ForumJournal Fall 2010 | Vol. 25 No. 1 Bridging land Conservation and Historic Preservation THe NatioNal TRust FoR Historic PReServatioN (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history—and the important moments of everyday life—took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of america’s stories. Contents fall 2010 | Vol. 25 No. 1 Introduction Stephanie MeekS . .5 Collaborating to Save Whole Places Wendy nicholaS . 7 Lessons from Land Conservation Valerie talMage . 11 Our Moment to Build a Cultural Conservation Legacy Mary pope M . hutSon . 18 Combining Preservation and Conservation Values: Six Illustrative Examples thoMpSon M . MayeS and ross M . Bradford . 24 Land Conservation and Historic Preservation: A Natural Partnership in the Southwest andy laurenzi . .27 “Whole Place Preservation”: The Ashley River Region and the Watson Hill Campaign Emily c . pack . .33 Make No Little Plans: Community Planning for Whole Places roBerta lane . 42 forumJournal national truSt foruM VALECIa CRISAFULLI Acting Vice President, Programs ElIzabEth byRd Wood Editor Kerri RUbmaN Assistant Editor wendy nicholaS Guest Editor Roberta lane Guest Editor nicolE Vann Associate Director, Forum national truSt for hiStoric preSerVation StEphanie K. meeks President david J. Brown Executive Vice President and Chief Preservation Officer tabItha almquist Chief of Staff Greg CoblE Chief Financial Officer david Cooper Chief Development Officer paUl EdmoNdSoN Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel terry richEy Chief Marketing Officer Forum Journal, a Journal of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, (ISSN 1536-1012) (USPS Publication Number 001-715) is published quarterly by the Center for Preservation Leadership at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 as a benefit of National Trust Forum membership. Forum members also receive 12 issues of Forum News, and six issues of Preservation magazine. Annual dues are $115. Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. Postmaster: Send address changes to National Trust Forum, 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Copyright ©2010 National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States. Printed in the United States. Of the total amount of base dues, $6.00 is for a subscription for Preservation magazine for one year. Support for the National Trust is provided by membership dues; endowment funds; individual, corporate, and foundation contributions; and grants from state and federal agencies. National Trust Forum Journal is a forum in which to express opinions, encourage debate, and convey information of importance and of general interest to Forum members of the National Trust. Inclusion of material or product references does not constitute an endorsement by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is concerned about the responsible stewardship of the environment and has published this journal on Chorus Art Silk paper which is 50% recycled with 25% post consumer fiber. It is manufactured with non-polluting, wind generated energy and is FSC certified and supported by the Rainforest Alliance. Introduction Stephanie k . MeekS n this issue of Forum Journal, we by sprawl, we joined others in an intense explore the intersection between pres- national campaign and blocked the massive ervation and conservation, and how new development. the two movements can work together In the case of Drayton Hall, our work Ito protect “whole places” nationwide. lined up very directly with the work of the As preservation leaders, many of you land conservation community. Often this have come face to face with the reality is the case, but even when it is not, there is that preserving a place often means saving almost always a natural synergy between the not only a building but also the natural work of preservationists and conservationists. environment surrounding it. I have seen this first hand in my own As you will read in this issue, we grap- life, having spent 18 years at The Nature pled with this recently at the National Conservancy before coming to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in a very Trust. I am often struck by the commonali- dramatic way in South Carolina there iS alMoSt always a natural synergy between when a com- the work of preservationists and conservationists. pany proposed a 6,600-acre mega-development (consist- ties between the two movements. Both are ing of new housing, a hotel, and a golf built on a keen appreciation for the fragility complex) on the Ashley River Road near of our heritage, be it natural or man-made, Drayton Hall, a National Trust Historic and a strong desire to preserve the unique Site. Drayton Hall is part of a historic and irreplaceable. Both movements are com- area that also includes the Ashley River mitted to sustainable solutions and focused Road (a National Scenic Highway), the on helping communities take action to Ashley River (a state scenic river), and preserve what matters to them. National Register sites Middleton Place And fortunately, both are full of people and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. who recognize the power of a mutually To prevent the historic and natural con- beneficial partnership. Through the years, text of Drayton Hall and these other sig- the National Trust has collaborated with the nificant places from being overwhelmed conservation community to lobby for favor- able federal policy, address threats to tax the thomas Jefferson foundation, stewards of incentives for conservation and preservation thomas Jefferson’s monticello in Virginia, found easements, advocate for public land protec- it essential to purchase the mountain behind it tions, and save special places across the to adequately preserve and present Jefferson’s home as he experienced it. See page 35. country. Most recently, we provided input Photo courtesy of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation to the federal agencies behind the America’s forumJournal fall 2010 5 In a long but successful campaign to prevent inappropriate development near drayton hall, a National trust historic Site in South Carolina, the National trust joined a coalition that a included a regional conservation organization. the battle highlighted the natural synergy that often exists between preservation and conservation interests. photo Courtesy OF CAROL HIGHSMITH Great Outdoors Initiative, which aims which offers a host of success stories from to find new ways to connect people with around the country, as well as practical the natural and cultural heritage in our tips on Whole Place preservation. parks and outdoor spaces. I hope you’ll take a minute to visit the Our challenge going forward is to website, and then consider inviting your expand these partnerships and uncover local land conservation colleagues out for new ways of working with the conserva- lunch—or even better, for a visit to your tion community on projects in which favorite historic site. Investing in the rela- our objectives align. As leaders of the tionship now could pay dividends down preservation movement, you are in a the line. Chances are you will find an unique position to head up this effort. To able partner, and maybe even a kindred help, we have created a new Preservation- spirit as well. fJ Nation.org landing page (www.preserva- Stephanie k. MeekS is the president of the tionnation.org/issues/land-conservation) National Trust for Historic Preservation. 6 fall 2010 forumJournal Collaborating to Save Whole Places Wendy nicholaS ou might wonder what the Islands. To my eyes, it has always been one of National Trust for Historic the most breathtaking cultural landscapes in Preservation is doing publishing all of America. a Forum Journal issue on land Over the generations, the family had yconservation topics. We care about historic amassed about 800 acres of land. Most of that places and the important sense of place land is now preserved through conservation and special character that they impart to easements, agricultural preservation restric- communities. We certainly care about—and tions, or as an Audubon Society sanctuary. fight for—historic buildings. But historic The house, however, was not protected. buildings stand in a larger context, and Yet it was one of the earliest houses in the preservation goals are well served if we area, the setting for the lives, stories, and focus on protecting the settings and larger events of generations, including visits by John cultural landscapes as well as the structures. Jay Audubon and General George Patton. I Let me share the story of what kick- imagine that it never occurred to the family as started our efforts in recent years to reach it protected the land that anyone might demol- out to land conservation leaders and to ish the house. But that is what happened. work to build bridges between them and The newcomers who bought the prop- historic preservationists. A few years ago, erty in 2004 snubbed local pleas to retain the National Trust’s Northeast Office was the house, waited out a six-month demoli- involved in a campaign to save a 1740s tion delay, and then proceeded to wipe it off farmhouse on Massachusetts’ South Coast. the landscape. The community has lost one It had been built, expanded, and hiStoric BuildingS Stand in a larger context, lived in for 250 and preservation goals are well served if we focus on years by succes- protecting the settings and larger cultural landscapes sive generations of as well as the structures.