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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local nonprofit organization seeks donations to protect “habitat island” from development in Denver, NC.

DENVER, NORTH CAROLINA (August 20, 2020) -  Outdoor Wellness League, OWL, in conjunction with the NC Department of Cultural Resources, has just announced a new designation of the Beth Haven Flatrock Natural Area in Lincoln County. OWL is seeking donations to preserve the 101 acre area and surrounding acreage from impending development that would impact the only known flatrock feature throughout the region. The nearly half acre exposed granitic flatrock is centrally located amidst a historic farm that has been in operation since the 1800s and owned by the Mundy/Rhyne families for generations. The Mundy/Rhyne families are some of the earliest settlers of the Denver area.

“Our community has been greatly impacted by land development in recent years,” said OWL Director Kira Crisco. OWL is located in Denver, NC and is dedicated to preserving habitat throughout the state. “This project is currently our number one priority. It is imperative that we save this important piece of our community’s history and prevent it from becoming just another neighborhood at the expense of history and conservation.” Crisco added. 

A biodiversity study by the NC DCR’s Natural Heritage Program concluded that the Beth Haven Farm property “is a habitat island amid dense residential development” and “warrants protection through whatever means possible.” The study also discovered multiple watch listed species amongst this “rare natural community” and the “potential for rare plants” in the biodiverse woodlands that surround the producing hay fields.

“It is vital that the community actively defend and protect this historic farm, it’s surrounding woodlands, springs, creeks, and wildlife. Sadly, it is often too late when we realize the importance of our heritage and habitat.” said Crisco. “Due to the Mundy/Rhyne family’s influence in the foundation of the Denver area, the loss of this historic property would be a loss for our community’s history. This is an opportunity to save it before it is gone.”

Those interested in protecting the Beth Haven Farm are encouraged to visit OWL’s website and click the “Save the Farm” tab. There you can learn more about the property’s history and see photos and videos. Crisco added, “We have a secure donation platform through our website. All donations to our “Save the Farm” project are tax deductible and will be specifically designated towards the procurement and preservation of the property.”

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About OWL

Outdoor Wellness League is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the preservation of habitat for a healthier humanity. The organization has established multiple projects including pollution control programs, education seminars, veteran and active military support programs, land preservation, and conservation camp shares. To learn more about OWL, please visit www.owloutdoors.org

About NC NHP

By consolidating information about hundreds of rare species and natural communities, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) ensures that the public is able to get the information that is needed to weigh the ecological significance of various sites and to evaluate the ecological impacts of development. To learn more about NHP, Please visit www.ncnhp.org