2013 was a very successful year for the Davidson Lands Conservancy. As the year draws to a close, I’d like to look back at the accomplishments of the past year, and look ahead to 2014.
Your Davidson Lands Conservancy permanently protected nearly 100 acres of land in the Davidson area in 2013, making 2013 our most successful year for conservation ever.
Over 50 acres of pristine woodlands were protected on the east side of Davidson in the Runneymede community. This property features mature hardwoods, large rock outcroppings, and the main branch of the Rocky River.
We placed two new properties under permanent protection in December. A 25 acre parcel just outside of Davidson is now conserved in perpetuity thanks to the efforts of the Davidson Lands Conservancy, and the desire of the family to protect their property from development. This property features a large stand of regionally rare orchids.
Literally at the end of 2013 – at around 4 p.m. on the 31st to be exact – the Davidson Lands Conservancy took ownership of 10 acres just east of Davidson. This property was placed under conservation easement and donated to the Davidson Lands Conservancy. This parcel features fields, forest, and a small stream with a wetland area, and it is the first property that is actually owned by the Davidson Lands Conservancy.
Our efforts to introduce and educate the community about the benefits of conservation continue to grow. Our World of Wonder (WOW) program has grown to includes hundreds of families. WOW has a booth most Saturdays at the Davidson Farmers Market, and sponsors many outings including hikes and stargazing events.
The Davidson Lands Conservancy also sponsored several events in 2013 designed to get people outside and enjoying nature: several hikes and birdwatching walks, star gazing, and a camp out at Fisher Farm Park. All of these events remind people why the DLC exists: to protect the places we love.
A group of volunteers interested in tree planting organized under the ‘TreesDavidson’ moniker, and this group was incubated by the Davidson Lands Conservancy. TreesDavidson had 3 planting events in Davidson, and planted nearly 100 trees in the Westside Terrace and McConnell neighborhoods. I encourage you to drive through these neighborhoods this coming Spring to enjoy these beautiful trees.
Finally, our signature fundraising event, Run for Green/Green Day, was very successful, raising over $25,000, a record for this event. In its 8th year, Run for Green attracted over 800 runners, and was supported by our new title sponsor, MSC Industrial Direct of Davidson. The Green Day Sustainability Festival continued to grow, with nearly 30 exhibitors.
2014 promises to be another exciting year for the DLC as we continue to work to protect new properties and to spread the message about the benefits of conservation. We will continue to consider opportunities to promote conservation.
I thank you for your interest in the Davidson Lands Conservancy. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining the DLC by clicking on the ‘DONATE NOW’ button. As you can see, your support benefits great causes in our community.
Thank You!
Rodney Graham, President