Walnut Bluffs ~ 20 acres, Forsyth County
Gladys Sprinkle, Frances Trivette-Helsabeck, Mr. and
Mrs. Neal Hertwick, and Pat McGee
Bargain Sale of Land.
The Forsyth County Natural Heritage Inventory published in 1998 determined that the natural plant communities occurring on this property were the same as those described in an inventory conducted in 1768 during the early years of Bethania. Large mature trees, indicative of the later stages of succession, give this property forest significance. Additionally along the ridge there are soft rock outcrops which provide important wildlife habitat. Over time these rocky soils will weather into fine textured soils that support a diverse array of plant communities including those of agricultural interest. It is believed that the presence of these soils was one of the reasons this area was chosen for the location of the Bethania settlement.
In 1997, PLC in partnership with the North Carolina
Department of Cultural Resources and the Town of Bethania secured the protection
of Walnut Bluffs through its purchase at a bargain sale. Comprised of a
forested bluff rising along the banks of Muddy Creek, one can see the entire
historic settlement of Bethania below. Owned by the State of North Carolina and
managed in partnership by the NC Department of Cultural Resources and the Town
of Bethania this property is dedicated as a State Nature Preserve.
Project funding provided by the landowners, the NC Natural Heritage Trust Fund and the Town of Bethania.