The Walthour-Moss Foundation Acquires 60 acres for Permanent Conservation

THE WALTHOUR-MOSS FOUNDATION ACQUIRES 60 ACRES FOR PERMANENT CONSERVATION

Continuing this community’s proud tradition of land preservation, on May 20, with the generous assistance of an anonymous donor, The Walthour-Moss Foundation acquired just over 60 acres of undeveloped land located at the corner of Youngs Road and US Highway 1 in Vass. This important acquisition ensures that the property will remain protected in perpetuity as part of the Foundation’s mission to preserve open land, protect and improve wildlife habitat, and provide a place for equestrian purposes.

The newly protected tract includes rolling woodlands with a central wetland that drains into The Walthour-Moss Foundation and offers habitat for native wildlife, while strengthening ecological connectivity with the conserved lands owned by the Foundation. The property also serves as a scenic buffer and provides opportunities for future land stewardship and equestrian use.

Importantly, the 60 acres of land will be added to The Walthour-Moss Foundation’s existing conservation easement held by the U.S. Forest Service, which was granted in 2021. This addition reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to land conservation and ensures the land’s permanent protection under established conservation guidelines.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the donor, The Walthour-Moss Foundation was able to acquire the 60-acre property, with the Foundation securing a loan to provide funds to help bring this important acquisition to fruition. In partnership with this benefactor, The Walthour-Moss Foundation is proud to further its mission of land preservation. “We will be forever grateful for this remarkable generosity and commitment to conservation in our horse country community,” said Dennis Paules, Chairman of the Board.

“Our community continues to benefit from the foresight of individuals who understand the value of open space,” Paules added. “We are fortunate to live among people who prioritize the land, the environment, and the equestrian lifestyle that makes this region so unique.”

Once the property is integrated into the surrounding Foundation property, it will be opened for public use.

With this purchase, The Walthour-Moss Foundation now conserves over 4,258 acres in the Sandhills area of North Carolina, acquired through private gifts, purchases, and loans made possible by local generosity and an enduring dedication to land preservation.

Should you wish to send a note of thanks to the donor please send via email to director@walthour-moss.org or to WMF, PO Box 1794, Southern Pines, NC 28388.  We will forward all messages to them.