Conserving Carolina Expands Trails and Education Access
If you’re wondering what’s it like living in Hendersonville, one word comes to mind: connected. Connected to nature, to community, and to purpose. And nothing demonstrates this better than the exciting news that Conserving Carolina, one of the region’s leading environmental nonprofits, has just purchased 226 acres in Fairview to establish a multi-purpose community forest.
This beautiful new tract of protected land—formerly Camp Woodson—is set to become the Fairview Community Forest. But this isn’t just about preserving green space. It’s about education, recreation, and long-term sustainability, serving both young learners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you already live here or are looking to relocate to Hendersonville, it’s a project that truly showcases the region’s values and vision.
A Forest for Learning and Living
The new forest will circle the WORX Project, an innovative campus that offers youth work-based education in areas like construction, agriculture, culinary arts, and environmental sciences. Launched in 2023, the WORX Project has already empowered more than 700 students from Buncombe County through hands-on learning. Now, those lessons will extend directly into the woods, where nature becomes the classroom.
Sara Jerell, director of the WORX Project, shared, “There’s a lot of research that backs up the benefit of doing education outdoors. Now we have this whole protected forest for students to learn in.”
Three Miles of Trail – and Counting
For those exploring the things to do in Hendersonville and surrounding areas, this development is a gem. Starting next year, the Fairview Community Forest will open to the public with three miles of trails ready for hiking and biking. Even better, more than seven miles of additional trail are planned in the near future. The area will also provide opportunities for fishing, blending leisure with low-impact outdoor recreation.
Key features of the new forest include:
- Three miles of multi-use trail (with more to come)
- Fishing-friendly headwater streams
- Ecologically rich seeps and bat habitats
- Full watershed protection under conservation easements
If you enjoy weekend excursions or are simply curious about where locals go to unplug, this is a serene slice of nature just outside the hustle and bustle—which already feels pretty relaxed here!
Protecting and Enhancing Our Region
To fund the $775,000 purchase, Conserving Carolina partnered with a wide array of supporters, including the NC Environmental Enhancement Grant Program, Buncombe County Land Conservation Program, and the US Forest Service Community Forest Program. Impressively, the land’s previous owner, the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, donated 67% of its market value to make the project possible.
This is more than land conservation—this is legacy-building. Over 250 acres will be permanently protected through conservation easements, setting a precedent for forward-thinking land use in our region. For organizations like Conserving Carolina and Camp Grier, and for families who live nearby, the long-term benefits of sustainable, accessible wilderness are undeniable.
Why This Matters if You’re Moving to Hendersonville
If you’re considering a move to Hendersonville, this kind of news paints a clear picture of what sets this community apart. Here, outdoor access and educational innovation go hand in hand. The community is deeply invested in making life better not only through beautiful real estate but also through preserved landscapes and enriched futures for local children. This forest will serve thousands of students and families and enhance the regional experience for all.
Need further proof of what makes this area so outstanding? Check out our guide to things to do in Hendersonville in the spring —hint: most involve glorious weather, great food, and wide-open spaces!
Looking Ahead
According to Tom Fanslow, Land Protection Director at Conserving Carolina, “This project serves our community on multiple levels.” The anticipated opening next year will mark a new chapter for Fairview and the greater Hendersonville region. It brings natural play and learning spaces within easy reach, further enriching the ever-growing list of reasons people love living in Hendersonville.
So if you’re planning to move to Hendersonville, or you’re already lucky enough to live here, the Fairview Community Forest is a glowing example of how this area keeps investing in its natural beauty, educational excellence, and community spirit.
The mountains are calling—and now there’s one more incredible trail leading right to the heart of what makes Western North Carolina so special.