Photos by Andrew Renfro, HCLT
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) recently announced the permanent conservation of 54.45 acres of forested land just two miles from downtown Highlands. Located along the majority of the lefthand side of Glen Falls Road, this pristine property is a vital part of the area’s natural beauty and ecological health.
This conservation win adds almost a mile of protection to the East Fork of Overflow Creek, classified by the State of NC as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). Water that falls here (or seeps out from the mountain), flows from HCLT conservation easement, Frog Pond Farms, under highway 106, across the newly conserved preserve before tumbling down the iconic USFS Glen Falls, flowing into Blue Valley.
HCLT will conserve a 54.45 acre tract of land located near the Glen Falls Trailhead.
This land has long been admired by locals and visitors alike for its lush, forested character, with many unknowingly passing alongside it on their way to the popular Glen Falls Trailhead. While many assumed this land was protected by the U.S. Forest Service, it was, in fact, privately owned and potentially at risk for development. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Marc and Beth Reisman and Hector and Mary Ann Villarroel, along with the support of HCLT’s Wildwood Fund, this land will be protected and stewarded into perpetuity.
This conservation effort is a critical step in safeguarding the health of Overflow Creek and Glen Falls and water that eventually makes its way to the Chattooga River. The land’s protection also ensures the conservation of vital wildlife habitats, rare and unique ecosystems, and helps maintain the scenic beauty that defines the Plateau.
“The conservation of this land is a testament to the power of community action and generosity,” said Lance Hardin, Executive Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. “By permanently protecting this forest, we are preserving not only an important watershed, but also the remarkable character of the Plateau that draws so many people to our beautiful corner of the world.”
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is a nationally accredited non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of ecologically significant landscapes and wildlife habitats through the protection of key properties like this one. Through land conservation, education, and partnerships, HCLT aims to ensure the area remains a sustainable and beautiful place for future generations.
The Land Trust encourages other individuals and groups who are passionate about the future of the Plateau and the surrounding areas to consider contributing to ongoing conservation efforts. To learn more about HCLT’s conservation work and how you can support land protection efforts in the Highlands-Cashiers area, please visit www.hcltnc.org or email info@hcltnc.org.