The LandTrust for Central North Carolina is excited to announce the purchase and protection of two new properties in May. The first of these is Buzzard Mountain in Montgomery County. This 45-acre property is an iconic county landmark, situated prominently on the side of Highway 24/27 and is the viewshed seen when driving into Montgomery County from Stanly County as you cross over Swift Island Bridge. The second property is the Cagle Property in Montgomery County. This 20-acre property possesses over half a mile of river frontage on the Uwharrie River and adjoins 1,288 acres already owned by The LandTrust for Central NC, more commonly known as the Low Water Bridge Preserve.

 Of the Buzzard Mountain acquisition, Executive Director Travis Morehead states “This is a significant acquisition for The LandTrust. This property is at the southern end of the Uwharrie Trail, and could eventually become an extension of the trail, providing for more public recreation opportunities. The views from atop Buzzard Mountain are remarkable, as well.”

This forested tract of land provides a scenic viewshed along the NC Scenic Byway of Highway 24/27. A variety of diverse wildlife utilize the property, which adjoins additional Uwharrie National Forest land. There are unique rock outcrops found on the property, as well. Thanks to the Blair Family and conservation supporters of The LandTrust, this property is now permanently protected for future generations to enjoy.

The Cagle Property is a tract of young hardwoods, and possesses the unique and uncommon yellow lady slipper flower. The Cagle Property is one of only a handful of sites in the Uwharries that has the beautiful flower, which is now in bloom.

“The acquisition of the Cagle Property is an incredible asset to the land protection work we have been doing on the Uwharrie River,” states Executive Director Travis Morehead. “Adding onto where we have already protected lands provides us with greater conservation value for our efforts. We would like to thank the Cagle’s for providing us with this great opportunity.”

The Smithfield Agreement Environmental Enhancement Grant Program, administered through the North Carolina Attorney General’s office (NCAG), provided funding for the Cagle acquisition.

The LandTrust works hard to secure these grants to continue important land protection work in a 10-county region of Piedmont North Carolina. The grant funding for this project goes towards the purchase of property and does not go towards The LandTrust’s operational budget. The LandTrust is proud to further conservation efforts in this critical part of the state and invites you to join us in our conservation mission by becoming a member of The LandTrust for Central NC today.