While RiverLink no longer prioritizes the protection of steep slopes—now focusing resources on riparian protection and supporting stream restoration projects that require conservation easements—in 2012, a 3.36-acre property in the Kenilworth neighborhood was donated to our organization to conserve a steep slope and potentially provide a future connection to the Swannanoa River Greenway.
Overlooking the Swannanoa River but located outside the floodplain, the property is extremely steep in places, with an average slope of 44.26%. Most of the site is forested, providing valuable wildlife habitat within an otherwise urban neighborhood. Its proximity to the Swannanoa River also offers nesting and resting habitat for river-dependent bird species. However, approximately 0.4 acres of the property—the steepest section—consists of open space. Due to abundant sunlight and limited plant competition, kudzu became well established in this area.
In 2022, RiverLink engaged the Kenilworth Residents Association (KRA) to discuss the best use of the property from the community’s perspective, while prioritizing protecting its conservation values and stabilizing the slope. Given the site’s steep incline, developing a walking path was not considered a priority and would be difficult to implement. Instead, RiverLink and the KRA formed a partnership to manage invasive plant species and reestablish native vegetation to support wildlife, beginning with the open areas of the property.
Since then, the partnership has continued to grow. The KRA formed a new subgroup—the Kenilworth Conservation Collective—focused on “repairing Kenilworth’s natural landscapes.” This group has taken an active role in removing invasive plant species not only on RiverLink’s property but throughout the neighborhood. RiverLink is grateful for their partnership, ongoing collaboration, and dedication to improving the natural landscapes within their community.