On June 9^th, 2025 Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT) protected a 298-acre farm in Robeson County, NC. This working forestland conservation easement not only protects the timber resources on the property, but continues the legacy started by the Caldwell- Dietzel Family over 200 years ago.

In 1811, John W. Caldwell and his wife Nancy Hartfield moved from the Kinston, North Carolina to the Raft Swamp area of Robeson County near Lumberton. There they purchased six hundred acres of land. Seven generations and 214 years later, 306 acres still remain in the family’s ownership, stewarded by Joe and Rosalie Dietzel and their son Charles Dietzel. Now, thanks to the landowner’s foresight and Three Rivers Land Trust, that land will always remain undeveloped. It will never become a neighborhood, covered in houses or asphalt, or developed as a commercial site. Instead, this property will continue to showcase the family’s longstanding connection to agriculture and the land itself.

Once, over two hundred acres of tobacco was cultivated on the property. Today, the land is covered in longleaf and loblolly pines. Though the plants are different, they are no less valued or cared for. In fact, the landowners have been recognized by the North Carolina Forest Service for their incredible efforts to steward the property. Additionally, the landowners received a unique distinction from the Longleaf Alliance by being the first from Robeson County to be included in the “Longleaf Honor Roll”. “The Dietzel family are remarkable stewards of their land and are deeply committed to its permanent conservation.”, states Emily Callicutt, TRLT, Director of Conservation.

The Caldwell- Dietzel Family has a list of goals for their property, and key among them is keeping the land in the family. It is a rare thing to know that the soil under your feet carried your ancestors and will carry your family into the future. “We are deeply honored and humbled to be able to continue the agricultural legacy of John and Nancy and to pass that legacy on to our descendants.” states landowner Joe Dietzel.

“Saving family farms is one of our core missions,” stated Travis Morehead, TRLT, Executive Director. “We understand the significance of agriculture in North Carolina and are proud to help this family conserve their land.”

Three Rivers Land Trust is grateful for the landowners and our funding partners that made this project a reality. This project was made possible in part by the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFP), SC Johnson, Chick-fil-A, the Caldwell-Dietzel Family, and Three Rivers Land Trust members.