Acres: 28 Acquisition date: 12/26/04 Acquisition of this high-quality riparian buffer protects Sandy Creek, a nationally significant aquatic habitat that contains several rare species, including the Atlantic pigtoe mussel (listed as a federal species of concern and a state endangered species).

Other rare mussels in this section of stream include the Triangle floater (listed as a state threatened species), the creeper (listed as a state special concern species), and the notched rainbow. The alluvial flat within the easement area has an abundance of mountain laurel, sparkleberry and wild azalea. The tract was identified as a high-priority tract in the Swift Creek Riparian Corridor conservation plan, developed by Tar River Land Conservancy.

Photo credit: Nancy Daly,
Tar River Land Conservancy

EEP’s preservation efforts result from a partnership with the N.C. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. NCDOT is a major contributor of funding on this project.

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