Three Rivers Land Trust Awarded $250,000 to Fund Wetland Conservation Project in Robeson County

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) announced awards for its 2025 U.S. small proposals grant cycle on February 26th, and TRLT was pleased to be one of the 22 projects in the country that was selected for funding. TRLT’s project was also the only project selected in North Carolina and one of the only two projects selected in all the southeastern United States.

TRLT’s grant award will help to fund the purchase of a conservation easement to protect a 220-acre wetland in Robeson County. This conservation easement purchase along the Big Swamp includes around 4.3 miles of stream frontage on Big Swamp and its tributaries. This wetland lies within the Lumber River basin, as Big Swamp eventually confluences with the Lumber River.

This property has exceptionally high biodiversity and is a conservation priority, according to the N.C. Natural Heritage program. This project is also directly adjacent to over 2,200 acres of land that is destined for public use and is protected by a previously funded NAWCA grant. “Protecting local waters is a key component of Three Rivers Land Trust’s mission,” states Director of Conservation, Emily Callicutt. “Being awarded funding to purchase a conservation easement on this wetland will be immensely beneficial in improving water quality for wildlife and residents alike.

We are grateful to the landowners who have committed to conserving their properties through this federal grant funding.” “Being able to protect such a highly biodiverse habitat is such a fantastic conservation win,” states Land Protection Specialist, Kyle Shores. “Especially when considering this site adjoins another large protected tract, this funding will help to ensure thousands of unfragmented acres for wildlife to thrive on in perpetuity.”

To speak with a land trust representative about options to conserve your property, or to support Three Rivers Land Trust in their conservation mission, please contact Emily Callicutt, Director of Conservation, at emily@trlt.org or 704-647-0302.