Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
12 <br /> Slide#4 <br /> Questions? <br /> Commissioner Fowler said this is a wonderful opportunity and shared that she went to <br /> the site today and learned some of the history. She asked about the area immediately <br /> surrounding the house on the property and whether or not the current event activities occur in <br /> that area. <br /> Christian Hirni said some activity will take place outside of that area, but not within the <br /> 24-acre area where the Eno River Association is maintaining. <br /> Former Commissioner Barry Jacobs spoke on behalf of the Moorefields Foundation. He <br /> thanked county staff and commissioners for helping to make this possible. He said that the <br /> Moorefields easement can be thought of as a complement to the Seven Mile Creek nature <br /> preserve because it is adjacent to it and extends it. He said that a natural areas inventory was <br /> completed in the 1980s and that this area was considered the most significant natural area in <br /> the county. He said that Moorefields has tried to serve as a community resource and has been <br /> on national register of historic places list since 1950. He said they also lobbied for Cheeks <br /> Township zoning which adds another layer of protection to the property. He said that Draper <br /> Savage left in his will that the house and grounds would be maintained in perpetuity, and that <br /> the grounds be maintained as wildlife preserve. He said that the special events on the property <br /> help fundraise to offset operating costs. He said that between gifts, grants, partnerships, and <br /> events, the organization tries to break even every year. He said that these easements will make <br /> Moorefields a resource available for Orange County in perpetuity. <br /> Commissioner Bedford thanked the foundation for their work. She said she has been <br /> waiting to celebrate these easements and it is good to see the state funding. She said she likes <br /> that the property will tie into the Mountains to Sea Trail. She asked when the actual building of <br /> the trail will begin and about the next steps for the trail development. <br /> Christian Hirni said staff has visited the property twice with Mr. Jacobs and members of <br /> the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail to determine the best potential location for the <br /> easement. He said that once the easement is recorded, the will work with Friends of the <br /> Mountains to Sea Trail and Moorefields foundation to determine the exact route for the trail. He <br /> said that volunteers will help to construct the trail, with the county taking over monitoring and <br /> maintenance needs, in perpetuity. <br /> Chair Price said this is a wonderful addition and thanked Mr. Jacobs and the foundation <br /> for making the offer and making this resource available to the public. She said that she looks <br /> forward to the safe return of festivals once the pandemic ends. <br /> Former Commissioner Jacobs said he appreciates the partnerships and noted <br /> partnerships with the Eno River Association, NC Land and Water Fund, and the City of Raleigh. <br /> He said they are always looking for partnerships to make good things happen in Orange <br /> County. <br />