Working Lands Trust is proud to announce the permanent protection of 128.65 acres of farm and timberland in Onslow County through a conservation easement from the George Venters Family.
The agricultural easement ensures that the property will remain available for agricultural and forestry use while safeguarding its natural resources and rural character for generations to come. By placing this easement, the Venters family has demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving North Carolina’s working lands and agricultural heritage.
Located in Onslow County, the protected property consists of productive farmland and managed timberland that contribute to the local economy, wildlife habitat along the New River and the rural character of the region’s landscape. The easement permanently limits future development while allowing the land to continue supporting farming and forestry operations. Like many communities across eastern North Carolina, Onslow County is experiencing rapid growth that places increasing pressure on farms and working forests. Conserving agricultural and timber lands helps protect these rural economies, preserve natural resources, and sustain the industries that support local communities.
North Carolina farmers have long been the original conservationists, caring for the soil, water, wildlife, and working lands that sustain our communities,” said Mikey Fulk, Executive Director of Working Lands Trust. “Conservation begins with landowners who care deeply about the future of their land. The Venters family’s commitment to stewardship reflects that tradition and will ensure this property remains a productive farm and valuable natural resource for generations to come.”
For the Venters family, protecting the land was an opportunity to honor their family’s legacy while ensuring the property remains intact and productive.
“It has been my privilege to be associated with Working Lands Trust for over twenty years. I served on the Board of Directors when WLT was just beginning, and I learned a great deal about farm and timberland conservation from those more knowledgeable than I was.
My family and I have been fortunate enough to donate a timberland parcel several years ago and more recently a farm in Onslow County. Land tends to hold families together, and I want my children and grandchildren to have forever something that has existed through many generations. The land will forever be protected from suburban sprawl and commercial development.
The Working Lands Trust is somewhat unique in the conservation easement sphere. The WLT conservation easement allows our family full personal use of the land which will include wildlife and ecosystem enhancement.
We thank Working Lands Trust for their cooperation.” said Mr. George Venters, landowner.
Working Lands Trust works with farmers, forest landowners, and conservation-minded families across North Carolina to protect agricultural lands, working forests, wildlife habitat, and the natural resources that sustain rural communities.
The protection of the Venters’ property adds to a growing network of conserved working lands across eastern North Carolina, helping preserve the region’s agricultural economy and forest resources.