Updates & News
Learn about our latest restoration & conservation efforts and discover how healthy land & aquatic resources benefit our communities across the US
| Michael Scisco, April 2024
Conservation Offers a Strong ROI for Land Planners
Conservation efforts have historically been viewed through a narrow lens, primarily focused on environmental stewardship. This perspective, while critical for the protection of our planet's natural habitats and biodiversity, only scratches ...
| Sam Warnock, April 2024
Securing the Food Supply by Preserving Local Farmland
Many global challenges include climate change, population growth, and economic instability. However, the preservation of local farmland emerges as a linchpin in the quest for sustainability and resilience.
| Michael Scisco, April 2024
How Open Spaces Impact Property Values
Open spaces, such as parks, green belts, and protected natural areas, significantly influence the value of residential and commercial properties. Numerous studies and reports have highlighted the positive correlation between proximity to op...
| Michael Scisco, April 2024
Conservation in Every Listing: A Short Guide for Real Estate Agents
You may not know that real estate agents can incorporate conservation strategies when dealing with land plots as small as 10+ acres. However, these conservation initiatives enhance the property’s marketability and value. At the same time, t...
| Christine Pickens, March 2024
The State of Wetlands in the US
Historically, wetlands were misunderstood and undervalued, often dismissed as mere wastelands. This misconception led to widespread practices of filling them in or using them as dumping sites. However, our contemporary understanding has evo...
| Sam Warnock, March 2024
How Healthy Trees Can Boost Property Values & Reduce Costs
In the realm of real estate, a green landscape can significantly enhance the value of a property. Beyond mere aesthetics, trees play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of residential and commercial areas.
| Christine Pickens, March 2024
Exploring the Diverse Ecosystem & Wildlife of the Deep River
Rivers are not just conduits of life-sustaining water; they are also bustling ecosystems teeming with diverse wildlife. From the majestic bald eagle to the sleek river otter, free-flowing rivers provide habitats for an abundance of species....
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
French Quarter Creek | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Total Acres 440.49 Project Year N/A Located in the Edisto River Basin of Berkeley SC The French Quarter Creek mitigation project provides restoration and enhancement of approximately 94.39 acres of bottomland hardwood, the enhancement of ap...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Cash for Land: Types of Grant Funding for Land Planners & Managers
The realm of real estate development is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and community welfare. Grant funding is one of the most promising avenues for developers looking to create positive contributions to the com...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Opportunities for Real Estate Developers in North Carolina's Conservation Efforts
Last year marked a significant turning point for many real estate developers in North Carolina. It was the start of an era where the paths of development and environmental conservation not only met but intertwined, offering a golden opportu...
| Christine Pickens, February 2024
Rivers Through the Seasons: A Majestic Journey of Flowing Water
Rivers are part of the fundamental support system for our environment and an essential part of the framework for economies and societies worldwide. Their importance cannot be overstated, yet their significance is often overlooked. In this b...
| Christine Pickens, February 2024
How Healthy Rivers Impact Us & Our Local Communities
Rivers are the lifeblood of our communities, providing invaluable benefits that extend far beyond their flowing waters. In the United States, a network of rivers crisscrosses the landscape, offering many advantages to both people, the econo...
| Nathan Phillips, February 2024
Boiling Spring Wilderness Receives the Third Largest Grant in NC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3rd Largest Grant in 2023 Awarded By State to Fund Conservation of 978 Acres of Boiling Spring Wilderness The North Carolina Land and Water Fund Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday, September 20th to award Unique Plac...
| Sam Warnock, February 2024
A History of Land Trusts in North Carolina
North Carolina, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the coastal plains in the east, has an incredible range of unique places worth saving. Despite the modern form of land conservation being rela...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Cate's Farm Farmland Conservation
Unique Places to Save partnered with the City of Mebane to assist with their master planning process that garnered community input for this remarkable rural property as part of their park concept. Unique Places to Save partnered with the Ci...
| Nathan Phillips, February 2024
Box Creek Wilderness Land Preservation
Unique Places To Save Provided Online Technology to Help Prevent a Power Line Over One of the Largest Natural Heritage Areas in North Carolina Unique Places To Save conducted an online outreach and education campaign in coordination with ou...
| Nathan Phillips, February 2024
Alligator Creek Restoration & Conservation Project
Unique Places to Save currently working to increase ecological diversity and recreation opportunities along the Brunswick and Lower Cape Fear Rivers. The Alligator Creek Restoration and Conservation Project, funded by the National Fish and ...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Why Conservation Matters during North Carolina’s Rapid Growth Phase
North Carolina has abundant natural resources that contribute significantly to the state's economy, environment, and overall quality of life. Our state's landscapes provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation, improved water quality, ...
| Sam Warnock, February 2024
Capturing the Beauty of Rivers: An Introductory Guide for Photographers
Rivers, ever-changing and full of life, open a world of opportunities for new and experienced photographers alike. Each day brings a new scene, a different mood, and a story waiting to be told. In this short guide, we'll dive into practical...
| Sam Warnock, February 2024
Waterfowl Hunting & Healthy Rivers: Sustaining a Tradition for All Ages
Waterfowl hunting, often embraced as a heritage sport, transcends mere recreation, especially in the context of environmental conservation. At the heart of this activity lies the health of our river ecosystems, which are crucial for sustain...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Knob Creek | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Total Acres 16.04 Project Year 2017 Located in the French Broad River Basin of Yancey County NC
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Twiman | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Total Acres 29.88 Project Year 2019 Located in the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin of Yadkin County NC The Twiman Conservation Mitigation Easement is located in a rural area near Boonville, NC between cattle pastures and agricultural fields. The...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Compass Point | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Total Acres 16.46 Project Year 2019 Located in the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin of Yadkin County NC The Compass Point Conservation Mitigation Easement is located on a cattle farm near Boonville, NC. There are three stream reaches that converg...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
Critcher Brothers | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Total Acres 72.46 Project Year 2020 Located in the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin of Wilkes County NC The Critcher Brothers Conservation Easement encompasses a large portion of the South Fork of Fishing Creek Watershed. Land uses surrounding th...
| Michael Scisco, February 2024
O’Berry Road | Conservation Mitigation Easement
Total Acres 28.9 Project Year 2022 Located in the Neuse River Basin of Wayne County North Carolina The major goals of the the O’Berry Road Conservation Mitigation Easement proposed buffer mitigation and nutrient offset project are to provid...