How PLC Protects

The ecological riches of the Piedmont include the many natural elements such as native wildlife and plant species (some now rare or endangered), fertile soils, forests, rivers, streams, and wetlands that by thriving together create the setting of our daily lives.

It is these and other ecological riches that define the high “quality of life” enjoyed by the Piedmont’s communities. They have also helped make the Piedmont an economic destination and home to an ever increasing population.

While it is easy to overlook the significance of these ecological riches to our daily lives, we must not. If we do, we threaten the basic elements we all need to survive – clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, and fresh food to eat. In colloquial terms, we foul our own nests.

As our communities continue to grow at unprecedented rates – the 2000 US Census predicted a 50% population increase in North Carolina by 2030 – they expand into the surrounding rural areas resulting in loss of open spaces, forests, and scenic areas, increased pollution of our rivers, streams and air, and threats to the viability of family farms.

What does this mean to our daily lives?

  • Loss of forests means poorer air quality since trees filter carbon dioxide, particulates and other compounds associated with emissions from sources like motor vehicles and industries;
  • Loss of forests adjacent to streams means impaired water quality and higher drinking water costs. Sediment, pollutants and excess nutrients from adjoining lands not filtered out before entering our rivers
    and streams must be filtered by water treatment facilities; and
  • Conversion of fertile agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses means that access to locally produced fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and dairy products will be diminished.

PLC works with willing landowners who voluntarily protect their land’s fertile soils, water resources, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and other ecological riches that then benefit the public. Between 1990 and 2006, these efforts enhanced the region’s “quality of life” by

  • Protecting 16 natural heritage sites that provide habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species including several rare and endangered species;
  • Protecting more than 13,200 acres of land, including over 51 miles of river and stream frontage;
  • Increasing the acreage available for public recreational activities including canoeing, hiking, hunting, fishing, and bird-watching by more than 4,300 acres; and
  • Protecting more than 2,800 acres of farmland within the region.

Simultaneously growth has continued to impact the region.

  • Between 1990 and 2000, Greensboro grew by 1,595 acres per year and Winston-Salem grew by 2,416 acres per year while their populations increased by 22% and 30% respectively (Greensboro City Book, 2003);
  • Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham Counties farmland decreased by 9% or 167,000 acres between 1974 and 1997 (US Census Bureau, 1997 Agriculture Census and Greensboro City Book, 2003); and
  • Between 2000 and 2005, impaired stream miles increased from 166 to 892 (NC Division of Water Quality, 303(d) lists).

Today, the need for our region’s communities to balance conservation and growth and fully recognize the needs and realities of both is greater than ever. The Piedmont’s “quality of life” that generations have enjoyed proves the land can sustain us. However, neither its resources nor its capacity for regeneration are infinite. If we do not act now, the consequences of our region’s growth will result in further degradation of air and water quality, diminishment of native wildlife, and the demise of the very heritage that has defined the region.

PLC and our partners are working to protect the nature of the Piedmont, to balance preservation and growth. Please join us as a supporter, a landowner, and/or a volunteer.