The Walton Farm in Raleigh, one of the last large working farms in the area, has been permanently protected through a conservation easement. This achievement is the result of a collaboration between Walton Farm LLC, Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), and Wake County. The easement ensures that the farm’s valuable farmland, open space, and wildlife habitat will be preserved indefinitely.
“We are pleased to support the protection of Walton Farm, a significant piece of land that benefits both our local farming community and the environment,” stated Donald Mial, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. He noted that this was made possible by the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Farmland Preservation program.
Triangle Land Conservancy has worked closely with the landowners who have owned and farmed this land for over 50 years. The area has been a high-priority candidate for TLC’s conservation efforts since its establishment in 1983. “Triangle Land Conservancy is thrilled to have a hand in protecting this key farmland and habitat corridor in a part of our region most at risk of development,” said Sandy Sweitzer, TLC executive director.
The Walton Farm is notable as it remains undeveloped between Umstead State Park and Schenck Forest. It features two headwater streams flowing into Richland Creek and supports small-scale livestock operations. Nearly 90 percent of its soils are classified as prime or of statewide importance.
Mary Walton, one of the landowners, expressed her sentiments: “My father, Russell C. Walton Jr., loved this land and worked hard to make sure it remained intact and free from development.”
According to the American Farmland Trust, North Carolina ranks second nationally for projected farmland loss. Wake County is among the three most heavily impacted counties in North Carolina regarding projected farmland loss.
Wake County contributed $1.1 million from its Deferred Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestlands Tax Reserve Fund towards purchasing the easement. A significant contribution came from the landowner who donated more than 85 percent of the easement value. Wake County’s funds covered purchase costs while Triangle Land Conservancy will hold and monitor the easement with enforcement rights maintained by Wake County.
This initiative aligns with Wake County’s Growth, Land Use, and Environment Goal 3: Protecting 1,000 acres of green space by 2029.
