0325-GCG-FoothillsConservancy_ESG25_12-18 (2) - Flipbook - Page 8
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
A letter from our
Executive
Director
Dear Friends,
It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the
advocates, and leaders who saw what was at stake
people who have shaped Foothills Conservancy
and refused to let Lake James follow the path of
of North Carolina over the past 30 years. This
overdevelopment. It was the perfect introduction to
organization was built by individuals who poured their
how this work really happens: through trust, creativity,
hearts into protecting the places they love—people
and persistence.
like founding director Susie Hamrick Jones and board
member Marsha Riddle, who helped turn a grassroots
idea into something lasting and strong. The same is
true of our staff, past and present, who have carried
this mission forward with such dedication. And, of
course, none of our work would be possible without
our donors, foundation and funding partners, and the
many agencies, groups, and community members
who share our belief that protecting land and water
bene昀椀ts everyone. Conservation is, at its core, a team
effort, and we have an incredible team.
My own story with Foothills Conservancy began over
twenty years ago, when I walked into our old West
Union Street of昀椀ce to introduce myself to Susie and
Land Protection Director Tom Kenney. I had just 昀椀nished
my master’s in range and forest science at Utah State
University, and while my wife and I had a newborn at
home, I didn’t have a job yet—just a deep desire to work
Today, Foothills Conservancy protects more than
74,000 acres across Western North Carolina. In 2025, we
celebrated the Gillespie Gap acquisition, constructed
miles of public trail, acquired 1,600 acres to expand
our Pinnacle Mountains Preserve, advanced innovative
community programs at Oak Hill Community Park and
Forest, and rallied together for post–Hurricane Helene
restoration efforts. Each project, whether restoring a
stream, building a trail, or launching a farm program,
shows what’s possible when people care deeply and
think creatively about conservation.
As we look ahead, I’m 昀椀lled with the same excitement I
felt on my 昀椀rst day here. We’re still thinking big, acting
boldly, and staying rooted in relationships. Together,
we’ll continue protecting the forests, waters, and
working lands that make this region home—for us and
for generations to come.
in conservation. After a long conversation about land
Thank you for being our partner in conservation. Your
management, Tom called me later that day to offer
support makes everything we do possible.
a stewardship internship through AmeriCorps Project
Conserve. Neither of us could have guessed we’d still be
working together two decades later.
Early on, I witnessed the power of partnership through
our work at Wilson Creek and Lake James. When I
attended a celebration for the 3,000-acre expansion
that became the Paddy’s Creek side of Lake James
State Park, I was an intern standing among neighbors,
2
Andrew Kota
Executive Director
