CONSERVATION EFFORTS

With over 400 acres of in Sapphire Valley, Camp Merrie-Woode is a sanctuary dedicated to environmental stewardship. Since 1919, we have inspired generations of girls to learn, explore, and grow within a community that values and respects the natural world. As Merrie-Woode prepares for the future, we remain committed to preserving this special place so it can continue to inspire campers for years to come.

To guide this effort, Merrie-Woode has developed a long-term Conservation and Land Stewardship Plan. Many years of dedicated work led to securing 400 acres of land under the ownership of the Merrie-Woode Foundation, ensuring its protection for the future. Our focus now is thoughtful preservation and stewardship of the land. This work began in earnest in 2014 with Merrie-Woode’s first Forestry Management

Plan. In partnership with landscape architecture firm Reed Hilderbrand, we have continued refining strategies that employ creative solutions to manage stormwater, prevent erosion, preserve water quality, and support biodiversity through native plants and sustainable maintenance and landscaping practices.

As part of this long-term conservation and sustainability plan, the 200 acres located east of Long Branch Creek have been designated a Natural Heritage Area by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This designation recognizes areas of special biodiversity significance and allows Merrie-Woode to partner with state biologists to monitor rare species and important ecological features on the property while also educating our campers. It also serves as a clear statement of our commitment to preserving the land in its natural state.