The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia
Thursday, 23 December 2021 16:19

Foothills Land Conservancy saved some green in 2021

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Pictured Just a few of the many handmade bird boxes placed throughout the property by Mr. Savage 

Maryville-based FLC is finalizing this year’s remaining land preservation projects

 

131 acres in Jefferson County, TN, now preserved!


Left: Outstanding views atop this recently preserved property with cosmos blooms in foreground.
Middle: Spring-fed pond on the property.
Right: Mature forest on the west side of the property.  Touch here for additional images

To date in 2021, FLC has worked with landowners to assist in the conservation of over 1,300 acres. It anticipates a few thousand more acres protected by year's end.

Highlights from the past year

Glenn and Katie Savage are two of FLC’s newest friends and partners in land conservation.

They recently placed a conservation easement on their 131-acre property, affectionately named Dancing Winds Wildlife Sanctuary and Arboretum, which is “dedicated to the preservation and protection of God’s glorious creations — plants and animals.” 

Glenn has cultivated over 400 different types of trees which are planted across the property and lovingly tends his home garden full of a variety of beautiful and unique flowers.

The Savages have several fields planted in corn/grain sorghum as well as a variety of oaks and other mast-producing trees to supplement the diet of the countless white-tailed deer and turkeys that call their property home. 

Glen and Katie are also avid birdwatchers and provide many types of feeders for their winged backyard visitors. The Savages say that protecting their beloved property and knowing that it will forever remain a safe haven for wildlife has given them peace of mind, and Glenn hopes in the future to convince some of his neighbors to partner with FLC to protect their land, too. 
Tap here for additional images

Landowner Glen Savage and FLC Biologist Shelby Lyn Sanders place FLC conservation easement boundary signs along the property. 768x558

Majestic 48 acre tract in Sevier County, TN, now permanently protected!

Almost 90 percent of the property remains in woodland while 10 percent is in open fields. The property’s forests, pastures, and the edges created where these cover types meet provide ample and diverse habitat for wildlife. 

Species noted on the property included eastern chipmunk, spring peeper, eastern gray squirrel, and 13 species of birds, one of which is a neotropical migrant. Because the property exists as part of a much larger contiguous forest, several other neotropical migrants are highly likely to be found here, as this is considered a preferred habitat for these species during the breeding season.

Within 10 miles, there are six tracts (totaling about 853 acres) protected by conservation easements held by the Conservancy.

Additional 2021 completed projects

  • Blount County farm now permanently protected. In August, FLC partnered with a landowner to place a conservation easement agreement on their farm. This diverse property includes a mix of agricultural land, forest, and scenic open space.
  • 128 acres in Roane County now permanently protected. Property features include mature oak-hickory forest, intermittent woodland streams, and open pastureland. This natural area provides for terrestrial and aquatic habitat for interesting plants, migratory birds, and lots of white-tailed deer.
  • A 640+ acre farm in Hickman County, KY consisting of cultivated cropland, small creeks, and small wooded areas. The property is located within 20 miles of the Mississippi River.
  • A 100 acre property in Chatham County, NC that consists of mixed hardwood-pine forest, saplings, and shrubs along with several fields which are also growing up in early successional vegetation.
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Last modified on Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:12
Published in News, Earth, 15 Life on Land