Piedmont Land Conservancy

08/21/2026

"Short of reintroducing bison, the next best tool is fire."

That's what our Preserve Manager told us when we asked how to bring back Piedmont prairie, one of the rarest habitats in our region.

So this past spring, we burned 27 acres at Bashavia Creek Preserve and 19 acres at Caraway Creek Preserve.

This summer, we've been able to watch the impact of those burns, some truly glorious results, in real time: Milkweed and native grasses everywhere. Grasshoppers scattering with every step. Seemingly endless butterflies, bluebirds, indigo buntings, and many, many more birds.

Over in the pine stand at Caraway, sunlight reaching the forest floor jumped from 10% to 75%, and young oaks are already coming up, speeding along forest succession.

This is all excellent news. Read more about the how and why of these prescribed fires here: https://www.piedmontland.org/2026/07/01/restorationthroughfire/

08/20/2026

Thank you, Lucy!

This summer, Lucy Alva joined us as our conservation intern, working alongside preserve manager Mike Santucci. She monitored Eastern Bluebird nest boxes, marked preserve boundaries, rerouted trails to prevent erosion, and flagged future trails, all while inspiring us with her curiosity about every small detail of the natural world. We are so grateful for her hard work and passion!

In her words:

"One of my favorite parts of the internship was monitoring the bluebird nest boxes. It was incredible getting to watch the entire nesting process, from eggs to hatchlings, and seeing firsthand how conservation efforts can make a real difference for wildlife. I also loved spending time out in the preserves, where I got to see so many amazing plants and animals, including more box turtles than I ever expected! This internship has strengthened my passion for conservation and confirmed that this is the kind of work I want to do in the future."

Lucy heads back to UNC Asheville this fall to continue studying Environmental Science. We're grateful for everything she did for our preserves, and we can't wait to see where she goes next.

Photo: Lucy at the future Bashavia Creek Preserve

08/17/2026

Sunset paddles are back!

We're always excited to team up with Greensboro Parks and Rec for Sunset Paddles at Lake Brandt as a peaceful send-off to summer. These paddles are especially enjoyable as PLC's folks are the only people out on the lake. The group moves together, drifting slowly down the lake. Along with a gorgeous sunset, we often see Great Blue Herons and if we're lucky, a Bald Eagle overhead.

Sign up for a paddle either Tuesday September 8th OR Tuesday September 29th from 5:45-8:00pm. Greensboro Parks and Rec has both single and double kayaks for rent for a fee, or you can bring a kayak/canoe/paddle board and join us for a small fee.

Sign up for either outing here: https://www.piedmontland.org/events-and-outings/

08/12/2026

With so many ferns and wildflowers side by side, Emily Allen Wildflower Preserve - Friendship Garden really is the ultimate outdoor classroom.

Thanks to Leyla and Wake Forest University for conducting excellent research this summer!

08/07/2026

We're hiring!

Piedmont Land Conservancy is looking for a full-time Land Conservation Specialist to join our Land Protection team in Greensboro, NC.

In this role, you'll shepherd conservation projects from first conversations with a landowner all the way through closing - conservation easements, acquisitions, grant writing and management, and mapping. It's hands-on work with real, permanent results: forests, farmland, streams and wildlife habitat protected across the Piedmont.

What we're looking for:
• A bachelor's degree in natural resource management, forestry, botany, environmental policy/planning, GIS, or similar degree.
• 3+ years of conservation-related experience (legal/paralegal or real estate background a plus)
• Working proficiency in ArcGIS
• Strong organizational skills and genuine people skills - you'll be working with landowners, funders, partners and colleagues alike
• A real commitment to protecting the land and water of Piedmont North Carolina

What we offer: competitive salary, employer-paid health insurance, generous paid leave, SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer contribution, flexible scheduling, & more.

Send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by September 4, 2026. All inquiries kept in strict confidence.

Know someone who'd be a great fit? Please share.
Check out the full description: https://www.piedmontland.org/job-openings/

08/03/2026

The first 20 acres of Guilford Woods are permanently protected.

Mature forest. Underground Railroad history. Revolutionary history. One of the last large green spaces left in this part of Greensboro. It's now safe, for good.

120 acres to go. Thank you for standing with us.

Read more: https://www.piedmontland.org/2026/07/30/first20protectedguilfordwoods/

07/29/2026

One of our favorite easy trails in Greensboro!

This one’s for you, Mom and Dad. The walking trails at Price Park are a family favorite.

Go for a kid-friendly, 1-mile loop through the woods and end with a story at the nature-themed Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library. Want to explore even more? Walk down to the creek to splash around, then check out the meadow that also serves as a butterfly and bird sanctuary.

A natural haven in a residential section of Greensboro, Price Park includes almost 100 acres that have been permanently protected from development by our partners at Piedmont Land Conservancy.

07/29/2026

A massive 300+ year old sentinel tulip tree, the Witness Tree, grows in Guilford Woods. Come see it for yourself.

This Saturday we're leading a walk at a conversational pace through the woods, talking about what lives here, who was here before us, and our project underway to protect this land for good.

Saturday, August 1 · 9:00-11:00am · Guilford College in Greensboro
About 3 miles on a natural trail, mostly flat with roots and rocks. Free and open to all.

Sign up here to get all the details: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/grouphikeouting/event/guidedwalkinguilfordwoods-august1/