The bulk of the acreage comes from Patrick and Jeanne McGuire, who decided to conserve 202 acres in Jackson County, protecting a prominent ridgeline that’s visible from Sylva, Webster and Cullowhee. Less than a half-mile from Roy Taylor Forest, a large unit of the Nantahala National Forest, the tract contains a diversity of plant communities, habitats and at least eight headwater springs.

“For most of my life I have dreamed of conserving land that has been in our family for six decades,” said Patrick McGuire. “Jeanne and I are so grateful that through this gift we have been able to protect the viewshed for WCU, some of the headwater springs of Wayehutta and Cane Creeks and countless wildlife and timber concerns.”

Over in Cherokee County, a 141-acre property owned by George and Linda Jensen comprises the remainder of the newly conserved acreage. Adjacent to more than 28,000 contiguous acres of U.S. Forest Service land in the Snowbird Mountains, the property contains the headwaters of Fishermare Branch, is visible from U.S. 74 and includes old-growth forest. 

“The Jensen’s decision to conserve their forested land means the property will forever provide ideal habitat for wildlife, including stream habitat for salamanders,” said Hiwassee Programs Manager Sara Ruth Posey. “It will be a blessing to see this hardwood forest mature through time.”