The land itself, 1000 acres of heavily wooded mature forest, is sheltered between the high ridges and mountains that surround it and mark its borders. Residents find that this land is nurturing and protective, and we in turn want to protect it—to live within the mysteries and complexities of the creeks, streams, shades and beauties that cover its slopes. We subscribe to Thoreau’s famous insight: “In wilderness is the preservation of the world.”
A 2009 ecological study identified 26 species of rare and watch-list species of plants and animals within our borders. This relatively small area contains seven state-listed rare natural communities, and is ranked “Regionally Significant” by the NC Natural Heritage Program. The community continues to prioritize adding significant parcels to our green area acreage, seeking to protect more of our forest from development.
Equally important is the position of Sherwood Forest relative to other conserved and protected lands. It connects a chain of more than 300,000 acres—from Dupont State Forest to Jones Gap State Natural Area, and beyond that, to the Greenville (SC) Watershed, Table Rock State Park, the Jocassee Wildlife Management Area and Gorges State Park. Maintaining wildlife corridors such as this is vital to the survival of indigenous animals such as deer, fox, bears, coyotes and bobcats.