CTNC’s AmeriCorps Program Wraps Up Its Inaugural Year
Last year CTNC became the host organization for a new AmeriCorps Program, a 10-month national service program in environmental education and outreach. Our 14 AmeriCorps members wrapped up their work with a closing celebration on January 28 and a day of service the next day. Our AmeriCorps program offers a life-changing opportunity to serve one’s…
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Two Properties Totaling 75 Acres Protected on Saddle Mountain
We recently purchased two forested properties totaling 75 acres on the slopes of Saddle Mountain in Alleghany and Surry counties. To expand public recreation opportunities, CTNC intends to convey the properties to the state for inclusion in the Saddle Mountain portion of the Mitchell River Game Lands managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The two…
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$361,655 Awarded to Local Land Trusts in 2015
Every day local land trusts across North Carolina protect water quality, fresh local foods, healthy communities, scenic vistas, and outdoor recreation through land conservation. These projects are bolstered by the support of landowners, private donors, federal, state and local governments, and foundations. Even then, the costs of completing the deals and stewarding properties over the…
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Federal Budget Deal Supplies Two Huge Conservation Victories
The giant compromise spending plan and tax policies that President Obama signed into law on December 18 include two key victories that will result in more natural lands being protected in the coming years. The budget deal makes PERMANENT a set of enhanced federal tax deductions for landowners who donate a lasting conservation agreement on…
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Meet all of our AmeriCorps Project GEOS Members!
We’re lucky to have a great group of AmeriCorps members working throughout the state to connect more people to the outdoors and environmental education. Our AmeriCorps Project GEOS (Growing Environmental Opportunities through Service) is thriving because these folks are so dedicated to public service. Their ten-month term of service continues until late January, and then…
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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…
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CTNC Grants Help Land Trusts Conserve Ten Properties
In August CTNC awarded ten grants totaling $168,808 to eight land trusts to pay for transaction costs involved with conserving land. The grants will help protect water and wildlife habitat on 891 acres and will leverage $3.7 million. Grants cover surveys, appraisals, environmental assessments, baseline documentation reports, legal fees, closing costs, and staff time, as…
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Conservation Trust for North Carolina Earns Continued National Accreditation
The Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) has achieved renewed land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. CTNC was awarded renewed accreditation this August and is one of 317 land trusts from across the country that are now accredited. Accredited land trusts are authorized to…
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Historic Blowing Rock Trail Restored and Dedicated to Much-beloved Kirby Brown
On August 22, 2015, the Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) and U.S. Forest Service held a dedication and ribbon cutting for the historic – and recently restored – Upper Thunderhole/China Creek Trail in Blowing Rock. The trail was dedicated to Kirby Brown, a beloved, longtime Blowing Rock homeowner and passionate conservation advocate. “Kirby Brown…
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NC Youth Conservation Corps Completes Trail & Recreational Projects
The North Carolina Youth Conservation Corps (NCYCC) just finished up its summer session August 9, completing high priority conservation and community service projects that will enhance North Carolina’s protected lands and create more recreation opportunities for North Carolina families. The NCYCC deployed four crews of 16 to 24 year-olds from across the state. Each crew consisted of…
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