| 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...
| 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...
| 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
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, ...
| Nathan Phillips, January 2024
Sam Warnock | Aquatic Resources Manager
Sam is dedicated to managing and protecting our aquatic resources, bringing over seven years of expertise in environmental consulting and project management.
| Nathan Phillips, January 2024
Christine Pickens | Executive Director
Dr. Christine Pickens is a wetland ecologist with over 15 years of experience in ecological research, restoration project management, and partnership building on projects in North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio, Georgia, and California.
| Michael Scisco, January 2024
Michael Scisco | Conservation Expert
Michael is a trusted expert contractor that manages our land conservation program. He has spent over 15 years in the non-profit land conservation industry with another 10 years working as a consultant to private landowners for conservation ...