Land conserved for new Morganton park
When completed, the 651-acre Oak Hill Community Park and Forest will offer opportunity for various types of outdoor recreation. Donated photo
The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has acquired 330 acres of what is expected to be a 651-acre project in Morganton.
The nonprofit decided in late 2019 to purchase the property in two phases after the sellers agreed to a contract extension contingent on purchasing half the land in January 2020. Foothills Conservancy is working to raise $1 million to acquire the remaining 321 acres by May.
The plan is to make the property, called the Oak Hill Community Park and Forest, into a future destination for hiking, mountain biking, outdoor education, archeological exploration and community events. The 330-acre tract will permanently protect a segment of Canoe Creek as well as its tributary streams, forested uplands, agricultural land and scenic views of the Blue Ridge and South Mountains. A celebration of the conservation achievement will be held on the property March 28.
To donate or find out more about the March 28 event, visit www.foothillsconservancy.org.
