We can strengthen land conservation by developing a direct and symbiotic relationship between community members and protected land.  Community members invest in reforesting land to strengthen the foodshed and promote ecology in return for wealth.

Here is an article from the Southern Appalachian Conservancy Spring 2016 View from the Highlands.

At Big Briar Cove we are transitioning 4 acres of a hay field along Turkey Creek into a food forest.  Our mostly native planting will blend into the surrounding flora and fauna as well as improve the water quality of the stream down below.

And let’s not forget this is a business.  Land owners receive their annual share of the value of the crop.  We are literally creating wealth by conserving land.