Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve

In December 2019, the Southern Conservation Trust, Inc. (SCT) was deeded 1,665 of the original ~1,760 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. In a forward-thinking move, controlling owners Adoette Holdings, LLC decided instead to donate to a land trust. 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.

Special Species Update

SCT knew that Nicks Creek was already home to, or could provide valuable habitat for, several species of conservation concern, thanks to a comprehensive study funded by Pine Forest Management and prepared by the NC State Coastal Dynamics Design Lab (published in 2020 and nationally recognized in 2023). This included at least 3 different imperiled plants, notable for the region.

In August 2023, we discovered the presence of the Sandhills Fire Lily (Lilium pyrophilum), a species biologists are searching for up and down a large Duke Energy powerline corridor where they were once pervasive. A mere 7 months later, “Phoenix,” our male Red-cockaded Woodpecker resident, was confirmed onsite. Both species are vulnerable across their range due to their highly specific habitat requirements, and we’re so proud to have provided suitable conditions for them on our property. Follow SCT for more updates as we continue to “build habitat so they will come.

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It takes a village! We couldn't accomplish our objectives without a fantastic community of supporters.

Sandhills Conservation Partnership

The North Carolina Sandhills Conservation Partnership (NCSCP) is a collaborative effort that brings together various federal, state, and non-profit conservation groups to share information and resources related to conserving the vanishing longleaf pine ecosystem and recovering imperiled plants, animals, and fungi in the North Carolina Sandhills. Through quarterly meetings and the exchange of experience and opportunities, this team has been making an impact in the region since 2000. SCT is grateful for the assistance and support of fellow members like the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, the Sandhills Ecological Institute, The Longleaf Alliance, and The Nature Conservancy, among many others. Learn more at www.ncscp.org.

Other Support

SCT’s management activities would not be possible without U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Bill cost-share programs and other supporting grants. The North Carolina Forestry Commission provided our working management plan in 2020-2021. The Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) has provided hundreds of hardworking service hours toward SCT’s fire management program on Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve. We’re proud to be a part of the educational and stewardship journey of the next generation of environmental professionals.

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.