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.