120 acres. Centuries of history. One chance to save it.
Saving Guilford Woods
Right here in the Piedmont, 120 acres of extraordinary woods stand at a turning point.
Together, we can permanently protect this irreplaceable forest, rich with ecological significance and layered history.
If we save it now, the woods will endure as a gift for generations to come.
Campaign Progress
$5.2 million
raised of $8.5 million goal
$5.2 million
61%
Campaign Deadline
December 2027
The Woods
A Forest That Has Witnessed Everything
Guilford Woods has stood at the heart of Greensboro for centuries — long before the city existed, long before the roads and subdivisions and shopping centers that surround it today. What remains is 120 acres of mature hardwood forest carrying an extraordinary history.
Before 1700
Indigenous Peoples
& Early Quakers
Members of the Saura and Keyauwee tribes lived here as early as the 1600s, followed by European settlers in the mid-1700s. In 1752, Quakers established the New Garden Friends Meeting congregation in this area, which became a center of both pacifism and resistance.
1781
The Revolutionary War
This land bore witness to the skirmishes and movements of the Revolutionary War. The woods carry the imprint of the conflict that defined the early American republic.
1800s — Federally recognized 2017
The Underground Railroad
Freedom seekers, helped by Quaker abolitionists, passed through these trees on their journey north. In 2017, the federal government recognized Guilford Woods as one of the earliest documented sites in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
The Witness Tree
At the heart of the forest stands a tulip tree more than 350 years old — already mature when freedom seekers passed beneath it. Guilford College students call it the Witness Tree. It has earned the name.
Why it matters
This Moment will not Come Again
Guilford Woods is surrounded on all sides by development. Without action, this irreplaceable forest could be permanently lost. The window is open — but it will not stay open indefinitely.
120 acres
of mature hardwood forest to be permanently protected
200+
acres of connected green space when joined to Price Park
2027
Campaign deadline — December 2027 to complete the easement
Piedmont Land Conservancy will purchase the development rights from Guilford College — permanently protecting this forest, ensuring public access, and creating financial support for the College’s educational programs. Once complete, no developer, no future financial pressure, no board decision will ever be able to touch these 120 acres again.
For Greensboro
What We're Saving —
and Who It's For
Protecting Guilford Woods is not just about conservation. It is about what this land will mean to the people of Greensboro for generations to come.
New Public
Trail Access
Once protected, for the first time, Guilford Woods will be officially open to the public — with improved walking trails, new trailheads, and a dedicated parking area separate from the college campus.
Wildlife Habitat
Towering hardwoods, flowing creeks, and a thriving ecosystem make this a significant natural area. Supporting abundant plant and animal life, Guilford Woods provides critical habitat for wildlife in an increasingly developed urban landscape.
Education & Reflection
Guilford College faculty have used these woods as an outdoor classroom for generations. If protected, the forest will continue to serve students, and open that same experience to all Greensboro residents.
Drinking Water Protection
The forest filters rainfall that feeds a tributary to Lake Townsend, one of Greensboro’s primary public water sources. This protection will endure permanently under the easement.
Saving Greenspace
This area of Greensboro is projected to see some of the most rapid development in the city. We don’t have more chances to preserve this much greenspace in the city before it’s all gone.
Support for Guilford College
The easement purchase provides vital financial support for Guilford College’s educational programs, allowing the institution to protect both its land and its mission simultaneously.
Campaign Leadership
Our Campaign Leaders
The Saving Guilford Woods Campaign is led by a remarkable group of community leaders who believe deeply in this place — and its future.
“Walking through this large, beautiful, mature, and historical forest, we immediately recognized the importance of preserving it for nature lovers, for families, and for our community.”
Linda & Tom Sloan
Honorary Chairs of Saving Guilford Woods
“Saving Guilford Woods is a win-win-win for PLC, Guilford College, and the greater community.
The land will be permanently protected, Guilford College will receive vital financial support for its programs, and the public will gain official access to pristine green space in a rapidly growing part of Greensboro.”
Mary Magrinat
PLC board president, Chair of Saving Guilford Woods, and longtime community advocate
The Mechanism
How will we save it?
Piedmont Land Conservancy will purchase the development rights from Guilford College — a legal instrument called a perpetual conservation easement. Here is what that means in plain terms:
- Guilford College retains ownership. The College continues to own the land and use it for education, research, and recreation.
- The easement permanently prohibits development. No future sale, no financial pressure, no board decision can ever change that.
- PLC holds the easement in perpetual trust — monitoring and enforcing it in perpetuity on behalf of the community.
- The public gains official access to Guilford Woods for the first time, with new trails, trailheads, and parking.
How to Help
Join Us
Every gift, at any level, brings this forest one step closer to permanent protection.
There are many ways to participate in this once-in-a-generation campaign.
There are many ways to participate in this once-in-a-generation campaign.
Give Online
Make a secure gift at any level. Set up monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments to spread your commitment over time.
Make a Pledge
Commit to a multi-year pledge to make a larger, more meaningful gift. Pledges can extend beyond the 2027 deadline if needed.
Major &
Offline Gifts
To discuss a gift of stock, a DAF grant, or a wire transfer, please contact our campaign leadership team directly.
Latest News
Campaign Updates
February 2026
The leadership and personal investment the Sloans bring to the campaign will add powerful momentum to the once-in-a-lifetime campaign.
June 2025
In a major move to safeguard one of Greensboro’s last remaining undeveloped woodlands, the Board of Directors of Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) and Board of Trustees of Guilford College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue a landmark conservation partnership.
Keep in Touch
Join our community of local conservationists and get updates on Saving Guilford Woods, other PLC news, nature notes, and fun extras to your inbox once a month!
Get in TOuch
We'd Love to Talk
We welcome the opportunity to tell you more about this project and discuss how you can make an impact — including through offline gifts and pledge commitments.
Mary Magrinat
PLC Board President & Chair of Saving Guilford Woods
info@piedmontland.org
Karrie Jo Manson
PLC Development Director
kmanson@piedmontland.org
(336) 691-0088
Kevin Redding
PLC Executive Director
kredding@piedmontland.org
(336) 691-0088
This is our moment to act.
By protecting Guilford Woods, we honor its past and secure its future as a place of beauty, reflection, and resilience.
Your support will help ensure this irreplaceable forest remains wild, free, and ready to inspire generations to come.
More about Piedmont Land Conservancy
Consider giving to
Piedmont Land Conservancy
to protect more special places like this one.