Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) is under contract for 100 acres of raw and pristine land in Cashiers. Fully surrounded by the US Forest Service, this property is visible from Whiteside Mountain and protects streams in the Chattooga watershed. Located off Bull Pen Road, it is home to many rare and endemic species of plants and animals.
Thanks to the support of a generous private foundation and HCLT’s Donors, the Twigg Tract will remain untouched and conserved forever, a huge win for conservation!
A salamander makes its way along the 100-acre tract of land the HCLT has recently come under contract to conserve.
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is a nationally accredited non-profit organization that has been conserving land on the Plateau since 1909, making it the oldest land trust in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the state. HCLT works with private landowners to voluntarily conserve their property for the purpose of protecting the natural places that give us so much including clean water, fresh air, moderate temperatures, and unparalleled beauty.
As we face continuing challenges from biodiversity loss and a changing climate, the work of HCLT is more important than ever. The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene highlights the urgent need for resilience and action to protect the natural places that provide our best defense against these growing threats.
Conservation is a powerful way to make a difference. Forests store carbon, reducing greenhouse gases while providing stunning landscapes, recreational opportunities, and critical habitats for wildlife. Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing stormwater to prevent flooding and releasing water during droughts to sustain ecosystems, improve water quality, and support diverse species.
To learn more about the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, click HERE.