0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 11
2024 Impact Report
211 ACRES
Expanding the
Buffalo Cove
Game Land
Green Rock Creek
By Ian Spinelli
Marketing and Development Manager
Have you ever been to a place where just being there
makes you instantly feel better?
Sitting in the back seat of the conservancy’s Subaru
Forester, we turn off of a paved road onto a gravel
road that eventually turns to dirt. We drive past a
church, a bit later, a couple of homes and a farm.
Then, the road disappears altogether as the Subaru
works its way through the brush and around a bend
that opens up to a stunning view of a meadow valley
surrounded by mountains.
Within these natural communities is also a lack of
human disturbance and invasive species. Typically,
granitic domes and related natural community types
in areas with excellent views have high levels of
human disturbances. In these cases, plant diversity
and cover decline, and weedy, invasive species
can spread. But on Big Joe Mountain and Little Joe
Mountain, the habitats show little human disturbance,
no trash, and few invasive species. Those invasive
species that do occur are typically found on the
periphery of the unique habitats. Their threat is real,
which is why Foothills Conservancy of NC can make a
difference as stewards of the land.
The Brushy Mountains, which stretch from Lenoir
to Elkin, have many other hidden gems and form
a contiguous belt of forested landscape as well.
As such, the Brushies have a high potential for
conservation and land protection as well as the
potential for 昀椀nding new rare species. Fortunately, its
heart – Big Joe Mountain and Little Joe Mountain – is
already protected.
The vehicle shuts off, and I can barely open the door
because I have to physically push it against the brush
to get out. As I climb around the vehicle, I suddenly
stop. Joy washes over me as I absorb the sights,
sounds, and smells of this delightful landscape.
Pulling the photo equipment out of the trunk, my
ears tune into the sounds of thousands of insects
reverberating through the valley. It’s a unique
combination of peace amidst the harmonious
din of nature.
About 400 feet from where the car is parked, with
camera in hand, Tom, our land protection director,
and I make our way into the tall grasses. Tom points
out native grasses and plant life that is about to
bloom. We pause to take in the view. Looking down the
valley, we see the wind move through the trees.
We continue our short trek to the tree line, avoiding as
many thorny blackberry plants as we can along the
way, and 昀椀nd a gap in the trees to get to the creek.
Crossing from open meadow into the sanctuary of the
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