Dedicated Nature Preserves

Publicly and privately-owned natural areas identified by the Natural Heritage Program can be dedicated as State Nature Preserves to establish a lasting conservation commitment.

Our Data Download page features a shapefile of Dedicated Nature Preserves.

Visit Our Data Download Page

As of June 2015, 165 conservation areas are managed as Dedicated Nature Preserves. These lands are owned by state agencies and private conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Triangle Land Conservancy, and the Botanical Garden Foundation. These areas are indicated in green on the map below.

Dedication of State Nature Preserves is authorized by G.S. 113A-164.

View An Example Dedication Agreement

For more information about dedications, contact Scott Pohlman.