Palmetto Peartree Preserve

The Fund is working with the communities of Tyrrell County, North Carolina to develop ecotourism and environmental education at the Palmetto Peartree Preserve, helping to position it as a primary destination on the North Carolina Bird Trail.

Summary

With funds from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to mitigate habitat loss, The Conservation Fund, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, acquired more than 9,700 acres of working forests in eastern North Carolina between the Little Alligator River and the Albermarle-Pamilco Sound. The Palmetto Peartree Preserve, as it is now called, hosts 28 active clusters of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker – the largest population on privately owned land in the southeast.

Challenge

The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) has been endangered in the United States since 1970. The timber properties of Tyrrell County, North Carolina were host to several colonies of the striking birds. In 1999 a significant timber property went on the market in this rural community, prompting the community to recognize the economic and environmental impact of the sale. In many ways, Tyrrell County’s small population has served to keep its environment pristine and its cultural heritage thriving, but without the economic base provided by timber, and management dedicated to environmental protection, the future of the community and its natural resources was at stake.

Solution

The Conservation Fund purchased the property with funds from the state. The Fund worked closely with the community to develop ecotourism at the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve in support of Tyrrell County's commitment to ecotourism as an economic development tool. A community-based ecotourism committee, with representatives from state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities, is shaping the future of ecotourism at the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve. The ecotourism implementation plan for the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve includes infrastructure development priorities, community involvement and marketing strategies, as well as evaluation tools.

Results

Today, the Preserve maintains approximately 28 woodpecker clusters – one of the largest known populations on private land in North Carolina – and provides a sanctuary for such myriad wildlife as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, black bear, and red wolves. It attracts visitors from across the state to enjoy birdwatching, fishing, hiking, paddling and other outdoor pursuits. In addition, the Preserve provides opportunities for environmental education. By capitalizing on natural and historic assets through ecotourism, Tyrrell County is well on its way to building a vibrant economy without jeopardizing the future of its natural resources.

Visit www.palmettopeartree.org for further information on ecotourism and planning a trip to the Palmetto Peartree Preserve.