Along Panther Creek’s banks, one landowner has decided to conserve a piece of family land that holds special value for wildlife and the people who grew up loving it. Landowners Susan and David Davis have partnered with Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT) to conserve 75 acres in Randolph County, helping ensure its mixed hardwood forests and wildlife habitat remain undeveloped forever.

The property features mixed aged hardwood forests and over 900 feet of frontage on Panther Creek. Panther Creek feeds into Richland Creek before emptying into the Deep River. As avid birders, the Davis family deeply appreciates the wildlife that depends on the property and the habitat it provides. A favorite family pastime is to sit on the shores of Panther Creek and listen to the different bird species. Now that the property is permanently conserved, future generations can continue to enjoy that peaceful pastime.

The family’s decision to conserve the land was motivated by their love of wildlife and a desire to keep their family land undeveloped. Having witnessed how quickly development can change the surrounding landscape, they wanted to help ensure the property’s natural character and the resources it provides to local species remain intact.

“This land has always been important to our family. We knew we wanted to see it remain a place where wildlife can thrive. Every day we see more wildlife habitat and forest lost to development. Knowing this property is conserved gives us peace of mind. Our much-loved land and the habitat it provides will be here for future generations,” said Susan and David Davis.

“The Davis’s commitment to their land and the wildlife that call it home made this meaningful conservation partnership,” said Jessica Wilson, Land Protection Specialist at Three Rivers Land Trust. “By permanently protecting these 75 acres along Panther Creek, they are safeguarding important forest habitat and ensuring this family land can continue to support wildlife for generations to come.”

Three Rivers Land Trust is committed to working with private landowners and conservation supporters across central North Carolina to conserve the lands, farms, waters, and wildlife habitat that define our region. Together, we can keep rural lands rural for future generations.