Brushy Mountain State Natural Area
Appalachia Rising was pleased to contribute to this effort via a generous donor.
In a landmark partnership with North Carolina State Parks, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) and Foothills Conservancy of NC (FCNC) are acquiring the 1,275-acre Broyhill property, which will serve as the cornerstone of the new Brushy Mountains State Natural Area. Located in the Brushy Mountains of Wilkes and Alexander Counties, this forested property is under a signed purchase contract.
The Brushy Mountains are a 45-mile-long spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains, running primarily along the Wilkes and Alexander County line and featuring several peaks over 2,500 feet in elevation. While the region is known for its apple orchards and scenic beauty, its undeveloped lands possess exceptionally high ecological, scenic, and recreational value. The site is home to a variety of native species including Keever’s Onion and Appalachian Loosestrife, and also contains five miles of streams important to aquatic wildlife, water quality, and recreation. The permanent conservation of the Broyhill property will safeguard these critical conservation assets.
Furthermore, NC State Parks has identified this area of Wilkes and Alexander Counties as a priority, noting it is a "State Park desert"—a region with no existing state park units in close proximity. This project will provide much-needed access to state-owned public land for citizens in the region.
Both BRC and FCNC have proven track records of completing complex land conservation acquisitions, which includes negotiating with landowners, raising public and private funds, partnering with public agencies, and securing community support. Combined, these two organizations have protected nearly 100,000 acres in North Carolina. The Broyhill property acquisition represents a vitally important addition to this legacy of conservation.