Jan. 12.  Davidson Lands Conservancy announced the public launch of the Now & Forever Campaign to raise money for sustainability projects and high-impact projects.

John Griffith, board member and Development Committee chairman, said the campaign has raised $850,000 in the quiet phase.

The overall goal is $1,750,000.

The organization will now reach out to the broader community for funding.

The announcement, and others, was made at a Conservation Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Hurt Hub in Davidson.  The event was a gathering of about 100 conservancy supporters and interested community members and included an annual meeting, a report about advances in four conservation programs, the public launch of the Now & Forever Campaign, and several awards.

The awards were presented to:

—Trane Technologies was recognized as an outstanding corporate partner, received by DLC Board member and Trane executive, Scott Tew.

—The Town of Davidson, represented by Mayor Rusty Knox, was presented with DLC’s outstanding community partner award.

—Brent Evans, DLC Board member, treasurer and TreesDavidson co-chair, was awarded DLC’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year.

DLC Board President Paul Freestone conducted the organization’s annual meeting and reported on advances in four conservation programs or pillars: land conservation; greenways; urban forestry; and wildlife habitat.

DLC Achievements – 2021 & 2022

—Permanently conserved 120 acres, and advanced numerous local land conservation projects

—Met all land stewardship requirements

—Led community review of the proposed West Branch Stream —Restoration resulting in significant project improvements and cost savings

—Planted 266 15-gallon containerized trees with community volunteers

—Launched the Treasure Tree program with underwriting from Trane Technologies

—Established and led the Davidson Tree Council

—Completed a comprehensive organization review and established DLC 3-year strategic plan

—Developed and advanced the Now & Forever Campaign

—Received $700,000 in grant funding for various land, tree, and greenway projects

—Launched Wildlife Enhancement Collaborative for Fisher Farm / Abersham

—Completed the corridor plan for the West Branch Greenway

—Met operational targets, completed clean audits, and ran budget surpluses each year

—Successfully hosted Run For Green, NatureFest, three stream clean-ups, 17 community and student events, and numerous collaborative children’s events with WOW

—Led a conservation education summer program at the Freedom School at Ada Jenkins

—Partnered with eight Davidson College student interns

—Received Davidson College’s Community Partner of the Year designation

—Transferred Cook Preserve to the State of North Carolina as part of a nature preserve