Triangle Land Conservancy has been busy in Johnston County
Since October, the Triangle Land Conservancy has closed on three projects in Johnston County, protecting 303 acres. Here’s a look at them.
Sunflower Farm
- A 30-acre farm near Benson with hay, livestock, sunflowers and poppies.
“It’s 100% prime soils, which are the most productive soils for agriculture,” said Brenna Thompson, a senior land protection manager with the TLC.
She said the community loves the farm, which is also home to goats and alpacas. “The landowner has told us hundreds of people have stopped when the flowers are in bloom to take graduation photos, engagement photos, and just enjoy this incredibly beautiful arena,” Thompson told County Commissioners on April 20.
The landowner put the farm in a conservation easement, meaning it will remain in farming forever. The County contributed $83,000 toward the cost.
Neuse River Farm is among the Triangle Land Conservancy's latest conservation projects.
Neuse River Farm
- A 230-acre farm near Selma with hayfields, horses and short-leaf pine.
“This was an incredibly valuable conservation easement donation,” Thompson said. “The landowner donated over $3 million in value.”
The TLC has asked the County to cover the closing costs on the transaction.
One aim within the Buffalo Creek wetlands is to protect water quality.
Buffalo Creek wetlands
- A donation of 48 acres.
“This is protecting water quality on Buffalo Creek, as well as some really exceptional wildlife habitat,” Thompson said.
The County contributed $47,500 for transaction costs.
Another three TLC projects are in the works. Here’s a look at those:
Rose Dairy Farm will be Johnston's first county-owned nature preserve.
Rose Dairy Farm
- Later this spring, the TLC will transfer the 310 acres of farm and forest land near Four Oaks to Johnston County.
“It’ll be the first county-run nature preserve, so we think that’s really exciting,” said Leigh Ann Hammerbacher, a TLC director of conservation.
The preserve will offer walking trails, fishing ponds, picnic areas, wildlife viewing areas, and educational opportunities.
“We know the community is going to love it,” Hammerbacher said.
About 70 acres will remain in native wildflowers and grasses. “Farming will continue on this property, which I think is really characteristic of the natural history and cultural history of Johnston County,” Hammerbacher said.
Preservation of the Neuse River Islands will protect natural heritage area.
Neuse River islands
- The TLC aims to close by June on the purchase of 800 acres of mature bottomland hardwood forest and natural heritage area.
“It is the prettiest stand of bottomland hardwood forest I have seen in the entire Triangle,” Hammerbacher said. “The timber on it alone is worth over $2.5 million.”
Financial support came from the County ($1.06 million), the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the U.S. Air Force, which wants to protect Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from flooding.
Neuse River swamp
- By October, the TLC hopes to close on the purchase of 600 acres on the Neuse.
The County contributed $28,000.
All of the in-progress projects are within the Neuse River lowgrounds, which have become a priority for the TLC.
“This is one of the most exceptional wilderness areas in the entire Triangle,” Hammerbacher said, noting that Rose Dairy marks the start of the lowgrounds. “We hear it is the only green area you can actually see from outer space.”
“It is critical not only for wildlife habitat but also for filtering water coming down the Neuse from more urban areas,” she added. “There’s also a fair amount of productive farmland.”
Page last updated on: May 14, 2026