Guilford College and Piedmont Land Conservancy have partnered to preserve a 120-acre forest in Greensboro known as Guilford Woods.
The urban woodlands are home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including deer, foxes, beavers and hawks.
The property is also historically significant. Native Americans and Revolutionary War soldiers knew these woods. Freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad also passed through.
Guilford College and Piedmont Land Conservancy have agreed to a conservation partnership. The deal means the conservancy will acquire the land from the college and preserve it in its natural state.
Jean Bordewich, interim president of Guilford College, says the agreement will keep the land next to the institution from being developed while bringing in revenue.
“We have a lot of classes that take place in the woods," she says. "We also have students who come from the local public schools, high schools and junior high schools for tours. So there's a lot of interest in many aspects of it. In addition, it’s a wonderful passive recreation site.”
The land conservancy is launching an $8.5 million capital campaign to fund the conservation easement.