July 2, 2009

Dear TLC Members and Friends,

It's July and it's hot. But that's not slowing us down here at TLC! We're moving right along with several conservation projects, and don't forget Ride for the Land: the Freewheeling Farmland Frolic on the 11th! This year's bicycle tour rolls through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Triangle - and past many of TLC's Chatham County conservation projects. Registration is almost full (300 limit), so sign up now!

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1. Freewheeling Farmland Frolic cruises through Chatham July 11
Gear up your bike and join TLC for the fourth annual Ride for the Land, dubbed the Freewheeling Farmland Frolic. This year's ride will bring attention to our work to protect the farms and forests of Chatham Co. Nobody knows the backroads of the Triangle like TLC. We put that knowledge to use in specially designing 30-, 45- and 60-mile routes to introduce cyclists to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in our region and to many of TLC's farm conservation projects in Chatham County. Find out more online.

2. What do you think? Let us know!
In 2008, the TLC Board adopted a set of recommendations that will transform the organization and allow us to increase the pace of conservation in the Triangle region. Foremost, we will redirect our focus from simply preserving land to meeting the needs of people in our region through the benefits of land conservation, including abundant clean water, locally produced food, places for people to connect with nature, and habitat for native animals and plants.

Because TLC is a local organization, supported by local members, and serving the needs of our local communities, we want to hear from YOU! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and let us know what's IMPORTANT TO YOU!

3. Nearly 100 acres of wildlife habitat conserved at the White farm
TLC recently completed the second phase of a conservation easement with Monty and Nancy White. The easement protects 25 acres of their farm along the Neuse River in Johnston County, bringing the total land protected on their farm to 95 acres while providing a clean water buffer on 1.2 miles of the Neuse River. This land provides important habitat for native plants and animals in the region.

4. Williams tract awarded Stewardship Forest Certification
TLC's Williams tract has been awarded Stewardship Forest Certification from the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources in recognition of outstanding resource management and exemplary improvements to the wildlife, soil and water, timber, recreation and aesthetics of the property. In 2007, TLC purchased this 86-acre tract in Chatham County. The property is located close to TLC’s flagship preserve, White Pines, and contains the headwaters of a tributary of the Deep River. This nationally significant river provides drinking water for Chatham and Lee counties and is home to many rare and endangered fish and mussel species. Our thanks go out to David Halley of True North Forest Management Services for nominating the Williams tract, and for his work improving this land.

5. $1.5 Million for More Land and More Miles
The Our Water Our Land campaign needs to raise nearly $1.5 million to reach our campaign goal of $5.5 million by March 2010. Donations to the Land Opportunity Fund have already been put to work permanently protecting hundreds of acres of important waterways, natural habitats and local farmland over the last three years. The campaign also includes a goal of $1 million for land stewardship programs that provide public benefits such as two new public nature preserves, expanded hiking trial systems, canoe access points on local waterways, community gardens, farming initiatives and environmental education programs. As we all enjoy the outdoors this summer, please consider a gift to the Our Water Our Land campaign to help us protect more land, build more miles of trails and provide other public benefits that will keep the Triangle region a beautiful, healthy and fun place to live and work. Every gift helps! Please donate online today.

6. What a party! Reminisce with pictures from the Green Jamboree
We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the opportunity to relax with a record-breaking crowd of members and friends. Thanks to all of you who came out to the Irvin Farm for great music, great food, and loads of activities. And congratulations to the Conservation Corps, TLC's Volunteers of the Year!

Want to reminisce about your time at the farm? Or want to see what you missed? Check out our pictures online.

7. Harmony on the Haw, TLC's July Backyard Adventure
The lazy days of summer have settled in, when nothing seems better than lying in a hammock, sipping lemonade and gazing at the tree tops. Even so, the call of adventure beckons, and TLC is prepared with a do-it-yourself tour to help you cool off with a paddle trip and chill out with live music. Find out more online.

8. Meet July's Members of the Month: Amy & Todd Klaenhammer
Amy and Todd Klaenhammer live very close to TLC’s Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, and Amy has served as a site steward for the property. She remembers walking the property long before TLC protected it. Amy has also done trail maintenance, trail building and trash pick-up at Swift Creek Bluffs.   

Find out more about Amy & Todd in our Member Spotlight.

9. Help Wanted - Volunteer Opportunities
Join TLC's team of dedicated volunteers! Check out these new opportunities to make a difference in the Triangle.

10. Reduce, REUSE, Recycle with TLC's Wishlist
Want to shrink your carbon footprint? Check out our Wishlist to see if TLC can reuse some of your old items.

11. Bloggers boast about TLC preserves
You'd be amazed at what you can find on a hike at one of TLC's nature preserves! Read about what some local bloggers found on the Triangle Naturalist and Carolina Towns and Trails blogs.

12. Where in the Triangle?
The TLC “Where in the Triangle?” quiz is back to challenge your knowledge of the villages, backroads and crossroads communities throughout our region, from Bennett to Bentonville to Bahama. So, eager contestants, here is the next puzzle. Take a look at this picture, then send an e-mail telling us where you think the photo was taken. (Here’s a hint: the photo was taken in the region of this month’s Backyard Adventure, Harmony on the Haw). One lucky reader will receive a stylish TLC baseball cap. We will draw a winner from all the correct answers we receive at enews@triangleland.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 10.

Thanks to all of you who responded to last month’s “Where in the Triangle?” quiz! The correct answer was the slave homes at Historic Stagville.