The Preserves

Through the efforts of the NC Plant Conservation Program, 35 of the listed plant species are now protected on 18 NCPCP preserves on a total of nearly 12,000 acres:

· Bat Fork & Ochlawaha Bogs – Henderson Co.

· Tater Hill – Watauga Co.

· Paddy Mountain – Ashe Co.

· Melrose Mountain – Polk Co

· White Oak Mountain – Polk Co.

· Cedar Cliff – Jackson Co. 

· Dulany Bog – Jackson Co.    

· Eno River Diabase Sill – Durham Co.

· Hebron Road  – Durham Co.

· Harvest Field  – Randolph Co.

· Long Mountain Slopes/Poison Fork – Montgomery Co.

· Denson’s Creek – Montgomery Co

· Mineral Springs Barrens – Union Co

· Pondberry Bay – Sampson Co.

· Boiling Spring Lakes – Brunswick Co.

· Hog Branch Ponds – Brunswick Co.

· Big Pond Bay – Cumberland Co.

· Eastwood – Moore Co.

Sadly, most of our endangered, threatened, and special concern plants are not on preserves and remain unprotected in spite of their official listing.

Definitions

Preserve:  acreage purchased by the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program because it represents imperiled habitat and is home to one or more endangered or threatened species.

In order to protect our native plants, visits to NCPCP preserves are limited to those with a permit.  The Friends of Plant Conservation occasionally visit preserves under the leadership of NCPCP staff, and there is a Preserve Stewards  program under development.  Preserve Stewards keep an eye on a property, notifying staff when maintenance is required and assisting when possible.

A preserve differs from other state-owned lands:

State Park - State Parks are expected to possess both significant natural resource values and significant recreational values. State Parks are expected to

accommodate the development of facilities, but may vary in the extent of development depending upon what can be provided without damage to the scenic or natural features.

State Natural Area - focused on preserving and protecting areas of scientific, aesthetic, or ecological value. Facilities are limited to those needed for interpretation, protection, and minimum maintenance. Generally, recreational and public use facilities such as camping, swimming, picnicking and the like are not provided. 

State Recreation Area - primary purpose is outdoor recreation rather than preservation.  

While NCPCP Preserves

belong to the citizens of North Carolina, they have no facilities, no trails, and there are currently no maps.  Visits to these sites require a permit and are best conducted by a guide familiar with the site.

For more information contact

Rob Evans

NC Plant Conservation Program

919-733-3610 ext. 249