First Days at Unique Places to Save

My first day in the field as a Conservation Specialist took me to Jigsaw, a 21.54-acre conservation easement property immediately adjacent to a working farm. This property is a mix of mature forested stream buffer and restored in-stream habitat along Second Creek. The creek itself is a beautiful rocky waterway, and the forested buffer is vital for improving water quality as Second Creek flows into High Rock Lake, a major reservoir for Davidson and Rowan counties in North Carolina.

Upon arriving at Jigsaw, I was immediately struck by the bright greenery taking full effect this growing season. It's an area where nature is in charge, and it's exactly what you want to see in a conservation easement. The forested buffer does more than just frame the creek; it actively contributes to the water quality and provides a safe corridor for wildlife, connecting fragmented forested areas nearby. This connectivity is essential for safe wildlife passage and helps maintain biodiversity in the region. Jigsaw is a great example of how working land and conservation can coexist in harmony. While the Jigsaw conservation easement primarily focuses on the preservation of the natural environment, it also complements the surrounding working lands. Jigsaw not only enhances the local ecosystem, but also supports the agricultural activities nearby by promoting cleaner waterways and healthier soil.

Walking through the property with Michael, the Co-Executive Director, was the perfect experience for my second day with Unique Places to Save. We spent most of our time walking along the boundary of the easement. The terrain was flat and enjoyable, but the underbrush was thick in places, which meant crossing through some brambles and navigating forest areas. This wasn't a leisurely stroll in the park; more so an immersive experience of seeing nature take its course without human impact, which is what makes it such a valuable piece of land.

Michael and I talked a lot during the walk, discussing my role and how my skills could contribute to the organization's work. It was a great opportunity to understand his vision for the organization and the importance of properties like Jigsaw in our broader conservation efforts. He emphasized how the easement not only protects the immediate environment but also supports the larger ecosystem by improving water quality and providing habitat connectivity.

A small but memorable moment was spotting a turtle near the creek. It was a simple reminder of why this work matters—protecting spaces where wildlife can thrive undisturbed. Seeing that turtle made it clear that even though our efforts might seem small in the grand scheme of things, they have a direct impact on the living creatures that rely on these habitats.

The Jigsaw property is a perfect example of conservation in action when combined with working lands. It's not just about preserving a piece of land; it's about preserving a living, breathing environment that supports native species and contributes to the health of the broader landscape. While beautiful and serene, the forested stream buffer along Second Creek does much more than provide solace and raise property value. The mature trees and dense underbrush play an active role in filtering the water that feeds into High Rock Lake, supporting both the immediate environment and the larger community that depends on this water source.

Overall, my first day in the field at Jigsaw was both informative and inspiring. It was a hands-on introduction to the type of work I'll be doing and the places I'll be helping to protect. Conservation is not just about keeping areas green; but about understanding and preserving the complex interactions within ecosystems. Jigsaw may just be one property, but it's a crucial piece of the larger puzzle in environmental conservation.