We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit land conservation organization headquartered in Salisbury, North Carolina. We conserve local land, natural areas, rural landscapes, family farms, scenic rivers, and historic places within North Carolina’s central Piedmont and Sandhills. Contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations make it possible for TRLT to expand public land, save family farms, and protect local waters in our region.
From 1995 to 2018, Three Rivers Land Trust was known as The Landtrust for Central North Carolina. In 2018, the organization rebranded as “Three Rivers Land Trust” (TRLT). At that time, TRLT operated in 10 counties, each of which came into contact with one of the region’s three major rivers – Yadkin-Pee Dee, Uwharrie, and Rocky. In 2019, TRLT merged with the Sandhills Area Land Trust (SALT). Our area of operation expanded to 15 counties and more major rivers, but the name “Three Rivers” remains.
Anson, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Harnett, Hoke, Iredell, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, Scotland, and Stanly.
We work with willing landowners by offering reasonable, attractive options to those who want to save their lands for future generations to enjoy.
Do what you love for a cause you can believe in.
President - Iredell County
Retired Executive VP, Lowe’s
Vice President - Davie County
Retired CEO, Carolina Farm Credit
Secretary - Scotland County
Entrepreneur
Treasurer - Moore County
Retired, U.S. Army
Harnett County
Professor in Wildlife Ecology at Campbell University
Moore County
Retired Military
Rowan County
Attorney
Stanly County
Farmer
Richmond County
City Manager, Rockingham
Rowan County
Vice President of Public Safety, Chief of Police
Davidson County
Vice President, Smith Companies of Lexington
Scotland County
Farmer, Former U.S. Army
Cabarrus County
Former U.S. Army
Iredell County
Owner, Hunter Construction Group
Iredell County
Business Owner
Connected to the Land.
Committed to Conservation.
Executive Director | travis@trlt.org
Senior Land Protection Specialist | emily@trlt.org
Emily began working for Three Rivers Land Trust in February 2021. She attended North Carolina State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in the spring of 2020. Emily graduated from Clemson University with a Masters degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Management in December of 2023. She is also a Certified Associate Wildlife Biologist. Before coming to the Land Trust, she worked on wildlife management projects for private companies and managed the hunting program on a wildlife refuge. As a Montgomery County native, Emily is passionate about conserving the natural lands she has been able to enjoy in the region. In her spare time, Emily is an avid birder and also enjoys hiking, paddling, and baking.
Land Protection Specialist | kyle@trlt.org
Kyle joined TRLT in June of 2023 as a Land Protection Specialist. He graduated from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences, and a minor in Geology. Kyle has worked in a variety of industries, including an environmental specialist, insurance underwriter, and most recently a craft brewer. With a passion for the natural world since childhood, Kyle enjoys all things outdoors, including backpacking, hiking, hunting, and live music. Kyle’s conservation story began when he successfully completed a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2016. This 5-month journey over 2,189 miles had such a tremendous impact on his life and demonstrated the importance of conserving wild spaces. As a native of Salisbury, there is no greater joy to him than being able to work to conserve local lands in the heart of North Carolina.
Conservation Land Manager | katie@trlt.org
Katie began working with TRLT in November of 2021. She received her master’s degree in Wildlife Science from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s in Natural Resource Conservation and Management with a concentration in forestry from Western Carolina University. Katie has prior experience working for the N.C. Forest Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority, where she provided land management information and technical support to forest landowners and wildlife managers. Katie’s interest and expertise is in prescribed fire, applied habitat management, sound forest management, and blending wildlife and forestry objectives. In her free time, Katie enjoys sharing the conservation ethic with others, especially kids, and promoting the wonderful natural resources that our state has to offer.
Senior Stewardship Associate | matthew@trlt.org
Matthew joined TRLT in August of 2022. His current role is the Stewardship Associate. In this role, Matthew makes annual contact with landowners that are enrolled in Three Rivers Conservation Easement Programs to make sure there are no easement violations. Matthew graduated from Gaston Early College High School in Dallas, North Carolina where he gained his associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. From there he received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology at North Carolina State University. Matthew has extensive equipment operating experience along with an understanding of land management best practices that can give landowners insight into what they could potentially need to achieve their land management goals. In his free time, Matthew enjoys hunting, fishing, playing the guitar, and spending time with his family and dog named Gunner.
Sandhills Conservation Coordinator | barry@trlt.org
Barry began working as the Sandhills Conservation Coordinator for Three Rivers Land Trust in April 2023. He is an NC native who grew up in the woods and farmlands surrounding his home in rural Iredell County. He learned much about the outdoors through trial and error and Scouting. After graduating from WCU, Barry served 11 years in the Active Army. After leaving, he worked for the Army in various capacities and remained in the National Guard until retirement. He has worked on land preservation in the area for 12 years. His wife Christine grew up on a small farm in western NC and still works for the US Army. They have three grown children, two boys both on active duty and a daughter pursuing her bachelor’s at UNCW.
Development Associate, Membership | michael@trlt.org
Michael joined TRLT in October of 2023 as a Development Associate. He graduated from UNC Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Born and raised in the dairy state of Wisconsin, Michael has called the Piedmont region of North Carolina home since 2008. He has spent the past three years working as a real estate agent servicing the greater Lake Norman area. An avid hunter and fisherman, Michael enjoys spending his time in the outdoors and has a strong passion for conservation. Growing up working on a dairy farm, Michael understands the importance of family farms and the significance that the agricultural industry as a whole provides to the public. He is thrilled to be able to assist TRLT in their conservation efforts.
Communications Associate | pierce@trlt.org
Pierce joined the TRLT team in February of 2024. Pierce is a multidisciplinary designer, writer, art director and filmmaker who loves collaboration and pushing ideas as far as they can go. Pierce has worked in both agency and in-house environments and has extensive experience in the food and textile industries. In his free time, Pierce loves film, physical fitness, and outdoor adventures.
Development Associate, Local Business | alexis@trlt.org
Alexis joined TRLT in March of 2024. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Biology. She comes to us with several years’ experience working with native wildlife as a zookeeper as well as nonprofit fundraising. Alexis grew up in Stanly County exploring the woods and creek by her home. She has a lifelong passion for the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats. She enjoys being involved in her community and connecting with local businesses who
foster the same desire to conserve our rural landscapes. Alexis enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, and growing her own food and flowers in her garden with her young daughter.
Stewardship Associate | jessie@trlt.org
Jessie Wilson joined TRLT in August of 2024 as a Stewardship Associate. She graduated from UNCW with a Master’s in Environmental Studies, with a concentration in Conservation and Management. Jessie received her Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology from Appalachian State University. A Montgomery County native, Jessie grew up spending her weekends on horseback in the Uwharrie National Forest and “helping” her grandpa drive his boat on Lake Tillery. She is passionate about protecting the beautiful land in the Piedmont region that her family has called home for generations. Today, most weekends still find her in the woods, either riding her horse or hiking with her dog.
Office Manager | tonya@trlt.org
Tonya holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and leadership from Pfeiffer University. She has over nineteen years of experience in fundraising and event management within the nonprofit sector. Passionate about serving her community, Tonya actively volunteers and serves on various community boards. Beyond her professional commitments, she finds joy in gardening, particularly planting flowers, and spending quality time with her family.
Sandhills Stewardship Associate | buren@trlt.org
Buren Fulmer joined Three Rivers as the Sandhills Stewardship Associate in May 2024. Buren is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a Bachelor’s in Natural Resource Management and a concentration in forestry. Buren recently retired from the North Carolina Forest Service, working his entire career in the Sandhills region. Buren’s passion is the longleaf pine ecosystem, with a focus on restoration and prescribed burning. Buren enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.