Triangle Land Conservancy Preserves 602 More Acres Along Neuse River

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Just weeks after preserving more than 800 acres of wilderness along the Neuse River, Triangle Land Conservancy has permanently protected another 602 acres in Johnston County, further expanding one of the largest conservation corridors in eastern North Carolina.

The nonprofit conservation organization announced it completed the purchase of two tracts of land from the Massengill family at the end of July. The acquisition includes more than two miles of Neuse River frontage, two oxbow lakes, more than 400 acres of wetlands, and mature stands of bald cypress trees.

The latest purchase marks the second major land conservation project completed by Triangle Land Conservancy in the Neuse River Lowgrounds since June. Combined with the recent acquisition of the 800-acre Neuse Islands Wilderness, the organization has protected more than 1,400 acres in the area in just the past two months.

Over the past five years, Triangle Land Conservancy has completed more than 50 land protection projects in Johnston County, preserving more than 2,800 acres in the Neuse River Lowgrounds through partnerships with Johnston County, the State of North Carolina and private landowners.

The newly protected property, known locally as Gar Gut Mashes, lies within the Neuse River Lowgrounds, an area conservationists identified decades ago as one of the Triangle region’s highest priorities for preservation. Nearly 500 acres of the property fall within a state-recognized Natural Heritage Area because of its exceptional environmental significance.

The tract provides habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, reptiles, amphibians and dozens of bird species. The National Audubon Society has recognized this stretch of the Neuse River as an Important Bird Area, supporting species including great blue herons, anhingas, double-crested cormorants, Swainson’s warblers and the state-designated rare Mississippi kite.

Beyond wildlife habitat, conservation officials say the extensive floodplain and wetlands help improve downstream water quality by naturally filtering runoff flowing through the Neuse River Basin while also reducing flood impacts for downstream communities.

“This property has been a TLC conservation priority for many years,” Triangle Land Conservancy Executive Director Sandy Sweitzer said. “We are delighted to finally complete this purchase and are grateful for our funding partners and a generous landowner donation that made it possible.”

The Massengill family said they were pleased to see the property remain protected for future generations.

“”Thanks to Triangle Land Conservancy and the careful stewardship of the Massengill family through many generations, this wonderful natural area in Johnston County will now be preserved. So many family members have enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hiking on the banks of the Neuse River while making memories that will last a lifetime,” the family said in a statement. “We know that our parents and grandparents would be very pleased to know that this very special place is forever protected.”

The newest acquisition builds on a growing network of protected properties along the Neuse River. Earlier this year, Triangle Land Conservancy transferred the 308-acre Rose Dairy Farm property to Johnston County, where it will become the county’s first public nature preserve. In June, the organization also purchased the 800-acre Neuse Islands Wilderness, one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth bottomland forest in the county.

The newly acquired property borders the planned Mountains-to-Sea Trail corridor and the existing Neuse River paddle trail, creating opportunities for future outdoor recreation and regional trail connections. However, the land is not currently open to the public.

Funding for the acquisition came from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, Johnston County, and a donation from the Massengill family.