Barnard Tract
In 2009 RiverLink, with the help of grant monies from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, acquired a conservation easement on 10 acres of forested river frontage and upland habitat in Madison County, near Barnard, NC. Read More
Protected Properties
We are unique among land trusts for our focus on protecting urban and semi-urban lands near waterways. Conserving these riparian and floodplain habitats is central to our mission, as protecting land also protects water quality. To learn more click here.
RiverLink currently holds 25 conservation easements across the watershed, most of which protect vital floodplain habitat within Buncombe County. Of these, 11 were established as part of stream restoration projects, helping to stabilize waterways and improve habitat quality, while 3 support stormwater improvement initiatives that help capture pollutants before they reach our rivers. The remaining 11 easements conserve riparian areas, support public access, and preserve important natural and cultural resources for future generations.
In addition to easements, RiverLink owns 9 properties, including 4 public parks—some currently open, others in development—that lead with conservation in their design and management (see Parks, Greenways, and Blueways for more information). The other 5 properties protect riparian areas and support natural habitats in predominantly urban settings. On the land we own, we actively enhance conservation values through native habitat restoration, invasive species removal, green stormwater management, and the creation or improvement of riparian buffers that protect water quality.
Related Projects
Robinson Creek
In 2007 RiverLink had the opportunity to work with a group of professionals and homeowners to implement a 20 acre land conservation easement and a half mile stream restoration of Robinson Creek, in South Asheville. Read More
Historic Wilma Dykeman Homestead
In late 2019 RiverLink acquired a conservation easement on the historic Wilma Dykeman homestead in North Asheville. The 11.38-acre property is the childhood home of Wilma, a historian, environmental activist, and author of The French Broad. Read More
Caledonia
Overlooking the Swannanoa River but located outside the floodplain, this 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. Read More
Ross Creek
This Stormwater Improvement Project and subsequent conservation easement is an effort to implement portions of the 2007 Ross Creek Master Plan. Projects were completed at St. Luke's Church and Lakewood Drive. Read More
