The 68th Annual Farm City Banquet was held last week at Boone United Methodist Church, and Blue Ridge Conservancy presented the “Conservationist of the Year” award to the Valle Crucis Conference Center for their 180-year commitment to local agriculture practices. Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Senior Director of Land Protection and Conservation Planning, presented the award to Margaret Love, VCCC’s Executive Director. This is the second time BRC has given this award, with local farmer Kelly Coffey announced as the inaugural winner in 2023.

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Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Town of Boone celebrated a major milestone in outdoor access and regional connectivity last week by breaking ground at Rivers House Park, which will serve as the southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail. The Recreational Trails Program–funded project will create nearly one mile of new trails in a figure-eight design and renovate the existing path to "Baby," one of North Carolina's largest sugar maples.

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After 30 years of effort, Blue Ridge Conservancy is thrilled to announce that it has secured the opportunity to purchase 73 acres on the north and east side of Howard Knob, the peak overlooking Boone. This property adjoins the existing 5-acre park owned by Watauga County, and will protect the land forever and provide public access for nature-based recreation, including hiking and rock climbing.

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It was a crisp, clear, picture-perfect morning on Saturday, September 20 for the 25th anniversary Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K and Kids Fun Run through the Mayview neighborhood of Blowing Rock, and there was record-breaking attendance and participation at the event, with 378 runners and over 40 volunteers.

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