Force for Nature: A Campaign to Protect the Triangle’s Land & Water for All

In November 2023, TLC permanently protected 248 acres of forest, wetlands, and streams between Fearrington Village and Jordan Lake — the second largest single acquisition ever in Chatham County. The property protects 7,500 ft of streams that flow into Jordan Lake.

TLC’s Pathways Into Natural Environments and Science fellowship for Knightdale High School students is about to enter its sixth year. With campaign support, the conservation job training program has grown to include summer internships and increased alumni engagement and mentoring.

In December 2025, TLC protected 75 acres on the Ayers Family Farm — the first TLC-purchased agricultural easement in Lee County.

When Tropical Storm Chantal barreled through the Triangle in July 2025, campaign funds helped TLC staff respond immediately to trail and infrastructure damage, including rebuilding the bridge at Brumley South.

In May 2025, TLC permanently protected 40 acres of Walton Farm, one of the last large working farms in Raleigh, through a historic conservation easement near William B. Umstead State Park.

In June 2026, TLC opened our 8th public nature preserve – Old Creedmoor Nature Preserve in northern Wake County. The 65 acres offer hiking and mountain biking and safeguard natural resources that filter water flowing into Falls Lake.

East of I-95 is a vast wilderness with extensive mature cypress forests, wetlands, sloughs, and levees. The Lowgrounds have been a conservation priority for more than 35 years, and campaign support allowed TLC to protect more than 1,700 acres in this ecologically significant area.

With campaign support for increased staff capacity, TLC has been conducting more prescribed burns, which improve wildlife habitat, promote fire-adapted plants, and increase ecosystem diversity.

In 2024 TLC purchased the 308-acre Rose Dairy Farm in Johnston County with the help of campaign funds. The property will eventually open as Johnston County's first nature preserve.