Blue Ridge Conservancy Acquires Forested Land in Brushy Mountains

At the end of 2025 Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) purchased 335 acres of forested land in the Brushy Mountains of Wilkes County. This property adjoins land jointly owned by BRC and Foothills Conservancy of NC (FCNC). In total, 1,460 acres of land are in conservation ownership. 

The property is located in the eastern end of the Brushy Mountains with elevations exceeding 1,800 feet. It is entirely wooded and is characterized as mountainous land, with narrow ridges and knobs, steep slopes, and tight ravines.

“The Brushy Mountains have become a focus of Blue Ridge Conservancy due to their tremendous conservation potential," stated Abbey Rankins, BRC’s Land Protection and Stewardship Fellow. “This acquisition adds to the conservation network being created in Wilkes County.”

BRC’s purchase of the property will maintain its high conservation value as well as the overall unique natural characteristics of the Brushy Mountains. Bussels Creek and its tributaries flow through the property, which ultimately become water supplies for downstream users. Additionally, the Brushy Mountains are considered to have high climate resilience, which allows native plant and animal species to thrive.

The NC Natural Heritage Program ranks portions of the property with ‘Very High’ natural heritage significance. Identified as the Brushy Mountains/Vannoy Ridge Natural Area, this area of the property includes mature hardwood forests and riparian areas along Bussels Creek. There are excellent examples of Chestnut Oak Forest and Montane Oak-Hickory Forest natural communities. 

Funding for this purchase was provided by Fred and Alice Stanback. BRC and FCNC are partnering to conserve land in the Brushy Mountains in Wilkes, Alexander, and Caldwell County. To date, BRC has protected over 2,200 acres of forested land in the Brushy Mountains.