Davie County is experiencing an annual growth rate of nearly 2 percent, compared to North Carolina’s overall growth rate of 1.3 percent. Rapid growth brings increased land development, often converting farms and forests into subdivisions. Fortunately, one family outside the fast-growing town of Bermuda Run decided their property was too important to lose.
The Tucker Family deeply values their land. Whether walking along forest trails, tending their garden, or fishing in their pond, they cherish time spent together in the peace of nature. Situated along Sugar Creek, their property features a pond, walking trails, open fields, blueberry bushes, fruit trees, and more. The Tuckers actively manage their forest for wildlife, providing critical habitat as Bermuda Run continues to expand. Additionally, the property contains more than 31 acres of Prime and Statewide Important Soils—resources essential to North Carolina’s ability to produce food and fiber. Thanks to the Tucker Family and Three Rivers Land Trust, this land will continue to provide vital ecosystem and community benefits for generations to come.
“We are grateful to live here, and we enjoy the natural landscape every day. It gives us great peace of mind to know that it will always be here for the wildlife, plants, and people who care about it to enjoy long after we’re gone,” said Betsy Tucker.
The leading driver of rural land loss is low-density residential development. Once one parcel is developed, neighboring properties often follow. Conservation easements allow landowners to retain ownership and actively manage their land while ensuring it can never be lost to development. These protections conserve the land for future generations, maintaining a lasting connection to the natural world.
“Driving around our region, it seems a new subdivision replaces a forest or farm every day. I am glad that this will never be the case for this property. It is too beautiful and too important to be paved over,” said Jessie Wilson, Land Protection Specialist at Three Rivers Land Trust.
As forests in Davie County continue to disappear—and with them the many benefits they provide—conservation becomes increasingly critical. The Tucker Family has permanently protected their land and its resources. Three Rivers Land Trust was able to conserve the Tucker property thanks in part to support from the Davie County Community Foundation. Conservation efforts like this would not be possible without the generosity of partners committed to protecting our natural resources. Once land is lost, it is gone forever. Thankfully, the Tucker property will never be lost.
