The Beech Creek Bog is quite unusual and nearly unique in the Southern Appalachians. To quote Shawn Oakley of the N. C. Natural Heritage Program, it is a natural site of "national significance" and supports a "globally rare" Southern Appalachian Bog natural community. This bog is the largest and most pristine example of this natural community existing in North Carolina. Lying at elevations between 4600 and 5160 feet above sea level, it is significantly higher than other bogs in the state, and as its small watershed comprises the headwaters of Beech Creek, it is protected from runoff and pollution from adjacent sources.

The Beech Creek Bog tract has:

• The largest population of the rare Bog Clubmoss in North Carolina.

• A breeding population of Alder Flycatcher and Northern Saw-Whet Owl , "significantly rare' species in North Carolina.

• A population of the rare and endangered Gray's Lily.

Further, this tract is adjacent on its western boundary to the Town of Beech Mountain, and much acreage that, though platted, has not been developed into residential areas. The Town of Beech Mountain has developed over the last few years an extensive and quite popular system of walking trails, several of which are near to the Beech Creek Bog property. As the upland portion of the property is not as delicate and easily damaged as the bog itself, the Town of Beech Mountain is interested in extending its walking trails onto this property.

Further, the owner of a tract of approximately 70 acres that lies only yards from the northwestern corner of the bog property in the Beech Creek watershed has pledged to donate a conservation easement on his tract if the Beech Creek Bog can be permanently protected.

Approximately 70% of the Beech Creek Bog natural site is the property of Mr. Dale Hill. This area of 119 acres is has approximately 50 acres of the bog itself and 70 acres of the forested slopes to its west from which much of the water flow that feeds the bog comes. Though there has been minor logging on the slopes early in the twentieth century, the hydrology of the site, and the plant community, is unchanged.
This tract of 119 acres has been appraised by the State of North Carolina as having a land value of $549,000, and that amount of money has been awarded to the DENR Division of Parks and Recreation by the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund for acquisition. The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to add this unique tract to the State's inventory of natural areas and parks as the "Beech Creek Bog State Natural Area". A second appraisal is underway, with results expected in late June.

Mr. Dale Hill, due to the considerable investment in engineering, design, survey, and planning incurred in his proposed development, needs to recover his direct costs, These costs have been documented as being $86,500, exclusive of interest and time invested. These costs are easily justified. Mr. Hill has generously offered to sell the property for $650,000 if closing is by 1 August 2002. Thus the State's offer of $549,000 is roughly $100,000 short of the amount needed to permanently protect this unique tract. Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust, in partnering with the State in this effort, has as its responsibility the raising from private sources these needed funds.

This farm consists of two tracts, as follows:

The Home Place Tract

The "Home Place Tract" of the Vannoys is the former Blackburn Farm, the birthplace of Mrs. Beulah Blackburn Vannoy. This tract is a beautiful 157-acre farmstead lying in a small valley with a spectacular view to the south over the descending ridges of the Blue Ridge mountains. This valley is completely surrounded by low wooded ridges that are part of the property. The farmstead, consisting of the old Blackburn house, barn and a number of smaller structures, dates to the last two decades of the nineteenth century. The major structures are in remarkably good condition, though several small ones are past salvage. This farmstead and its setting is potentially a "Currier & Ives" picture of late nineteenth century life in northwestern North Carolina.

The most important building of the farmstead is the old Blackburn house, dating from about 1880. It is a typical small "I-house" of two stories with a central hall, and with a kitchen wing added to the rear. The brick chimneys and all exterior woodwork are in very good condition and the house is remarkably sound. It is entirely unmodified with the exception of electric service installed in the 1950's. Near the house are the spring house and necessary house, both dating from the early twentieth century, and both in excellent condition, and a granary that is beyond repair.

Approximately 100 yards to the southeast of the house is the large barn dating also from about 1880, a frame structure with central aisle and stalls on the ground floor, hayloft above, and sheds on either side. Though there has been some deterioration of the shed addition to the north, this structure too is in quite good condition. Near it is a smaller frame wagon shed in quite good condition.

Approximately 200 yards northeast of the house is the frame sheep barn, probably dating from about 1900. Though this structure is too deteriorated for salvage or repair, it has on its north-facing roof a fragment of its original chestnut-shake roofing, a virtually unique survival.