The North Carolina Zoo has just added a massive area of land to its stunning Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve, 139 more acres to be exact, bringing the total size to 423 acres. This expansion, donated by The NC Conservation Fund with support from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and philanthropists Fred, Alice, Brad, and Shelli Stanback, marks a significant step in preserving local biodiversity.
Originally established in 2000 through a collaboration with the Piedmont Land Conservancy, the Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve’s latest expansion ensures the complete protection of the mountain under the stewardship of the North Carolina Zoo. This brings the zoo’s total managed land to 2,805 acres, including its 512-acre animal habitat and infrastructure. Situated within the ancient Uwharrie Mountains, about 10 miles west of Asheboro, N.C., Ridges Mountain stands at an elevation of 840 feet and is celebrated for its ecological significance and geological uniqueness, providing vital habitat for wildlife such as bobcats, deer, and numerous bird species.
“This acquisition helps the North Carolina Zoo reach its broader vision of natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation,” sayed North Carolina Zoo CEO Pat Simmons in a press release. “Ridges Mountain is an exceptional natural space inhabited by unique plant and animal life deserving of appreciation and protection. We could not achieve our vision without partnerships like those we share with The Conservation Fund, and we are grateful to the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and other donors for furthering our mission of saving wildlife and wild places.”
The preserve is distinguished by its large granitic boulders, basic soils that nurture rare plant species, and wetlands crucial for amphibian breeding. With the new addition, the North Carolina Zoo aims to enhance environmental education and outdoor recreation, including hiking trails and guided hikes. The existing two-mile trail offers a scenic journey to the summit, showcasing the mountain’s remarkable rock formations and boulders. Access to the Ridges trail is open to the public by reservation, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this conservation area’s natural beauty. For hiking reservations, please contact 336-879-7711 during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
