As a kid growing up in Guilford County, I often worked on my fathers farm during the summers. I grew to appreciate and love the farmlands and countryside of North Carolina. Today, to no ones surprise, much of this farmland has been lost and gobbled up by urban sprawl.

The western mountains of North Carolina are seeing a version of this growth, most of which is uncontrolled and unregulated. The Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust has the means through which preservation of lands in our mountain corner of our state can be obtained.

I am pleased to be a part of this community based organization that works to educate landowners, developers and the public on creative means by which we can conserve our farmlands and native habitats.