Where We Conserve
The same countryside and natural scenery that symbolize this region and long-time residents have grown to love also make this area a highly attractive destination for people relocating from around the country. As a result, increasing development pressures are rapidly changing the regions landscape.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area is among the top 10 fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation, and Mecklenburg County has seen a 72 percent growth in population since 1980. By 2026, Charlottes population is expected to exceed 1 million residents. The increasing population and resultant loss in tree cover and open space not only eliminate the natural features that define this region, but also create costly and unhealthy environmental conditions for current and future generations.
The need to permanently preserve those natural places that we all cherish is greater than ever. We must act now. With your help, we can make a dramatic impact by permanently protecting the landscapes you love in your community. Click here for a PDF version of the map shown above.