jeff Irvin Abigail Jennings Rhoda and Davin Juckett Bess and Kent Kercher Mr. and Mrs. Patricia and Charles Klapheke, III Michael and Nancy Kucera Mr. and Mrs. David L. Lawing Soong and Hannah Lee * Louis and Tamara Lesesne Janet E. Levy * Jon and Lisa Lindvall Frank Lorch Ed and Wendy Matthews * Sloane and William Mayberry Andy and Donna McClure Bill McCoy *

Patrick and Jocelyn McLaughlin Mr. and Mrs. Steve McLeod * Carol McPhee Rebecca Mitchem * Kimbrel and Trip Morris Lee and Gwynne Movius * John and Meredith Murchison J. Brandon Neal Rolfe and Ann Neill Janet and Lowell Nelson Tommy and Martha Odom Jim and Callender Patterson* Roger and Alisa Pelz Darryl Penner Sonia and Adam Perillo * Rachel Permut Jones Pharr Nancy Pierce Randy and Jeanne Poole * Rich and Woods Potts * Sara L. Pressly Providence Day School Mary Purvis Max and Fran Redic Scott and Matti Reider Mr. and Mrs. David R. Rogers Kathryn Sain Bill Schiffli Jason and Molly Schugel Rebecca and Jay Scroggins Bartow S. Shaw, Jr. Glen and Blenda Singletary * Roy and Mary Smart Bonnie Stafford Mr. and Mrs. Verner E. Stanley, Jr. State Employees Combined Campaign Robert Stein Glenn and Deb Stewart Patrick and Sally Stout Evan and George Stratton Claudia and Wes Sturges Ms. Jean M. Sullivan Charlie and Leighann Swanson Scott and LynnErin Tyler Harald and Barbara Vaher * Jeff and Noelle Vandiver Casey and Boo Viser Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin L. Wade * Dr. and Mrs. John T. Walsh Lynn Weis Ramsey and Virginia White Mary White Charlie and Lydia Williams * Sharon Wilson * Larry Wilson

$100 Roy and Sue Alexander Herbert and Diane Althouse * David W. Arone Katherine and Andy Ball G. Lewis Barber Michele and Thomas Battle Arthur and Christine Becker * Richard M. Bell * Barbara and Mike Bernath * Bob and Sandra Bisanar * Scott and Elizabeth Bivens Greg and Megan Blackwell Alan and Rosalie Blumenthal * Jean C. Boggs Betsy Bond Vicki Bott Eleanor and Bob Brawley Nancy and Al Brown Mary Bruno George and Mary Lou Buck * David and Pat Buetow Amy and Dee Bumgardner Mark Busch William and Nena Cahill * Doris Chevalier Matthew and Suzanne Churchill

2014 MEMBERS & DONORS Mayor Dan Clodfelter and Elizabeth Bevan * John Collier Peggy and Allan Conner Nancy Conrad Robert W. Cook * Derek Copeland Ernest and Georgianna Cox William and Susan Coxe * Richard Crenshaw * Douglas Lee Cummins Dr. William A. Current, Sr. * Chris and Elizabeth Daly Cutter Davis Andrew DeVillers The Dowd Foundation Andy Edwards Mr. Ernest Ellison, II Debbie Enna * H. McDonald Felder * Louisa and Beau Fisher Todd Fisher David and Christine Fogarty * Jeffrey and Amy Foley Bradley and Diana Freeman Jack A. Fulbright Ralph and Wendell Gable Sarah and Frank Gentry Jeff and Lindy Gignac Donald S. Gillespie, Jr. * Mary May and Richard Gillespie Dr. Stephanie M. Glenn Jane Gorman * Annie Gray Robert and Molly Griffin * H.W. Culp Lumber Company Henry Haithcox, Jr. Karen Hales Mr. and Mrs. W. Alex Hall, Jr. John and Irina Hamrick * Tom Hanchett and Carol Sawyer * John and June Harrison Rodger and Karen Hartwig * William Heard Sharon L. Heinrich Carmen D. Henderson Janet F. Hince * Sylvia and Raymond Holmes * Heidi Holquist Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Hord, Jr. * Damon Houghton * Robert and Ann Howard Meg and Phil Howerton Ms. Erma Deen Hoyle * Frank and Colleen Huber Karen Hudson-Brown Charles Huff Andy and Florence Kane Walter Kelly Hatcher and Linda Kincheloe Dr. and Mrs. David R. Kirlin Vernon and Joel Knight Arthur Kohn and Priscilla Laula Patricia Korn Theodore and Cynthia Kratt Rob and Tracy Kraus Jeffrey and Liza Kravis * Diana Leathers and Charles Hedrick Russell Leciejewski Samuel Long, III Richard and Carol Luttrell * Vi Lyles Mara Malakoff * Steve and Diane Marsfelder * Ann Marsh Vickie and Charles Martin * James and Betsy Matthews * Bill and DeeDee Maxwell * Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. McBride James and Ashby McDonald Dr. Jerry E. McGee Linda and Sam McGregor T. Bragg and Betsy McLeod * Phillip McMillan *

Barbara and Charlie McRee Larry and Audrey Mellichamp * Ms. Pauline Mickle Dr. and Mrs. George R. Miller * Jonathan and Kim Miller * Diana Mitchell Al Mullen Deborah Murphey Cynthia L. Mynatt Elizabeth and Doug Neely Jack and Sue Neerincx Richard and Barbara Neidinger * John and Alison Nolting John Northey David and Kathy Oliver * Thomas J. Orr * Ray Owens and Sally Higgins Mr. and Mrs. H. William Palmer, Jr. * William and Sandra Palmer * John and Mary Lou Paschal Kimberly Paulk Mary Ruth Payne Charles and Helene Pearson Randel and Emily Phillips * John and Ridgely Phillips Mrs. William H. Price, III Dr. and Mrs. James E. Pugh * Lynn and Preston Purdum, III Michael Rankin Steve Ratzlaff Candice Redhead Michael and Susan Reif Dawn Reitz Al and June Rhyne Merk and Phyllis Riddlesberger Dr. and Mrs. David A. Rinehart George W. Rohe * Eliot and Shirley Rosen Donna Roth * John and Erin Russell Carmen and Nancy Sarno * William and Patricia Satterfield * Frances and Wallace Saunders Steven and Anne Scott William Scullin Charles S. Sevcik Marcie Shealy Jane P. Shoemaker Raleigh and Katy Shoemaker Joe Siman Site Solutions Mr. and Mrs. Norfleet N. Smith Thomas H. Smith, Jr. * Dorothy and Harold Smith William Sparks Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Spearman Harvey and Donna Spurr Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stanforth Caroline Starnes James and Martha Stenhouse * Robert Stevens * Bonnie Stewart * Douglas and Susan Stover C.D. Stroup, III Ms. Jean M. Summerville * Ann Tanner Barry and Leslie Teague Bob and Beverly Terry Chris and Fran Teter Frank and Harriet Thompson * Brenneman Thompson Mr. Sandy Thompson Jane and Rixey Todd * Roberta M. Tremain Susan Turner Matt Turner Ret and Diane Turner Carter and Cathlean Utzig Sally S. Van Allen * Mitch and Kathee Varner Timothy and Cynthia Von Der Embse * Lon and Martha Waggoner Kevin and Jill Walker Mrs. Clarence Walker

Thad Walton Mary T. Wannamaker Dr. and Mrs. Simon V. Ward, III Dr. and Mrs. John C. Watts Michael and Marlene Way John and Cam Wester Gerald and Nancy White Kenneth W. Whitney * Harriett M. Whitsett Chris and Lisa Wilkins Mr. Neill Wilkinson Jennie and Ry Winston * Gary N. Wirth * Jarrett and Mary Wyant *

$50 James Alderman William and Ellen Archer Beth Armour * Candace Armstrong Lamar and Brenda Ashe Luz Maria Aveleyra Dr. Marty A. Baker* Ms. Ann Brown Ballard * Hal and Carol Bankirer Luther Barringer Tina M. Beatty Henry Benoit Elizabeth Birch * Dr. T.R. Blackburn Sean and Mandy Bloom Wayne and Nora Bolick Emilie R. Booker * Gil Burnette Donald and Michele Burton Donald and Priscilla Bynum * Robert C. Carpenter * Robert Carr Gary and Carol Carraux Brandon R. Carroll John and Ann Chalk Chirsty Churchill George Warlick Clark Steve Copulsky Faison S. Covington Thomas and Dana Cox Stan Cronland Nicki Dardinger Leslie Davis Bryan Denton Richard and Nancy Dietz Robert and Katelyn Dixon Michael and Tammy Dorcas * Theodore Duncan, Jr. Pamela Dykstra Rachel Eldridge Jim and Jan Farley Charles Fernald Charlotte Fletcher Janet Frederick Ann Gaines James and Marilyn Gallagher Janet and Jeff Ganoung Garden Club of Weddington Justine George Brett E. Gilbert Jean P. Gilland Nathan and Carman Gillis Gary and Pushpa Gross Michael and Claire Gwyn Paul F. Haddock, III David J. Hardage Donald and Amy Hardin Karen and Herb Harriss * Samuel H. Hay * Mrs. Mary Hovis Heath Steven Hedberg * Dana and Nancy Hershey Josephine Hicks Philip and Susan Hinely Jack Holbrook Jan and Steve Houser Carolyn and Mark Hovis

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Jane and David Hoyle Ms. Karen Humphrey * Michael and Jodie Iagnocco Mikell and Elaine Jarratt Edward and Leslie Jenkins * Jean and Carl Johnson * Cheryl Johnson Cara Jordak Rally Killian Alessandra Klein Benjamin and Rosemary Klein * Kurt Kottkamp Judith Krahmer Chris and Lynn Lakin Anthony and Sarah Lathrop Mr. T.N. Lawson David and Janet Layne Eva Lee Jeff and Elizabeth LeVie * Roger M. Lewis Mary Lou Lewis Prescott and Maria Little Chris and Terry Loeb Kathryn Long James Love Sam and Ellen Lowry Charles Lyle Brian Malec Allison Malter * Thomas W. Mangum Sterling and Mary Martin Dr. and Mrs. Julian D. Mason, Jr. Boyd McClure Heather McCullough Fred S. McGee Lindsay and Mark Merritt Edgar M. Miller Thomas W. Miralia Mr. Travis K. Morehead Theresa Morr Fred and Kay Moss John H. Niles Mary Lou P. Norcross Pat and Frank Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Ozmore Ronald I. Parker Betty and Rod Peck Carla Pence Mike Peters Michael Peterson D. Lindsay Pettus Richard Plati Thomas and LeDayne Polaski Kathleen A. Pristash Marion Pritchett * Ken Quilty and Dena Shenk Lisa Quisenberry Forrest Ranson Jack and Karen Rhyne Wendy Roberts Linda J. Robinson Sara Kendall Roche Bill and Sandy Roork * Mr. and Mrs. Dalton Ruffin Bradley Sikes M.B. Somerall * Hon. Sara Spencer Richard and Nancy Stark Nick Stewart Lisa Stewart Joseph and Janice Stowe Steve Strother Larry Stroud Frank and Shelley Sturges * William and Teresa Sturges * Charles and Mary Sugg Brenda Summers Heather Tamol Mrs. Catherine G. Tanner Phyllis Tarrant * Sue B. Taylor F. Boyce Thies Ms. Sally Thomas * Richard and Theo Thomson

Cynthia Thomson and Mike Murphy Dr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Uhlan * June M. Vasoll * Tom Watson * Fan Watson and Ginny Dodd Scott and Sherry Webb Robert Weeks Anna B. Weil Michael and Lois West Debbie White Edward Wilson Ms. Mary Lindeman Wilson Dick and Suzy Winters Dr. and Mrs. James H. Woodward Amy and Julian Wright Andrew and Lisa Zerkle *

UP TO $49 David Ballenger * Brooks and Jane Barnhardt John Bonestell Jeana Neal Borman Jerry and Peggy Busby * Donald H. Caldwell, Jr. Charles Cannon, III Steve and Belinda Cloy R. Kelly Coffey Cornelia Cornils David R. Dent Alesia Dicosola Linda and Don Dowdle Mark Gamble James F. Green Susan Hains John and Christina Hanna Catherine H. Hart Karl and Merna Hesse Melissa and Erik Jordan Patrick and Elizabeth Kelly Chandi Kowalski Carole and Bruce Larivee Jane and Wayne C. Lowe Matthew Magnasco Graham and Susan Mason Ralph and Brenda Messera Paul and Rebecca Moffett Margaret Morgan Nicole Morris Pauline Niilend William O. Parker, Jr. Sarah B. Perry Bruce and MaryRose Randall * Sister Mary-Andrew Ray Thomas and Joanna Roberts Daryl Smith Joleen Stephan-Mease David Stoner Angela and Nicholas Street Marilyn and Frank Sutterlin Michael Szymanski Tom Torkildsen Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Trosper, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Van Vagianos * Catherine Loveland Vowell Reese M. Wilson Sam and Allegra Yassine Agnes G. Yoos

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Franklin Howey Jr. Conservation Easement in Union County. Photo by Nancy Pierce

TWO TIMES THE

Celebration!

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY & LAND TRUST DAY Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.

Free

Join us for guided hike along the South Fork Trail, part of the Carolina Thread Trail and the Conservancy’s Pharr Yarns Preserve.

Register online: catawbalands.org June 6 is American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®, the country’s largest celebration of trails.

South Fork Trail at Pharr Yarns Preserve in Gaston County. Photos by Nancy Pierce