Mears Fork Wetland ~ 13 acres, Guilford County
Simon Investments.  Donation of Land.

The protection of wetlands is an important part of protecting the water quality of rivers.  Wetlands can be found in any location in the landscape and are identified by having three features in common: saturated with water during a portion of the growing season, hydric soils and wetland plants.  In the Piedmont region of North Carolina wetlands are typically less than five acres in size.  Although small, they serve many important functions including serving as a natural filter of sediment, pollutants and excess nutrients from adjacent roads and lands; providing natural flood control during wet periods of the year; and providing critical habitat for wetland plants and animals.   

In 1998, PLC completed its first project along Mears Fork, a tributary of the Haw River northwest of Greensboro.  Simon Investments was building a development in the area and wanted to protect the water quality of Mears Fork by donating the land along the creek to PLC.  Besides protecting the water quality of Mears Fork this preserve also provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals including beaver.  PLC holds occasional clean up days on this site to remove the trash and debris that accumulates from adjacent Lake Brandt Road.   

Project funding provided by the landowner and PLC.

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