Over five years ago, the Hedrick family in Davidson County set out to ensure their family farm would remain undeveloped forever. With the help of Three Rivers Land Trust on October 21, 2025, the family’s conservation goal was achieved. The entire 367-acre Hedrick family farm is now permanently conserved.

TRLT first helped protect Stanley’s 121 acres of the farm in late 2023. Now, the remaining 246 acres are permanently protected by Dwight Jr. and Patricia, closing the final chapter on this family farm. The land has been in the Hedrick family for over 65 years, and the three siblings were inspired to conserve it to honor their parents Beulah and Dwight Hedrick Sr.

Davidson County is heavily impacted by the increased population growth from the triad, making this project all the more important in conserving the remaining rural lands in Davidson County The farm comprises 75% prime or statewide important soils, meaning those soils are 2-3 times more productive than marginal soils.

“This project’s completion has been a longtime goal for the Hedrick family,” says TRLT Senior Land Protection Specialist Kyle Shores. “We are excited to have helped the family achieve their conservation vision for their property. Funds for the purchase of this conservation easement were provided by the NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.

“The completion of this project accomplishes two of TRLT’s major missions in saving family farms and protecting local waters” states Executive Director Travis Morehead. The conservation of this farm also protects over three miles of linear stream frontage on Fourmile Branch and its tributaries.”

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 Hedrick Family, and Three Rivers Land Trust members.