"The land trust movement is not a new one. It started in the 1970s and gained momentum in the 1980s as urban sprawl began to develop at an ever-increasing pace. Today, there are hundreds of land trusts across the United States that are protecting thousands of acres of land. On Saturday, June 6, the Mast Store in Winston-Salem will host volunteers from the Piedmont Land Conservancy and at the end of the day will donate 20% of the day’s sales to help with their conservation efforts.
The Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) serves nine North Carolina counties encompassing the Triad area. Since its founding 25 years ago, PLC has protected over 22,000 acres. Some of the land protected includes working farms like the Goat Lady Dairy Farm and the Emily Allen Wildflower Garden. By utilizing conservation easements, the PLC has helped expand state parks, protect historic sites, and provide greenways – all ways to connect people to the region’s land heritage and nature in general.
How Do You Benefit from the Work of Land Trusts?
Participation in a land trust is an individual, personal decision, but there are many benefits that can be enjoyed by the entire community.
Here’s an astonishing number – 5,000. That’s how many acres of land we lose on a daily basis to development. Orchards, farms, meadows, pastures, wetlands – they are all included. The loss of the open spaces and farmland has a cascading effect on all of us.
Prairies, forests, and natural habitats absorb 15% of our carbon dioxide. Our population, which increasingly lives in metropolitan areas, is losing its connection with nature. The risk of obesity and other sedentary health problems are increasing because children, and adults, spend so little time outside. With increased development and population growth, clean water and farms are at risk.
A land trust can help individuals, families, businesses, and communities take steps to ensure that the land is there for us, our children, and our children’s children. The impact of their work can help family farms remain productive and in the family or ensure that the habitat for a rare species of plant will remain intact.
Studies have shown that those who have contact with nature are healthier. It helps you connect with other people, reduces stress levels, and increases your appreciation of your community. With 80% of the population living in metropolitan areas, it is important to plan and establish parks, trails, greenways, and community gardens, which can help people live longer, healthier lives.
Stop by the Mast Store in Winston-Salem on June 6 to learn more about what the Piedmont Land Conservancy is doing in the local area and how you can get involved. For more information about Land Trust Day, visit www.MastGeneralStore.com or about the Conservancy, click on www.PiedmontLand.org."
- A Press Release