Pristine Water and Land Protected Along Blue Ridge Parkway in Alleghany County

We just purchased a 31-acre property along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 228.9 in Alleghany County.

Conservation of the property ensures that views from the Parkway will remain forested and undeveloped. The two creeks on the property that drain into Little Glade Creek will continue to provide excellent water quality between the creek’s source on Bullhead Mountain and historic Little Glade Mill Pond a mile downstream.

CTNC identified this property as a high priority in its Blue Ridge Parkway conservation plan due to its proximity to the Parkway, importance to water quality in Little Glade Creek, and healthy wildlife habitat.

CTNC plans to donate the Little Glade Creek property to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Parkway’s official boundary.  The donation will likely occur in 2016 to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service.

“Blue Ridge Parkway travelers will be able to enjoy views of this forested property forever,” said CTNC land protection director Rusty Painter.  “Pristine waters flowing in Little Glade Creek will be preserved as well,” he added.

The Conservation Trust for North Carolina has now conserved 57 properties on the Blue Ridge Parkway, totaling 32,465 acres.  Other land trusts that conserve land in Alleghany County include the Blue Ridge Conservancy, based in Boone (http://blueridgeconservancy.org/), and the New River Conservancy, based in West Jefferson (http://newriverconservancy.org/).  The Blue Ridge Conservancy protected 102 acres around Little Glade Mill Pond in 2004, and Parkway visitors can hike a 0.3-mile loop trail around the peaceful pond or picnic on its banks.