Ridges Mountain I and II ~ 186 acres, Randolph County
G. Lee and Linda Kenan and Edward and Marendia Morris.  Bargain Sale of Lands.

Named for Geoffrey Ridges, owner of the trading post that once graced this property, Ridges Mountain is a regionally significant natural heritage site.  Within these two tracts one can observe four natural communities – Basic Oak Hickory Forest, Monadnock Forest, Upland Depression Pools, and Upland Depression Swamp Forest – that provide critical habitat for several critters including breeding salamanders, frogs, and neotropical migratory songbirds.  A stone wall remnant located alongside one of the property’s four upland depression pools reminds visitors of the site’s historical significance as part of the Great Trading Path.  However, the crowning feature of Ridges Mountain is the boulders (some are as high as fifty feet) located within the Monadnock Forest at the top that provide perfect viewing locations of the surrounding Randolph County.

PLC ensured the acquisition of these two tracts by the North Carolina Zoological Park (NC Zoo) in 2001.  Today, PLC works in partnership with the NC Zoo with respect to the site’s long-term management.  With ecological, geological and historical significance, the NC Zoo dedicated Ridges Mountain as a State Nature Preserve to ensure the permanent protection of its conservation values.  Educational activities are hosted by the NC Zoo and the public can make arrangements for hiking tours by contacting the NC Zoo.

Project funding provided by the landowner, PLC, Mary & Elliot Wood Foundation, Cannon Foundation, Kathleen Price Bryan Family Fund, Hans Klaussner Foundation and the NC Natural Heritage Trust Fund.

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