TREES OF BEATY PARK American Elm (Ulmus americana) NAME: COMMON – American Elm BOTANICAL – Ulmus americana FAMILY – Ulmaceae DERIVATION: The American Elm is native to North America. Prior to the 20th century, American Elms were abundant in city streets and forests throughout North America. The species abundance began to decline, however, due to the introduction of ophiostoma ulm (commonly referred to as Dutch Elm disease) in 1928.  GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:  It has an urn shape that is typical of Elms and a fibrous root system that makes it easy to transplant. It can grow 80 to 1 ..read more

In a momentous event that underscores the commitment to protecting and recognizing Davidson’s tree canopy, the Davidson Lands Conservancy’s Executive Director, Dave Cable, proudly presented certificates and tree signs to the Pines Nature Organization (PNO) for three newly awarded Treasure Trees. The event, held at The Pines, highlighted DLC’s efforts to recognize the town’s special urban canopy in the face of rapid development and growth. One facet of these efforts, the Davidson Treasure Tree program, pays tribute to some of Davidson’s oldest, largest, rarest, and culturally significant t ..read more

Davidson, NC – Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) hosted its highly anticipated Spring Naturefest on Saturday, May 20th, at Davidson’s Roosevelt Wilson Park. This engaging, educational event offered fifteen exhibits and activities, providing a unique opportunity for attendees of all ages to connect with the wonders of nature.   The event featured a variety of free exhibits and activities, including crafts, live animals, fishing, native plants, animals and trees, pollinators, school science projects, and other conservation attractions. Held each year, DLC’s Naturefest encourages curiosi ..read more

The most remarkable conservationist you might never have heard of spent his long working life in textile mills, fixing looms. Frank (Frankie) Chester lived humbly in a Rowan County mobile home but most days drove to the farm, five miles east of Davidson, which had been in his family for centuries. There he doted on beef cattle although he hated the final steps to sending them to market.  Frankie loved to entertain friends under a sprawling white oak. Until February, Chester also kept a secret: he had donated conservation easements to his 209 acres to the Davidson Lands Conservancy, perman ..read more

By Cindy McIntosh Saturday, March 18th wildflower lovers of all ages joined horticulturalist and garden writer Paula Gross on a beautiful winter’s hike at Fisher Farm Park. Although the weather started out chilly, the sunshine and hiking warmed our group as we trekked through the woodlands searching for spring ephemerals and native wildflowers.   Spring ephemerals are the first plants to emerge and flower in the very early spring, taking advantage of the sunlight that is abundant in our deciduous forests before they begin to leaf out. These flowers are important to the very early pol ..read more

50 eager Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) volunteers gathered Saturday, March 18 on the south end of Davidson’s Jackson Street in celebration of North Carolina’s Arbor Day.  The mission: plant 35 trees including southern magnolias, dogwoods, and Nuttall oaks, native species carefully selected for the site.  The planting site is owned by the Town and is located across Jackson Street from the police station. Arbor Day originated in Nebraska by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 when an estimated one million trees were planted.  NC Arbor Day, established in 1967, falls each year on the fir ..read more

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. “DLC is honored to be an accredited land trust—one of only 467 nationwide. We are currently reviewing our practic ..read more

Chilly and drizzly conditions did not deter volunteers from enjoying a community tree planting event at River Run on Saturday, February 25. About 40 volunteers shouldered the effort to plant 46 trees in two berm areas, one along Dembridge Drive and the other along River Crossing Blvd. The new trees include cherry, black gum, live oak, southern magnolia, and nuttall oaks. The project, like all of DLC’s TreesDavidson events, was made possible by strong support from the community and DLC donors, and volunteers. The volunteers, many of whom are River Run residents, made light of the work given the ..read more

On Friday morning, January 20,  the partnership teams of Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) and sister agency Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) gathered to host 25 high schoolers from the Community School of Davidson (CSD) for conservation fun and learning. The students began the morning by sharing and explaining class conservation projects, presenting posters sharing their knowledge of and passion for conservation, including the benefits of urban trees and the importance of biodiversity and native plants. Over the last six months, these students learned conservation through tree plantings, i ..read more

Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) hosted a Conservation Celebration on Saturday, January 7 at the Hurt Hub.  The event was a gathering of about 100 Conservancy supporters and interested community members.  The celebration party included food, drink, and music by Mike Orlando and Gene McIntosh.  A raffle of artisan gifts contributed to the event vibe – a good time was had by all. DLC Board President Paul Freestone conducted the organization’s annual meeting and reported on advances in four conservation programs or pillars: land conservation; greenways; urban forestry; and wildlife ..read more