This land is magical. These ancient Blue Ridge Mountains have been around for more than a billion years, making them amongst the oldest ranges in the world. They sustain life for countless flora and fauna indigenous to Western North Carolina. And they are the home for Preserve Communities—a home we intend to preserve in its pristine state for generations to come. We are wholly committed to true conservation at both of our communities: The Preserve at Little Pine (LP) and French Broad Crossing (FBC). In fact, over half the land in Little Pine and one-third of the land in French Broad Crossing are held in trust by Southeast Regional Conservancy.
“I was born in Marshall, North Carolina. These mountains mean something to me. They’re a part of me. My vision for Preserve Communities is to protect this one-of-a-kind setting in Western North Carolina for individuals who cherish this land as much as I do—and who want to safeguard these mountains, streams, and valleys to ensure a living legacy for our children’s children.” – Jack Fisher, Founder & Developer
Conservation is a way of life here
Few places anywhere offer the scenic richness and diversity as the mountains just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. They are an enchanting natural citadel of old-growth forests, ancient river systems, fresh-water ponds, sun-drenched pastures, and a treasure trove of native plants and animals. As stewards of the land, Preserve Communities bear a strong sense of responsibility. So from the moment Jack Fisher bought 435 acres at Little Pine in 1999, he was committed to conservation. He wanted to leave a minimal footprint, with an emphasis on low-density. He placed the first parcel of land in conservation in 2001. French Broad Crossing followed shortly thereafter in 2004. Since that time, both Little Pine and French Broad Crossing have been dedicated to true land preservation. Nearly one-third of the latter’s 750+ acres have been placed in a conservation easement, and nearly 1,500 acres of the 2,000 acres at Little Pine, as well.
The impact of conservation at French Broad Crossing (FBC)
Located along the banks of the river that bears its name, French Broad Crossing presents a diverse array of natural features: large ridges, steep coves and slopes, micro gorges, mature forests, and vital ecosystems that serve as a habitat for plants and animals—a total of 252 plant species, including six watch list or rare species. The fact that this land is home to so many types of plants and animals is due to the fact that the region served as refuge during the last glacial period. These mountains were essentially habitable islands amid the ice for species to survive. And that still holds true today. FBC is home to more native tree species than in all of Europe combined. In total, four natural communities thrive on site: Oak Hickory Forest, Acidic Cove Forest, Calcareous Shale Slope Woodland, and Montane Cliff. They include:
40 species of trees
46 species of shrubs and vines
155 herb species
11 non-vascular species
As for wildlife, FBC has numerous species native to the region. That includes hundreds of birds: hawks, jays, warblers, woodpeckers, turkeys, vultures, hummingbirds, and more. Animals common to the area and thriving at FBC include: bobcat, black bear, raccoon, opossum, eastern gray squirrel, red fox, eastern mole, eastern cottontail rabbit, white-tailed deer, gray tree frog, red salamander, southern mountain dusky salamander, eastern box turtle, American toad, garter snake, black snake, and the rare regal fritillary butterfly.
The impact of conservation at Little Pine
With elevation exceeding 4,000 feet, Little Pine is densely forested, with at least 10 acres of Old Growth forest. In general the property contains very rich soil and diverse examples of mid-to late-successional Northern Hardwood, Rich Cove and Slope, High Elevation Red Oak forests, Montane Oak-Hickory, Acidic Cove, and early successional Appalachian Hardwood. Several wetlands and delicate ecosystems abound, as well. A biological inventory of Little Pine reveals:
7 Natural Communities
10 acres of Old Growth forest
4 wetlands onsite
1 Sphagnum bog
Several perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams
208 plant species: including 12 on the NCNNP Rare or Watch Lists
117 animal species: including 7 on the NCNNP Rare or Watch Lists
A suitable habitat for 21 animals on the NCNHP Rare List
To learn more about our conservation communities—and the surrounding area—contact us today. Better yet, come for a visit to experience these incomparable mountain communities for yourself.
Or call, 866-947-9629