Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve

In December 2019, the Southern Conservation Trust, Inc. (SCT) was donated the 1,660 acres in Moore County, North Carolina that we call Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve. Previously, the tract of land was slated for development into golf course, hotel/resort, residential and commercial uses. It is now a crown jewel private nature reserve that the Southern Conservation Trust is proud to own and manage.

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What is the purpose of Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve?

Our efforts are focused on making this property an example of forest stewardship in action, and our primary objective is the sustainable restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem. Over decades of previous land ownership, the property was converted from the once-widespread and now imperiled native longleaf pine forest type to commercially profitable loblolly pine. Under the guidance of a registered forester, Melvin Ezzell, a North Carolina Forestry Commission management plan, and a USDA-NRCS EQIP contract, we are helping to increase the amount and quality of longleaf pine and remnant loblolly pine habitats on this property by doing prescribed burns, innovative mechanical site preparations, and more. While it is not possible, due to liability constraints, to keep open to the public 24/7, it is our goal that Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve be an accessible showcase property and a destination for sound land management and stewardship.

Award Winning Planning

The Coastal Dynamics Design Lab at North Carolina State University produced a spectacular Conservation & Management Plan for our Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve in 2020 which won a professional award in Analysis & Planning by the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2023. With the use of impressive datasets and design elements, this innovative study demonstrates the conservation values of conserving and restoring the property, rather than developing it.

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Meet Our Property Manager

Melvin Ezzell, Registered Forester

Melvin Ezzell is a North Carolina native and is self-employed as a consulting forester and real estate broker. He holds credentials as a NC registered consulting forester (#1158), certified burner (NCFS #1046), NC real estate broker (#280376), and SC real estate broker (#122008). He began working with SCT in 2020, coming to us with personal history/experience with the Nicks Creek property and a commitment to the local Pinehurst community. He oversees the boots-on-the-ground work on the property as well as our management contracts.

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