Shaping our Conservation Strategic Plan
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Connecting Lives to Nature: How Conservation Supports Outdoor Recreation
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Guardians of Nature: Stories of Habitat Protection and Lasting Conservation
Protecting habitats is at the heart of Catawba Lands Conservancy’s (CLC) mission. By conserving ecosystems, we safeguard wildlife and keep our environment healthy. Our Conservation Strategy focuses on protecting natural spaces to support biodiversity and rare species. The following stories—about Redlair in Gaston County and Turtle Haven in Union County—show how conservation efforts impact both nature and people.
Redlair: A Sanctuary for Rare Plants and Rare Dedication to Conservation
Located in Gaston County, Redlair is one of CLC’s first conservation easements, and its protection is thanks to one dedicated individual.
In the early days of the Conservancy, conservation champion Haywood Rankin transferred Redlair easements to our care. This added over 750 acres to our portfolio, expanding its protected land from just 75 acres. Haywood continued\ to work tirelessly to protect over 1,500 acres along the South Fork of the Catawba River. In 2014, he sold Redlair to the NC Plant Conservation Program, donating all proceeds to a foundation supporting the property’s management.
His dedication goes beyond paperwork. Haywood has spent years removing invasive species and guarding Redlair against development. “Haywood has done more for the land—financially and physically—than anyone else I can name,” says Katherine K. Schlosser, President of Friends of Plant Conservation.
Thanks to Haywood’s perseverance, Redlair is a living classroom, connecting people to nature. It serves as a sanctuary for plants like the bigleaf magnolia and the endangered Schweinitz sunflower. Its ecological value led to its current ownership by the NC Plant Conservation Program, with CLC holding the conservation easement.
We’re thankful for champions like Haywood for taking the step beyond to protect our precious habitats.
Turtle Haven: A Family’s Dedication to Wildlife Conservation
Sunny, an annual resident at Turtle Haven. Photo by Mary Ann Gaddy.
In Union County, Mary Ann and Terry Gaddy’s family property, Turtle Haven, reflects their love for wildlife. They placed it under a conservation easement with the Conservancy to protect its habitats for future generations.
Turtle Haven offers safe homes for many species, with clean water, nesting areas, and undisturbed forests. Mary Ann shares recounts her memories of her early recognition that this land was special and needed to be preserved. Twenty-five years ago, Waxhaw Creek, which encircles their property, was unusually muddy for over a week despite no rain. The Gaddys already knew about the Carolina HeelSplitter clam inhabiting the creek and understood that muddy water seriously threatened this endangered species. Investigating further, they learned how builders should protect waterways from dirt run-off and suspected an issue upstream. After contacting the county, they discovered that property was being cleared without proper containment, affecting the creek’s health.
Over time, the Gaddys have grown to love their little haven in the woods and want to see it preserved. “And yes, we do enjoy the turtles making their way to and fro during the spring and summer,” Mary Ann shares. “We often see the same turtles, and a few have names! We go out of our way to make sure they and their eggs are protected.”
Their story shows how individuals can make a difference in conservation. “I would say that anyone who has property they’d like to preserve, please consider conservancy. Do your homework and speak with your family. It’s a lengthy process, and during that time, you become well educated on the value of saving your land for the future. By the time it’s done, you will feel like you’ve actually done your part to preserve for the future.”
By protecting their land, the Gaddys have created a legacy that inspires others to care for the environment. “I would love to see more property preserved along the Waxhaw Creek,” Mary Ann adds. Their dedication to conservation serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding land today ensures its beauty and ecological value for generations to come.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Redlair and Turtle Haven are part of our Conservation Strategy. They show how committed people and strong partnerships can protect habitats. Whether through scientific management or personal dedication, conserving nature helps ecosystems and communities thrive. Protecting these places ensures a healthier future for wildlife and people alike.
Conserving natural spaces, whether through scientific stewardship or personal commitment, is vital to the health of our ecosystems and the well-being of our communities. By protecting these habitats, we are safeguarding the future for wildlife, for people, and for the generations yet to come.
To support local habitat preservation, donate today.
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