Blue Ridge Conservancy Saving The Places You Love NEWS

SPRING 2011 Pond Mountain Project Completed! In late December, a four-year effort to protect Pond Mountain in the Pond Mtn. Project Completed . . . 1 northwestern corner of was completed. Thanks to the dedicated Exec. Director’s Message. . . . . 2 efforts of Blue Ridge Conservancy, a private, non-profit land trust based in Boone, nearly 1,800 acres on this beautiful Ashe County mountain have been purchased Brush Creek Farm...... 3 and transferred to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The BRC Receives Z. Smith Grant. . . .4 project permanently protects significant views, open space, water resources and BRC’s New Office...... 4 wildlife while creating recreational and economic opportunities. Founder’s Society...... 5 At 5,000 feet in elevation, Pond Mountain overlooks the mountains of , and North Carolina. Immediately to the north are the peaks of Virginia’s BRC Hikes in 2011 ...... 6 Grayson Highlands State Park and Jefferson National Forest, Mount Rogers and Stick Boy Mayview Madness. . . .7 White Top Mountain. To the west lies Tennessee’s expansive Cherokee National 2010 Land Protection Report. . . .8 Forest. Visible to the east and south are the high peaks of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge. Pond Mountain is about a 30 minute drive from the mountain community Financial Report & Donors. . . 10-11 of West Jefferson. According to Walter Clark, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Conservancy, Join BRC today! “protecting Pond Mountain involved multiple private and public partners. In Join or renew online, or by sending these days of tight economic resources conserving land is challenging – it takes time, the enclosed envelope. creativity and the melding together of a variety of funding resources.” The protection of Pond Mountain began with a major gift from a private donor through the OUR MISSION Foundation for the Carolinas and was completed with (continued on page 10) Protecting the natural resources of northwestern N.C. by conserving The view from Pond Mountain at over 5,000 feet in elevation. BRC is working to protect over 1,000 additional acres of land on and around Pond Mountain. land with significant agricultural, ecological, recreational, or scenic value.

Blue Ridge Conserv a ncy Saving The Places You Love

Newsletter underwriting by:

1 Board of Trustees From the John Turner, President Executive Director Ed Shuford, Vice-President It has been a great year for Blue Ridge Michelle Leonard, Secretary Conservancy! Last May two of northwestern Gary Clawson, Treasurer North Carolina’s prominent land trusts Bob Cherry, Member At-Large joined forces to create our new organization. Helen Ruth Almond With the merger of Blue Ridge Rural Land Millie Barbie Trust and High Country Conservancy, BRC was established with the mission of protecting Hanes Boren the natural resources of northwestern North Carolina by conserving land with Heidi Campbell significant agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational or scenic value. To date, Kelly Coffey BRC has protected almost 16,000 acres in 171 places. But the merger was just the Bill Herring beginning of a year of amazing accomplishments. Allen Moseley One of the primary goals of merging was to reduce administrative overhead and Fred Pfohl use those savings to protect more land. Consequently, shortly after we joined forces Michael Salzano BRC’s Board of Trustees made a strategic decision to close one of our two offices. At Chuck Smith the time of the merger, High Country Conservancy was located in Boone and Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust was in West Jefferson. Because Boone is the more central Virginia Tate location to BRC’s service area, the Trustees opted to close the West Jefferson office. F.W. “B” Townes, IV It was not an easy decision but the difficulty was almost immediately mitigated by a generous offer of a rent-free office by one of our supporters. So thanks to donors Staff Steve and Debbie Airey, BRC re-located to 166 Furman Road in Boone. By closing Executive Director one office, finding a free location for our remaining location and by eliminating Walter Clark a redundant staff position resulting from the merger, BRC was able to reduce its Co-Deputy Director administrative overhead by $8,000 a month for an annual savings of $96,000. Joe Potts In the midst of this incredibly hectic year, BRC was still able to have a near record-breaking year in land protection. In 2010, we completed 11 projects Co-Deputy Director permanently protecting 1,233 acres of land in northwest North Carolina. This Eric Hiegl included completing our signature project on Pond Mountain in Ashe County Director of Operations and expanding public land holdings for Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Maria Whaley Mountain State Park and Three Top Mountain State Game Lands. Additionally, Communications Director we worked with six private property owners to successfully complete donations of Zachary Lesch-Huie conservation easements on their land. Americorps Intern Our successes in 2010 have laid the foundation for BRC to meet new challenges Chris Kaase in 2011 and beyond. For example, this fall we hope to move forward with land trust accreditation. Accreditation is a process established by the Land Trust Alliance that

sets standards for land trusts. These standards are designed to assure our clients and Blue Ridge Conservancy donors that we are operating in a way that builds trust. We have also just started a P.O. Box 568 Strategic Planning process for the new BRC. This process will help assess how we Boone, NC 28607 want to grow and direct the organization over the next five years. 828-264-2511 As always, we appreciate your comments and support. Without our friends, www.blueridgeconservancy.org donors and supporters none of our accomplishments would be possible.

2 Brush Creek Farm Spotlight

Frances Huber, owner of Brush Creek Farm, was recognized recently by the Alleghany Soil and Water District as one of many local farmers excelling in conservation efforts. She and her late husband, Andy, participated in conservation programs to improve water quality and decrease erosion. More recently, Frances has participated in a forage renovation project to improve pasture that was damaged due to droughts. Other After Andy’s death in 2000, Frances decided to remain conservation measures include fencing livestock out of the on the farm because, as she says, “I have Mad Farmers streams, alternative watering systems, a feed and waste storage Disease and I would not know what to do with myself back facility for beef operation, stock trails and stream crossings. in the city!” For During a recent field visit, Frances spoke of the condition of several years she the farm when she and Andy first acquired it. She remembered operated “The deep ditches from erosion in the fields, an old truck in the Little Farm”, a stream and eroding stream banks. The Hubers entered into an fun teaching agreement with the N.C. Wetlands Restoration Program (now and petting known as the Eco-system Enhancement Program or EEP) to farm. Currently have the stream-banks restored and the animals permanently she is studying excluded from the stream. Parelli Natural Horsemanship and enjoys being with her horses. Frances is also in the heifer replacement business and hosted the Alleghany Cattleman’s Association event in 2006. Her determination to preserve the farm was confirmed with a decision to enroll it in the Alleghany County Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program and also with a permanent conservation easement through Blue Ridge Conservancy. She continues to study soils and grasses with her goal being to grow superior beef cattle, produce high-quality forage while continually caring for the land, and maintain a sustainable balance between farming and conservation.

BRC would like to thank Alleghany Soil & Water Conservation District for permission to reprint this article.

Blue Ridge Conser Sa v a ncy ving The Pl aces You Love New Publication Celebrates BRC’s Sav ing L and in Conservation Work the Blue Ridge If you haven’t seen our recent publication, Saving Land in the Blue Ridge, give us a call and we’ll send you one—or look for it in select businesses and your community chamber of commerce. With photographs and text, Saving Land celebrates select Blue Ridge Conservancy land protection projects, from valley farms to untouched mountain ridges. It’s a booklet to enjoy and pass on to your fellow conservation-minded friends. Photo cour tesy Eric Heista nd / ericheista nd.com 3 Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to Blue Ridge Conservancy Following the historic merger of Blue Ridge Rural follow the same path.” Clark added, “We are very grateful Land Trust and High Country Conservancy, the Z. Smith to ZSR and look forward to both the opportunity and the Reynolds Foundation awarded Blue Ridge Conservancy challenge.” a $100,000 grant for organizational capacity building, The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation was established in board development, and Land Trust Alliance accreditation. 1936 as a memorial to the youngest son of the founder of R.J. Accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance means Reynolds Tobacco Company. In that year the brother and that a land trust has met criteria that demonstrate it to be two sisters of Z. Smith Reynolds—R.J. Reynolds, Jr., Mary a responsibly and ethically Reynolds Babcock, and Nancy operated organization, Susan Reynolds Bagley— accountable to its donors and provided that their inheritance the public, and protecting the from his estate would go to the public interest with sound, sustainable land transactions and establishment of a trust for “charitable works in the State of stewardship. North Carolina.” According to Walter Clark, BRC’s Executive Director, In its history, the Foundation, as the beneficiary of the “by awarding the grant, ZSR has presented us with an income from the Zachary Smith Reynolds Trust and the W. opportunity and challenge…an opportunity to take advantage N. Reynolds Trust, has made grants to organizations in all of the success of our historic merger and lay the groundwork of North Carolina’s 100 counties. The Foundation’s grant to for a more efficient and effective organization, and a Blue Ridge Conservancy falls within its environmental focus challenge in documenting the merger process in such a way area, one of five priority areas for the Foundation. as to provide a model for other organizations that wish to

New Office Space Donated to BRC Blue Ridge Conservancy was created last year from the merger of two of the area’s leading land trusts—Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust and High Country Conservancy. Unknown to BRC, local conservation supporters were following these exciting developments. Soon after the announcement of our successful merger, local dentist Dr. to Naples, Florida where he practiced for 15 years. In 2004 Steven Airey and his wife Debbie Airey reached out to BRC, he permanently moved to Boone and began his practice, offering the new land conservation organization free office Appalachian Dental Care (http://stevenaireydds.com). The space. office provides optimum oral health for all clients, serving Thanks to Steve and Debbie Airey’s enormous generosity, as an integrated health partner with them in their unique BRC has a fantastic new home office in Boone, just off of State dental needs. Farm road near the Greenway and Watauga Medical Center. Dr. Airey has been married to his lovely wife Debbie The new location is the foundation for our conservation work, for 30 years, and they share four beautiful children: Quinn, and the Airey’s generous support is indispensible to BRC’s Shea, Juan and Brett. All of the Airey children are currently success in the coming years. attending college or working in the Carolinas. The family is Dr. Airey graduated from the University of Missouri at very proud to have a home in the lovely Vilas area. Kansas City Dental School in 1980. He practiced in Kansas An appreciation for conservation and the outdoors runs City and Southern Missouri for 10 years. In 1990 he relocated deep in the Airey family. In fact, one of (continued next page) 4 Strengthening the Foundation: Join BRC’s Founder’s Society We are happy to report that Blue Ridge Conservancy’s Despite this success, there is a pressing need for land Founder’s Society continues to grow. Last year society protection in northwestern North Carolina. Taking advantage members each contributed $5,000 or more to our land of land protection opportunities in the upcoming years will be protection efforts, exemplifying a deep commitment to critical. To meet this goal, we need your support. Now is the BRC, and helping to lay the foundation for the organization’s time to lay a solid foundation for BRC’s future. continued success. We invite you to join the Founder’s Society, and become Our ability to fulfill our mission is built on community a part of our continuing success. To join or learn more about support. With that support BRC has protected nearly 16,000 the Society, contact Walter Clark, Executive Director, at acres, with over 1,200 of those acres added in 2010. 828.264.2511 or [email protected].

A hiker on Snake Mountain enjoys the view north over Elk Knob State Park, towards the Peak, Three Top Mountain, and Pond Mountain (Rick Short photo).

Dr. Airey’s sons, Shea Airey, is an attorney specializing in clients from diverse backgrounds (http://www.aireylaw.com). Estate Planning and Land Conservation law. His law school On behalf of BRC’s Board of Trustees, staff and paper, “Conservation Easements in Private Practice,” earned members, we would like to extend our immense gratitude an award for best legal writing by a law school student on a to the Airey Family for their generous and forward-thinking real property, trust or estate law topic from the American support of BRC’s conservation work. Our ability to meet Bar Association. Based in Senaca, along South Carolina’s our mission is enhanced with the stability of a home base. Blue Ridge, Shea provides complete estate planning counsel, The Airey’s have provided BRC that essential foundation. involving basic to sophisticated estate planning techniques for Thank you! 5 Let’s Go For a Hike! BRC-led hikes in 2011 Please join Blue Ridge Conservancy for monthly hikes across our northwestern North Carolina region. Come along with us to reconnect with nature, learn more about our ongoing conservation work, and simply have some fun with fellow conservation supporters. Thanks to generous hosts, a select number of hikes will be paired with nearby local farms for an optional post-hike reception. Our hikes are free, but reservations are required due to limited group size. RSVP to BRC at (828) 264-2511.

Saturday, May 14 • Beech Mountain Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area In 2002, BRC led the effort to protect this nationally significant southern Appalachian bog. Join us for a carefully guided tour of this special ecosystem. A partner outing with Beech Mountain Recreation Center, this is a moderate hike that will last about 2.5 hours.

Rick Short Photo Saturday, August 27 • Pond Mountain Pond Mountain and Ripshin Farm Pond Mountain is a historic and naturally significant high ridge at the extreme northwestern corner of N.C. The mountain was protected thanks to BRC’s multi-year land acquisition effort. From the top, you will take in world-class views of Saturday, June 11 • Valle Crucis the southern Blue Ridge. It’s a moderately difficult hike over Bear Paw State Natural Area about 3.5 hours. Following the hike, join us for homemade Bear Paw is a translation of ‘Yonah-wayah’, the Cherokee pizza at nearby Ripshin Farm, also protected by BRC. name for this area of high ridges and valleys above Valle Crucis. Hike with us to the crest of Hanging Rock Ridge for Saturday, September 24 • Bullhead Mountain amazing views of . Lasting about 2.5 Hawk Watching with High Country Audubon hours, we’ll take it easy on this strenuous hike. and Conservation Trust for North Carolina A State Natural Area, Bullhead borders the Blue Ridge Saturday, July 9 • Black Mountains Parkway, near Mahogany Rock Overlook. The mountain’s Crabtree Falls and Mountain Farm unique profile is said to resemble the head of a bull. Join Famous for its bumper crop of lavendar, enjoy a local us for this partner hike with High Country Audubon and farm tour near Celo, at BRC-conserved Mountain Farm. Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and for a unique Following the farm tour, enjoy a moderate hike to beautiful opportunity to observe the annual hawk migration. Crabtree Falls nearby. Total time of 4 hours. Moderately difficult hike, lasting about 4 hours.

Saturday, October 8 • Elk Knob Elk Knob State Park and Chuck Smith’s Farm On this moderately strenuous hike, we’ll follow one of the most well-crafted hiking trails in the region to the top of Elk Knob. Fall color and spectacular Blue Ridge views will meet you on top, a perfect place to view the more than 500 acres BRC has helped add to the State Park. Following the hike, join us on a visit to a nearby local farm for refreshments. 6 Stick Boy Mayview Madness a Mad Success To the runners, thank you for braving a cold November morning to come out and run the Stick Boy Mayview Madness 5k and Fun Run. There was snow and ice on the course, but you persevered. Your enthusiasm, energy and effort is inspiring, and your support of Blue Ridge Conservancy is greatly appreciated. The numbers are in, and your participation in the event helped raise approximately $6000 for local land conservation projects! Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Stick Boy Bread Company. You have helped us grow the race and make it a more fun and successful event. It’s wonderful to see the entire Stick Boy family come out and run in the event. And boy is it a pleasure to bite into a Stick Boy sticky bun, scone runners, Save the date! or cookie after running the race! This year’s Stick Boy Mayview Madness will Thank you too to our Finish Line Sponsor, Bistro Roca be a bit earlier, on Saturday, October 22nd, Restaurant. Longtime supporter and participant in our Rick Short Photo 8:00 a.m. Same great course as last year! annual 5k run, the entire Bistro Roca family also comes out for this event. This year Bistro Roca generously opened their doors, giving finishers a warm place to cool their jets after running their heart out. Finishing at Bistro Roca worked out beautifully, and hot chocolate was a welcome delight! The following businesses continued to generously support the event: Katie Langley Photography, Sunalei Preserve, Boone Barr from Jay Parr Foods, and Redwood Creek Wines. Thank you for your generous sponsorship! And of course we couldn’t do it without our local media supporters High Country Press and Watauga Democrat, and the new web news outlet, Blowing Rock News.

ince July of 1971, Footsloggers has served the outdoor community of northwestern North Carolina, and beyond. No Sstranger to outdoor adventure, Footsloggers’ hands-on outdoor experience ensures a stock of high quality goods offering huge value and incredible durability. Whatever the season, wherever the adventure, Footsloggers has the technical clothing and gear that will keep you comfortable and enhance your time outside.

The name “footslogger” can be found in Roget’s Thesaurus under the verb “walk,” and so naturally footwear—whether for a hike on the Parkway or a backpacking trip on the —is a particular point of pride for Footsloggers. If you walk the walk, Footsloggers’ awesome selection and guaranteed custom-fitted footwear will have you breaking out in stride.

So for your next trip close to home or far afield, stop by Footsloggers where their staff is ready and happy to serve you. BRC wishes Footsloggers a happy 40th birthday, and thanks them for their commitment to our community, and for many years of generous support of our conservation work—thank you for including us in your adventure!

7 2010 BRC Land Protection Report

Blue Ridge Conservancy’s first year in existence was working with TCF and State Parks to raise the additional a resounding success. Despite working overtime on our funds to complete the project. successful merger process, we completed eleven land protection projects permanently preserving 1,233 acres of land Miller Property—Three Top Mountain Game Lands, in northwest North Carolina. Highlights include expanding Ashe County (50 acres): public land holdings for Pond Mountain Game Lands, Elk Three Top Mountain Game Lands encompass about two Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park and Three thirds of the ridgeline and slopes of the mountain. In 2009 Top Mountain Game Lands. Additionally, BRC monitored BRC purchased the adjoining Hufnagel property which 123 conservation easements, finding no violations. provides the public direct access to the Game Lands off of Here are the conservation projects completed in 2010:

Pond Mountain Phase IV & V, Ashe County (650 acres): As part of a 4 year process, BRC completed the final phase of this acquisition with Clean Water Management Trust Fund money. The $5M purchase added 650 acres to Pond Mountain Game Lands, creating the “core” of the preserve. Pond

Ben Bolen Road. The property is entirely forested and hosts a diverse array of wildlife. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will own and manage the land as part of its Game Lands system. The property was purchased with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and a private donation from Fred and Alice Stanback.

Campbell Property—Elk Knob State Park, Watauga Mountain Game Lands are located in the northwest corner of County (52 acres): the state and border both Virginia and Tennessee, including After many years of the . The headwater streams of working with a local Big Horse Creek and Big Laurel Creek are now protected family, this property was as well as early successional habitat for Golden-winged purchased and added Warblers. Recently, BRC was awarded funding by the N.C. to Elk Knob State Park. Department of Justice to purchase an additional 47 acres on Funding was provided by Pond Mountain. the Natural Heritage Trust Fund. To date, BRC has Mountains2Sea, LLC—Grandfather Mountain State helped add 527 acres of Park, Watauga County (155 acres): land on Snake Mountain to Elk Knob State Park. BRC partnered with The Conservation Fund (TCF) to purchase this property from the Pusateri’s. The land is Cooper II Conservation Easement, Watauga County located directly behind the Grandfather Campground on (7.6 acres): Hwy 105 and consists of several streams, rock outcroppings John and Faye Cooper donated a conservation easement and hardwood forest. TCF purchased the property with the on 7.6 acres directly behind the Original Mast General Store intention of it becoming part of Grandfather Mountain State in Valle Crucis. The property adjoins the 22-acre easement Park once funding becomes available. BRC secured $480,000 they donated in 2004. It also adjoins the Valle Crucis Park in private funding from Fred and Alice Stanback and is and Dutch Creek flows through the property. The easement 8 protects the scenic views National Scenic section and is rated Outstanding Resource of Valle Crucis and the Water by the water quality of Dutch N.C. Division of Creek. In addition, the Water Quality. agricultural qualities The property is of the property are entirely forested significant as the entire and borders property contains prime agricultural soils. The Clean Water Prather’s Creek. Management Trust Fund provided money to cover the The easement transaction costs of the easement. protects the water quality and scenic views of the South Fork and Old Orchard Creek Farm Conservation Easement, Ashe expands upon the land protected by the Black family, which County (22 acres): now totals almost 700 acres. The Clean Water Management This easement is located adjacent to an existing easement Trust Fund provided money to cover the transaction costs of donated by Walter Clark and Johnny Burleson. The 22- the easement. acre addition brings a total of 87 acres under protection at Old Orchard Creek Farm. The property is located north of Long Branch LLC Conservation Easement, Ashe County Lansing in the Little Horse Creek drainage. The easement (175 acres): protects a creek with open bottomland and a mixed forest The Korb’s donated an easement on their entire property on the slopes. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund north of Lansing in Ashe County, totaling 175 acres. There provided money to cover the transaction costs of the is a restored home and the property is approximately 90% easement. wooded. An unnamed tributary to Long Branch Creek begins in the center of the property. The easement protects Mast—Cove Creek Conservation Easement, Watauga the entire drainage area that forms the unnamed tributary County (14 acres): while allowing for agriculture, recreation and timbering The Mast family donated a conservation easement on 14 of the property. The Clean Water Management Trust acres of bottomlands located in the heart of Sugar Grove. Fund provided money to cover the transaction costs of the The easement protects prime agricultural soils, 1,400 feet of easement. Cove Creek and scenic views from Lee-Criswell Conservation Easement, Wilkes County the highways. In (52 acres): addition to the This onatedd conservation easement lies on the East agricultural and Prong of the Roaring River in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River water attributes, Basin. The East Prong is identified as an important water the easement resource by N.C.’s Division of Water Quality. Conservation reserves the ability of the property protects a significant portion of the river, as to create the Cove well as a number of good quality tributaries and mountain Creek Greenway Trail on the property. In consultation and springs. Entirely wooded, the property contains significant partnership with the Watauga County TDA Recreation Plan, rock outcroppings, and from its upper reaches the granite the easement was crafted to meet greenway standards while dome of Stone Mountain State Park is visible. The Clean protecting the conservation values of the property. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund provided funding for the Water Management Trust Fund provided money to cover the transactions costs of the easement. transaction costs of the easement.

Matt Black Conservation Easement, Alleghany County (54 acres): Continuing a family tradition of protecting land, Matt Black donated an easement on his property along the South Fork New River. This section of the South Fork is on the 9 substantial assistance from North Carolina’s Natural Jefferson National Forest to the north, protecting the Heritage and Clean Water Management Trust Funds. area greatly expands wildlife habitat, including habitats Pond Mountain was given its name in the 1700s by highlighted in North Carolina’s State Wildlife Action Plan Thomas Jefferson’s father, Peter Jefferson, as he was surveying (SWAP). Pond Mountain will be held by the N.C. Wildlife the line that would become the border of North Carolina Resources Commission and will eventually be open to the and Virginia. Jefferson chose the name because of the many public for hunting and other recreational activities such as natural ponds that dotted the area’s high ridgeline. The hiking and horseback riding. historic ponds point to the mountain’s special significance as “Conservation of the Pond Mountain tract will protect an important water resource. Several important streams and priority aquatic and terrestrial habitats while providing creeks originate on Pond Mountain, including Big Laurel, wide-ranging public recreational opportunities,” said Ripshin and Big Horse Creeks – all of which flow into the New NCWRC Director Gordon Myers. “We are thrilled to be River, a National Heritage River and one of the oldest rivers in part of this project that will protect wildlife, recreational and the world. “Land conservation and water quality protection go economic resources for North Carolina.” hand in hand,” said Richard Rogers, executive director of the Despite the economic downturn, Blue Ridge Conservancy’s North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. “Both success on Pond Mountain leaves the organization optimistic are essential to the sustainability of our natural resources and about the future of land conservation in North Carolina. heritage and to our economy as well.” According to Clark, “Protecting Pond Mountain was a In addition to preserving the region’s natural beauty major goal for our organization. We hope it is a first step in and vital water resources, the protection of Pond Mountain protecting surrounding properties, ultimately preserving is important for wildlife. Because of the mountain’s close thousands of acres in the northwestern corner of North proximity to Cherokee National Forest to the west and Carolina.”

BRC Financial Report – 2010 Expenses INCOME n Land Acquisition n Grant Funding $4,907,218.00 Received $160,790.15 n Operating Expenses n Land $305,977.29 Acquisition Funding n Transactional Received Expenses for $4,907,218.00 Land Acquisition and Easement n Contributions Donation Received $65,191.15 $151,190.11

BRC Shirts and Hats One of Blue Ridge Conservancy’s most committed supporters is M-Prints Screenprinting and Embroidery, located in downtown Boone. Owner Stuart Mangum is a consummate community-minded business owner and long-time BRC member. M-Prints recently donated top-quality BRC embroidered hats and screenprinted shirts. Order your hat or shirt—or both!—by calling us at 828-264-2511 or on our website at www.blueridgeconservancy.org. There are women’s and men’s sizes and various colors available. The cost for a hat or t-shirt is only $10.00. Get yours while supplies last!

10 Blue Ridge Conservancy DONORS

Individual Member Doug & Mary Galke Tom & Jan Pender Laura Yaeger Cynthia S. Payne Cullie & Sylvia Tarleton Corporate Sponsors $0.00 - $99.00 Tim Ganley Jack & Lisa Pepper Kenneth & Roseanne Peacock Diana Travis & Maryann Mueller Ashe Woodworking, Inc Welborn & Beth Alexander Tyler Genaway Bruce & Susan Pettyjohn Family John & Cathy Pfeil John & Patty Turner Best Cellar Restaurant Meredith Allen Frank & Linda Gentry Don & Pat Phillips $100.00 - $249.00 Fred & Marjorie Pfohl Dr. Joseph Vogel Blowing Rock Grille Melissa Madura-Altmann & Ron Lynn & Ruth George Sandy Potter Mimi & Hirschel Abbott Janet Pittard Nancy White Blowing Rock Market Altmann Wiley & Andrea Gimlin Virginia Powell Edmund I. Adams Jeff Polgar & Kelly Rothe Lynn Willis Blue Mountain Metal Works Rao Aluri & Mary Reichel Lindsey Glover Brian Pratt Damon & Madge Anagnos Joseph & Lori Potts John & Ashley Wilson Blue Ridge Anglers Steven E. Anderson Karen & Martin Green Proper Southern Food Ed & Carol Ann Baker Francis & Sibyl Pressly Boone Take Out Express Allain Landry Wade Grimes Eugene & Joyce Purdom Curtis Baldwin Claudia C. Prose Steward Com-Tech Communications, Inc. Sarah Austin Elizabeth Gunn Benjamin Querin Bill& Laura Barrier Kate & Joe Sam Queen $500.00 - $999.00 Crave World Inspires Tapas & Tamara Bailey Thomas Haizlip, Jr. Robby Ray Joe & Karen Bearden Meg Rader Ashe Woodworking, Inc. Martini Bar Patsy Bailey Jonathon Halsey Audra-Leigh Raymer Dick & Margaret Beckman Robert & Mary Beth Ragin Eliska Chanlett De Provence et D’Ailleurs Norris & Anne Barnes Cabot & Teri Hamilton Jerry Reece Michael & Joanie Bell Donald D Rash Walter Clark & Johnny Burleson Dill’y Café & Candle Shop John & Anne Barry Susie Hamrick-Jones Hugh & Lynn Rees-Jones Best Cellar Terry & Sara Reeves Tara & Jason Connelly Doe Ridge Pottery Kinney Baughman Hawksnest Resort Becky Rennix John Blackburn Christopher & Catherine Robbins Kent Davis Dr. Steven Airey Judith Beale Melanie & Greg Hawthorne Ryan Richards Blue Mountain Metal Works Sarah Ross John Earwood Footsloggers Ryan Beasley Pinky Hayden Sarah & Kevin Riley John & Bettie Bond Mike & Joni Salzano Bill Finger & Lisa Mallory Fred’s General Merchantile John Bell Dick & Joan Hearn River & Earth Adventures Hanes & Lida Boren William Sax Robert & Susan Hambright Frog & Butterfly Audrey L. Bentley Ryan Hewlett Amber Roberts Stewart & Jennie Bush Bonnie & Jamie Schaefer Tom Hearron Hawksnest Resort Elayne Bishop Pauline Hicks Liz Roberts Heidi & Richard Cambpell John & Eron Schell Tim Hilton Inn at Little Farm Pond Harold Blankenship Scott Hildebran Arnold & Janie Robertson Lance & Linda Campbell Weldon & Kathy Schenck Monika Lesch Gaye Luaces Blowing Rock Café Henry & Jill Hobson Rock Dimensions, Inc Bob & Mary Capps Rose Schisler McDuffie Design Lucky Penny Blowing Rock Market Marcia Hoffman Kitty & Mike Rominger Laura Carringer Thomas Shessler Allen Moseley Lynn Willis M.F. Bond, Jr. Pamela Hoffman Steven Rostan Edith Carter Stephen & Nancy Shoemaker Jack Pepper McDuffie Design Boone Take Out Express Tim Holland Kevin Rothrock Hobie & Addie-Lou Cawood Peter Smith Evelyn Phipps M-Prints Francis & Kay Borkowski Edward & Kay Hood, Jr. Sammy & Penny Rothrock Kay & Edward Choplin Cliff & Judy Stamper Susan Sisson Old Orchard Creek Farm Ken & Janet Brashear Katie Houston Judy Rubin Bill & Cathy Clark David & Virginia Stevens Virginia Tate Papa Joe’s Italian American Crystal Brooks Loretta Hubble Scott Rupp Charles Clement Storie Street Grille “B” and Martha Townes Restaurant Cory Brown Elizabeth Hunter Ashley Russo Kelly Coffey Sunrise Grill Dewey Wells Proper Southern Food Jarod Brown Inn at Little Pond Farm Saddle Club at Yonahlossee Ann Coleman & Dell Vance, Jr. Michael & Lynn Tanner Reids Catering Charlie S. Brummitt Ivey & Brantley Whitney Page Sauder George & Ida Maude Collins Pauline Thompson PaTRon River & Earth Adventures Teresa Buckwalter Ben James Will Sears Pat Considine & Alice Atwood Weldon & Barbara Thorton $1,000.00 - $4,999.00 Rock Dimensions Laura Burke John Jarrell Suzanne Shaut Bill & Kristi Cook Julie Townsend Frank Bell, Jr. Storie Street Grille Barbara Busto Michael Jenkins Cailtin Sheffield Bob & Caroline Cowan John Troxler Christopher Bensen The Saddle Club at Yonahlossee Gary & Carolyn Butts Eugene Jesel Ed & Beth Shuford Bryant & Judith Danner Jane & Bill Tucker Frank J Bragg, Jr. Twigs Restaurant & Bar Gerald P. Cantwell Maggie Jonas Jessica Snyder Walter & Jane Davis Sally Vilas & Harry Gooder Tucker Burks Village Café Pinky Hayden & Thomas Carpenter Shawn Karns Hope & Chris Squires Carol Dodson Beth & Craig Weaver Day Church Sunrise Grille Ben Carter Margaret Keane Cameron St. Clair Henry Doss & Chris Arvidson June & Joel Weaver Gary & Laurie Clawson Tis The Season Ann & John Chalk Lenore Ketchun Elizabeth Stahl Finley & Dianne Dula Mike & Maria Whaley John & Faye Cooper, Jr. Frasers Restaurant & Pub Janis Chapman Dale & Deborah Kirkley Richard & Karrie Steer Gary & Lucia Dzikowski Hollis & Jay Wild Jennie & Leigh Derby Frog & Butterfly Jamie Leigh and Bob Cherry Rosa & Larkin Kirkman Wesley Stevens Lee & Mannon Eldreth Dick & Linda Workman Tav & Kim Gauss Magic Cycle, Inc. Debbi & Walter Clarke Dr. Witold & Vanessa Kosmala Martha Stephenson Sean & Paula Finneron Kyle Worsham & David Whitsell GR Hospitality, Inc. On the Windfall Brent & Maribeth Clemens Rudy Lambert Susan Stover Barbara & Nigel Wirgowski David Wray Linda & George Gilleland Outer Edge, Inc. Rev. Coffey Noelle Laughter Miles & Clare Tager Jim & Darlene Gale Bill & Jo Herring Our Daily Bread John & Bobbie Coker Mark & Ann Liebowitz Madeline Tiani Dan Gentry Conservator Truman Hobbs Scene Green, Inc. Kathleen Collins Mary Lois Leith Debi Tibbett John & Sharon Goodhart $250.00 - $499.00 Judy and Tony Hunter Sundance Mountain Land, Inc. Hillary Coman Michael Lewis Carol Dodson Charles & Elaine Graham Steven & Debbie Airey Petro Kulynych Brushy Mountain Water Co. Dorothy Combs Lisa Loveday Jim & Alicia Toomey Flint Gray Helen Ruth & Michael Almond Michael & Michelle Leonard Deal Moseley & Smith, LLP James Combs Lucky Penny Scott Townsend Thomas & Susan Griffis Charlie & Ann Baker Ron & Betty Mains Mountain Construction Enterprises Jody Constantino Dorthea Martin Sara Treadwell Dean Hamrick & Don Ball Millie Barbee Leo Mast Peppers Restaurant Carol Jean Cook Timothy & Sarah Jane McCarthy Tricia Haynes James G. Hanes, III Marc Chabot & Cynthia Dillon- Ed & Susan Norvell Greystone Insurance Associates Dennis Cook Partick & Margaret McCoy Jason Triplett Annabell C. Harrill Chabot Charles McBray Sasser Stick Boy Bread Company Vickie Cordova Starli & Jeff McDowell Kristin Tucker George & Agnes Harvin Sonny Church & Piper Poteat John & Deborah Sherrill Watauga Lake Triathalon Roger Cottrell Jean McLaughlin WIlliam Tucker Bill Holman Allen C Moseley Jack & Marie Shirey Yonahlossee Accomodations, Inc. Sue Counts Parker & Frances McLendon Twiggs Restuaurant Ron & Sandy Horton Robin & Manuel Diaz Richard & Debbie Stevens GR Hospitality, Inc. Greg Cox Nina Medina Alexandria Vann John Huie Footsloggers Stick Boy Bread Co., Inc. Blowing Rock Café Priscilla Cox Joan Meixell Ann Viles David & Betty Huskins Robbie Franklin Watauga Lake Triathalon Crave World Tapas and Martini Bar Rea Merritt Village Café Dr. Sterling & Nancy Hutcheson Fred Pfohl John Weaver Land Trust Day Hannah Crawford Ellen & Brad Middleton Ross Vogel James Jenkins Jeri & Mike Gray Roger Winsor Sponsors Madeleine & Jim Crawford Jenny Miller John Vollmer Charles Johnson Charlotte Hanes Yonahlossee Accomodations, Inc. Boone Take Out Express Hilton & Alice Crews Julie Miller Beth & Robert Vonnegut Joan Jordan Christina Howe Footsloggers Addie Critcher Rick & Sherry Miller Daisy G. Waldrep James & Alice Keighton Clyde & Eva Ingle Founders Society Frasers Restaurant Chelsea Curry Bradley & Stephanie Miller Linda Walsh Mark Kilpatrick & Debbie Arnold Arnold N. Lakey $5,000.00 - $9,999.00 Fred’s General Merchantile De Provence et D’Ailleurs Sue Miller Dorothy Walters Bill & Wendy Korb Katie Langley Bob & Carol Black, Jr. Magic Cycle Ralph & Jerrie Dearborn Craig Mitchell Tim Warren Judy & Paul Krauss Robert Lassiter Robert & Roddy Dixon Mast General Store Michele Denton Phil Mitchell Jan C. Watson Lan & Julie Landry Tom Leonard & Eileen Laird George & Agnes Harvin Our Daily Bread Dilly’s Café & Candle Shop Derek Mohr Richard Watson Grady & Jane Lonon Hal & Holly Levinson Robert and Susan Hambright Peppers Restaurant Doe Ridge Pottery Mallory Monroe Martin & Barbara Webster Magic Cycle, Inc. Gaye Luaces Mary B. Hummeler Rock Dimensions, Inc. Jennifer Dotson Crae & Mamie Morton Aaron Westphal Andrew & Lynne Mason Sarah Elizabeth Manning Mazie Levensen Sunrise Grille Stephan M. Dragisic David & Maureen Moses Hannah Wheeler Houck M. Medford Mountain Construction Wade & Kathy Reece Tis The Season Tony & Kathy Edmondson Charles & Lu Neetz Barry & Ruth Whitsel Charles & Kim Miller Enterprises Thoman & Phyllis Efford Drs. Arnold & Rosemary Nelson Bill & Dianne Williams Jennifer & Jay Mills Russ & Jean Moxley Lifetime Members Gold Corporate Matthew Eguia Elizabeth & Maynard Nester Lynn & Abby Willis Bruce Mueller & Jo Marie Lilly Reid’s Catering $10,000.00 and up Sponsors Thomas & Louise Elliott Todd Nolt Martha Willis Doug Munroe Terrence & Nancy Reigel Fred & Alice Stanback Appalachian Dental Care Dawn Ely Katherine & Victor Nunez Arthur & Betty Wilson Margaret Newbold John Rice Karl & Holly Ham Com-tech Communications Santiago & Kristin Espinosa Papa Joe’s Italian American Gerry Winstead Dr. Richard & Joyce Newman Rock Dimensions Francis Huber Deal, Moseley and Smith, LLP Leon Farthing Restaurant Barbara & Nigel Wirgowski On the Windfall John Schisler & Virginia Mark & Diane Johnston Footsloggers Naomi & Randall Faw Joanna Pardo Beverly Womack Our Daily Bread Hackenberg Mast General Store M-Prints Carolina Finley Kevin & Lisa Pearce Joan Woodworth Outer Edge, Inc. Sherwood H. Smith, Jr. Chris & Sarah Shumate Mast General Store Framing By Lori Georgia Peirano Sherry & Chris Wyatt David R. Parnell Caroline Stahlschmidt Stick Boy Bread Company 11 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid West Jefferson, NC Permit No. 3 Blue Ridge Conservancy Saving The Places You Love

P.O. Box 568 Boone, NC 28607

BRC Events – 2011

Saturday, May 7...... BRC Reception at Echota on the Ridge. Saturday, May 14...... BRC Hike: Beech Creek Bog in Avery Co. Find Blue Ridge Saturday, June 4 ...... Land Trust Day Conservancy on Saturday, June 11 ...... BRC Hike: Bear Paw State Natural Area in Watauga Co. Facebook! Saturday, July 9...... BRC Hike: Visit to Mountain Farm and hike to nearby Come on by our Facebook Crabtree Falls page for beautiful photos Saturday, July 23...... Blueberry Festival of conservation areas, info Wednesday, August 10...... Auction and Wine Tasting at Camp Sky Ranch on upcoming BRC hikes Saturday, August 27...... BRC Hike: Pond Mountain in Ashe Co and events, and up-to-date Saturday, September 24. . . . . BRC Hike: Bullhead Mountain Hawk Migration news on how we’re saving Saturday, October 8...... BRC Hike: Elk Knob in Watauga Co. and food reception back at Chuck Smith’s the places you love on Saturday, Oct. 22, 8:00 am. . . Stick Boy Mayview Madness 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run northwestern North Carolina. If you support our work, be For more details and information go to www.blueridgeconservancy.org sure to hit the ‘Like’ button and recommend our page to your Facebook friends.