Gold Hill, NC (March, 2026) – Working lands are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, heritage, and rural communities — and across the nation, Americans strongly support protecting the farms, forests, and open spaces that sustain us. Since 2013, Working Lands Trust has been dedicated to conserving these vital landscapes, ensuring they remain productive, privately owned, and available for future generations. Today, Working Lands Trust proudly announces it has earned national recognition by the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission, joining a distinguished network of more than 450 accredited land trusts nationwide that meet the highest standards of professional excellence and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to protecting both working lands and the public’s trust.
“Accreditation demonstrates Working Lands Trust’s dedication to permanently conserve land in the state of North Carolina,” said Mikey Fulk, Executive Director of Working Lands Trust. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program, and we are proud to bring that level of commitment to the landowners across North Carolina. This designation deepens our strength and pledge to ensure the lands that work hard to provide food and fiber for everyone will be protected forever, making North Carolina an even greater place for our children and us.”
Working Lands Trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation in the process of achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission awards accreditation for a 5-year term, and signifies confidence that Working Lands Trust adheres to standards and practices that ensure its conservation lands will remain safely secured in perpetuity.
Working Lands Trust has made significant strides in protecting vital landscapes and strengthening rural communities through innovative conservation efforts during its history. Over the past year, the organization has also advanced key initiatives to conserve additional working farms and forests while promoting sustainable land stewardship. By partnering with landowners, local governments, and conservation groups, Working Lands Trust has acquired conservation easements protecting over 20,000 acres in total, ensuring continued support of NC’s agriculture and forestry industries, protection of our vital natural resources, and that land remains productive for future generations. WLT has also expanded outreach and education efforts, empowering landowners with resources and guidance to balance economic needs with long-term working lands protection. Through these accomplishments, the Working Lands Trust continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the region’s natural and agricultural heritage.
“It is exciting to recognize Working Lands Trust with this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive Director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust that the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Working Lands Trust is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States, according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades, and Yosemite National Parks combined. A complete list of accredited land trusts, along with more information about the process and benefits, can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
About Working Lands Trust
Working Lands Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North Carolina’s working farms, forests, military readiness, and rural heritage. Through strategic partnerships and innovative conservation tools, WLT helps landowners protect their property, sustain their communities, and strengthen the future of agriculture in the state.
About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
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