Conserving Carolina was formed in 2017 by the merger of two local land trusts with deep roots in Western North Carolina—Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Pacolet Area Conservancy. The two land trusts served overlapping areas. Pacolet Area Conservancy was founded in 1989, with a focus on the Southeast portion of our current region. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, which served the North Carolina portion of our current region, was founded in 1994 as the Natural Heritage Trust of Henderson County. After partnering successfully on several conservation projects, the two land trusts decided to join forces, combining our expertise, talents, and resources in order to strengthen our impact.
Conserving Carolina is made up of people who love our home in the mountains and foothills of Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We protect land and water, promote good stewardship, and create opportunities for people to enjoy nature.
As an accredited land trust, we have helped protect over 45,000 acres! We’ve helped to create great public lands—including DuPont and Headwaters State Forests, Chimney Rock State Park, and numerous local parks, trails, and greenways. We’ve added significant land to Pisgah National Forest. Conserving Carolina also owns some special properties including nature preserves, and places for research and education.