In 2026, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) closed on a conservation easement permanently protecting 336 acres of forested mountains around Camp Rockmont, overlooking Lake Eden. The project is one of 19 new land protection projects that SAHC has completed thus far in 2026, pushing the nonprofit land trust’s total protected acreage past the 100,000-acre milestone.
“This land inspires greatness,” said Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “The forested ridges and natural beauty surrounding Lake Eden created an inspiring setting for the experimental Black Mountain College. The land continues to foster a connection between nature and people, invigorating generations of young leaders through Camp Rockmont’s programs. Beautiful water cascades create quiet locations to contemplate life and soak in the environment. The upper elevations of the property contain rare and important habitat types.”
Photo by Rachel B. Pressley
The tract encompasses a ridgeline and steep southeast facing cove in the Craggy Mountains which drains into Lake Eden; Cedar Cliff rises on the crest of the western boundary. The new conservation easement is situated within a large network of protected land that includes parts of Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Asheville Watershed, and other SAHC-protected lands. The historic Black Mountain College campus (1933-1957) was located on a portion of the tract excluded from the conservation easement.
Low Elevation Basic Glade habitat on the property contains several rare plant species. Four special status species found within the newly designated Camp Rockmont/Lake Eden Preserve Natural Area include: Stone Mountainmint (Pycnanthemum curvipes), Browneyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba var. beadlei), Allegheny Onion (Allium allegheniense), and Blue Ridge Catchfly (Silene ovata). Audubon Society’s Black & Craggy Mountain Important Bird Area overlays the property.
Photo by Rachel B. Pressley
“As stewards of this beautiful mountain landscape, we believe it is our responsibility to protect and preserve this extraordinary property for generations to come,” said Matt Crawford on behalf of the Lake Eden Preserve Board of Managers. “From the beginning, the Lake Eden Preserve ownership group has been deeply committed to preservation. We are grateful for the opportunity to help safeguard a place that means so much to Camp Rockmont, the Black Mountain community, and the natural heritage of Western North Carolina.”
Matt Crawford, Photo by Courtland White
Chuck Flournoy, Photo by Courtland White
The conservation easement was made possibly with grant funding from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), the 2022 Buncombe County Open Space Conservation Bond, generous donations from SAHC supporters, and a donation of significant value of the conservation easement by the landowners (Lake Eden Preserve, LLC).
Will Summer, Photo by Woody Eisenberg
Michelle Pugliese, Photo by Woody Eisenberg
For many young people, places like this are the first exposure to the natural world,” said Will Summer, Executive Director of the NCLWF. “In fact, forty years ago, I came to Camp Rockmont and fell in love with the natural beauty of the North Carolina mountains. It contributed to who I am today, and I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that provided funding to ensure that experience can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Photo by Woody Eisenberg
In the long-term, the property will continue to be owned and managed by Lake Eden Preserve LLC, with passive recreation enjoyed by participants in the Camp Rockmont programs. The NCLWF will hold the conservation easement on the property, and SAHC will continue to be involved in long-term monitoring of the conservation easement to ensure permanent protection of the conservation values of the land.
Terri Wells, Photo by Woody Eisenberg
Carl Silverstein, Photo by Courtland White
“Our community prioritizes conservation of our natural resources and thanks to the voters of Buncombe County who strongly supported the 2022 $30M Open Space Conservation Bond, our County was able to invest $250,000 in this important conservation project and help leverage thousands of additional investments from partners,” said Buncombe County Commissioner Terri Wells. “Working in partnership with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, we are conserving priority scenic and biodiverse mountain lands that help protect our water quality.”
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will celebrate its 100,000-acres-protected milestone on Sunday, October 4 with a special event from 4 to 6 pm at Highland Brewing Company. Please join us! More info and registration for the event HERE >>
Photo by Courtland White
About Camp Rockmont (and Lake Eden Preserve, LLC):
Founded in 1956 on the historic Lake Eden property in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Camp Rockmont is a Christian summer camp for boys that serves more than 1,400 campers each summer from across the United States and around the world. Rockmont’s programs use the mountains, forests and waters of the property as an integral part of an experience centered on adventure, community, personal growth and faith.
Lake Eden Preserve, LLC owns and stewards the larger Lake Eden property that Camp Rockmont calls home. Its members are committed to preserving the property’s natural, historic and cultural character while ensuring that it continues to serve Camp Rockmont and the broader community for generations to come. The permanent protection of 336 acres through this conservation easement represents a significant step in that long-term stewardship.
About NC Land and Water Fund:
Since its creation in 1996 by the General Assembly, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), formerly known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, has conserved well over one-half million acres and protected or restored 3,000 miles of streams and rivers.
