June 2012 - Spruill Farm Conservation Projectspruillfarm.org/images/Spruill Home Place Farm.pdf · acreage along the sound was home to a fishing operation, where pound nets collected

Opportunity

Vision for the Spruill Home Place FarmJune 2012

�

Wearedeeplycommittedtoaperpetualconservationandlow-impactaccessprogramforourfamilylandonthesouthshoreofAlbemarleSound.Thislandhasveryspecialmeaningforus,wellbeyonditshavingbeenourSpruill“HomePlace”since�9�4.Foralltheseyearsitsfarmers,theirfamiliesanduntoldvisitorshavetakengreatprideinthediversifiedcropsgrowinginitsrichsoil,savoredthedustysmellofpeanutsbeingharvested,reminiscedandshadedunderitspecantrees,marveledatits�00+yearoldScuppernonggrapevine,pickedfigsfromitsprolificbushes,fishedforWhitePerchorwhateverwouldbitefromitsshores,wadedandsplashedinitsshallowsoundwaters,beenintimidatedbythemysteryofitswetswampandbeenscoldedbyOspreynestinginveryoldBaldCypresstreesgrowinginchest-deepsoundwaters.

Theseareexperienceswewanttosharewiththegenerationstocome.Wearedeeplyconcernedaboutthefateofournaturalworldandrecognizethevaluethatreconnectionwithnatureprovides.Tous,these��0acreswith�,600feetofsoundshoreareanamazingoutdoorclassroom-aplacetounderstandourdependenceonthelandandwatersandtopreserveandinspirereverenceforthewondersofnature.

Thereisalongtraditionofsharingthislandandthesoundshorewithvisitors.Wewanttoexpandthataccessandclassroominaperpetualway.Thefollowingpagesshouldhelpyouunderstandwhyandwhatweareoffering. -JackSpruill,September20�0

2

Table of Contents

Statement of PurposeThisdocumentisintendedtodemonstratethevalueofthislandintermsofitspossibilitiesforrestoration,publicwateraccess,andnaturalandculturalhistoryeducation.

Our goal is to donate the land to an appropriate conservation owner. Thelandwillbeprotectedbyaconservationeasementwhichsupportstheusesdescribedinthefollowingpages.Thisconservationeasementwillbeheldbyanindependenttrustee.

Site History.................................................................... 3

Overview of Goals........................................................ 4

Existing Conditions...................................................... 5

Vegetation...................................................................... 6-7

Soils.................................................................................. 8

Context - Public Water Access.................................... 9

Context - Conservation Lands................................... �0

Intensity of Uses............................................................ ��

Possible Uses Site Diagram.......................................... �2

Regional Outdoor Education Facilities..................... �3

Goals in Detail............................................................... �4-�8

Expenses.......................................................................... �9

Thanks & References.................................................... 20

Appendices...................................................................... A,B photo: Doward Jones

Documentdesign B+O: design studio, PLLCandpreparationby landscapearchitecture/architecture 205PrincessStreet Wilmington,NC2840�B+DE

SIGN

STU

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3

History The��0-acre‘HomePlace’FarmhasbeenownedbytheSpruillfamilysincetheearly20thcentury.EdandMarthaSpruill(‘BigPapa’and‘BigMama’)purchasedthepropertyin�9�4,restoredanexistingfarmhouseandcontinuedpriorcropsofpeanuts,corn,cotton,soybeans,wheatandtobacco.Theirfamilyandfarmeffortsexpandedquickly,addingmorebuildingsandapearorchardtothebusyoperation.Atvarioustimesduringthelast�00years,thefamilyalsokepthogsandplantedtomatoes,peppers,sweetpotatoes,pecansandasparagusforadditionalincomeandsustenance.Forseveralyearsduringthe�920’s,theacreagealongthesoundwashometoafishingoperation,wherepoundnetscollectedherring,shad,stripedbassandwhiteperch. Potsherdsandtomahawkpointscanoccasionallybefoundalongtheshoreoftheproperty,whichsuggestspre-EuropeansettlementbytheAlgonquintribes(Mequopen,Moratuc)whowereknowntoliveinadjacentareas.

TheFarmisboundedby‘theBigLeadDitch’tothewest,aswamptotheeast,theLoopRoadtothesouthandtheAlbemarletothenorth.Severallargeditchescriss-crossthefields,hostingpopulationsofnumerousbirds,crayfish,muskratandevenmink.Atonetime,herringwereknowntorunuptheBigLeadDitch,andwereharvestedinlargequantitieswithdipnetsbytheSpruillchildren.Approximately�2acresofcypress-gumswampsupportwoodpeckers,greathornedowls,deer,squirrels,foxesandtheoccasionalblackbear.Baldcypressesmarktheslowmarchoftheshore,andarehometoospreyandeagles.

AlthoughthelandhasbeencontinuouslyfarmedsincetheSpruillsfirstpurchasedtheproperty,latergenerationsgraduallymovedtootherlocations.Someoftheoriginalstructuresaregone,includingalargebarnandtheoriginalfarmhouse,butthepackhouseandaone-roomschoolremain.Thefamilycottonginisstillstoredinthepackhouse,alongwithotheroriginalearlyfarmingequipment.Presently,78acresareactivelyfarmedwithrotatingcrops.Anenormousgrapearborandstandofprodigiousfigs,thoughttobegreaterthan�00yearsold,marktheedgesoftheoriginalfarmyard.

In�98�,ownershipoftheFarmwastransferredtoJackandDianSpruillWilliams,whorecognizedanopportunitytoprovideaplacewherethepubliccouldcometolearnaboutthenaturalandculturalhistoryofthesouthshoreoftheAlbemarle.

Spruill Home Place at time of purchase

photos and artifacts this page courtesy Spruill Family archives

Big Papa and Capt. Dave Hollis working nets

Peanut crop - early 20th century

Tommy Nixon cultivating corn

Sound shore

Duringtheearly20thcentury,theFarmwashometonumeroustenantfarmers,includingtheNixonandChessonfamilies.Relicsoftheseoriginalhomescanbefoundacrossthesite.TheoriginalaccesstothesoundshorewithintheFarmwasastraightcontinuationofthefarmroadthatispresenttoday.

4

Goals

�.Restorepre-agriculturalnativehabitatanddynamicedgesbyexpandingexistingnaturalsystems.

2.Createawelcomingandsafeplacetolearn.

3.Improvewaterqualityandenergyefficiencyacrosssite.

4.ProvidepublicwateraccesstoAlbemarleSound.

5.Createopportunitiesforlocalemployment.

“Progress does not have to be patented to be worthwhile. Progress can also be measured by our interactions with nature and its preservation. Can we teach children to look at a flower and see all the things it represents: beauty, the health of an ecosystem, and the potential for healing?”-Richard Louv, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder”

Passiverecreation,naturalhistoryeducation,culturalheritageinterpretation,organicfarming,research,andrestorationarecorecomponentsofourgoalsforthefarm.

photo: B+O, pllc photo: B+O, pllc

photo: B+O, pllc

photo:NC Coastal Reserve photo:NC Coastal Reserve

photo: NC Wildlife Commission

photo: B+O, pllc

photo: NC Coastal Federation

photo: SRS USDA

photo:NC Coastal Reservephoto: B+O, pllcphoto: NC Botanical Garden

photo: NC Coastal Reserve

5

cypress-gumswamp

bottomlandforest

restoredhardwoods

activecrops

farmyard+structures

figs,grapearbor,pecan,+pear

ditches

Existing Conditions

AlbemarleSound

shore

lN

Map Key:

6

Acerrubrum Red MapleAlbiza julibrissin MimosaBetulanigra River BirchBroussonetia papyrifera Otaheite, Paper MulberryCarpinuscaroliniana IronwoodCaryaillinoiensis Pecan *Caryaglabra Pignut Hickory Caryatomentosa Mockernut HickoryChamaecyparisthyoides Atlantic White CedarDiospyrosvirginiana PersimmonFagusgrandifolia American BeechFicuscarica Fig*Fraxinuscaroliniana Carolina AshFraxinuspennsylvanica Green AshJuniperusvirginiana Eastern RedcedarLiquidambarstyraciflua SweetgumLiriodendrontulipifera Tulip PoplarMagnoliagrandiflora Southern MagnoliaMelia azederach ChinaberryMorusrubra Red MulberryNyssaaquatica Swamp TupeloNyssasylvatica Black Gum, Black TupeloIlexopaca American HollyPinustaeda Loblolly PinePlatanusoccidentalis SycamorePopulusheterophylla Swamp CottonwoodPrunusangustifolia Black CherryPyrussp. PearQuercusalba White OakQuercusfalcatav.pagodifolia Cherrybark OakQuercuslaurifolia Laurel OakQuercusmichauxii Swamp Chestnut OakQuercusnigra Water OakQuercusstellata Post OakSalixnigra Black Willow Symplocostinctoria HorsesugarTaxodiumdiusticum Bald Cypress

Trees on the Farmbold italic -non-native * -planted

photo: B+O, pllc

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Andropogonsp. Araliaspinosa Devil’s Walking StickArundinariatecta SwitchcaneBaccharishalimifolia Silverling,GroundselbushBerchemiascandens Rattan-vineBorricchiafrutescens Sea OxeyeCallicarpaamericana BeautyberryCampsisradicans TrumpetvineCarexspp.Chionanthusvirginicus FringetreeClematiscrispa Swamp leatherflowerCornusspp. Daturastramonium JimsonweedEupatoriadelphusfistulosus Joe-Pye WeedEupatoriumcapillifolium DogfennelHelianthustuberosus Jerusalem ArtichokeHibiscusmoscheutos Swamp HibiscusIrisvirginica Blue FlagLinderabenzoin SpicebushMyricacerifera Wax MyrtleOsmundacinnamomea Cinnamon FernOsmundaregalis Royal Fern Nupharlutea Spatterdock

Panicumspp.Parthenocissuscinquefolia Virginia CreeperPeltandravirginica ArrowweedPhoradendronleucocarpum American MistletoePontederiacordata PickerelweedRhuscopallina Winged SumacRosapalustris Swamp roseSambucuscanadensis ElderberrySaururuscernuus LizardtailSmilaxspp.Solanumcarolinianum Horse NettleToxicodendronradicans Poison IvyUrticadioica Stinging NettleVacciniumspp. Blueberry, HuckleberryVitisrotundifoliavar.

Other Vegetation on the Farm

bold italic -non-native * -planted


photo: B+O, pllc

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Soils SummaryAccordingtoaNaturalResourceConservationServiceofNorthCarolinasoilresourcereport,thesitecontains5soiltypes,whichexhibitarangeofdrainageclassesandcompositions.Approximately43acreshaveasoiltypethatislabelledas‘primefarmland.’Approximately67acresareasoiltypethatischaracterizedas‘farmlandofstatewideimportance,’whichindicatesaslightlyloweragriculturalvalue,duetoslightlysteeperslopes,orotherpossiblyrestrictivecharacteristics.Remainingsitesoilsincludepoorlydrainedareas,orareaswhichcouldbeconsidered‘primefarmland’ifdrained.

AaA Altavista fine sandy loam,0-2percentslopes.~36 acres.Thismoderatelywell-drainedsoiliscomposedofsandyandloamyfluviomarineand/orothermarinedeposits,andisgenerallyfoundinmarineterraces.Depthtowatertableisapproximately�8”-30”.Prime farmland.

DgA Dogue fine sandy loam, 0-3 percent slopes.~6 acresThismoderatelywell-drainedsoiliscomposedofloamyandclayeyfluviomarinedeposits,andisgenerallyfoundonridgesofmarineorstreamterraces.Depthtowatertableisapproximately�8”-36”.No designation.

Ro Roanoke loam,~24 acresThispoorlydrainedsoiliscomposedofclayeymarineand/orfluviomarinedeposits,andisgenerallyfoundindepressionsorflatsofmarineorstreamterraces.Depthtowatertableisapproximately0”-�2”.Farmland of statewide importance.

Wa Wahee fine sandy loam,~43 acresThissomewhatpoorlydrainedsoiliscomposedofclayeyfluviomarinedeposits,andisgenerallyfoundinflatsofstreamormarineterraces.Depthtowatertableisapproximately6”-�8”.Farmland of statewide importance.

WkB Wickham loamy sand,0-4percentslopes.~1 acreThiswell-drainedsoiliscomposedofoldloamyalluviumderivedfromigneousandmetamorphicrock,andisgenerallyonstreamterraces.Depthtowatertableismorethan80”.Prime farmland.

Soils information generated via Web Soils Survey, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. This information does not represent on-site soil-sampling.

AaA

Ro

Wa

Wa

DgA

WkB

Albemarle

Site Soils - not to scale

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There are only 2 public access points directly on the Albemarle Sound, the largest freshwater sound in North America.

* map information from One NC Naturally Conservation Planning Tool

WildlifeResourcesCommission(WRC)boataccess

RoanokeRiverPartnerscampplatform

NCpaddletrailaccess

i SpruillHomePlaceFarm

- WRCpublicfishingaccess-none

5miles

Lk.Phelps

PungoLk.

NewLk.

LakeMattamuskeet

BullsBay

Jamesville

Creswell

Columbia

Roper

Plymouth

Windsor

Edenton

Washington

Bath

Bellhaven

AlligatorRiver

AlbemarleSound

32

99

45

32

99

94

99

�7 �7�

64

264

264

33

99

64

32

�7

308

308

�7

�3

94

264

264

64

64

PamlicoSound

i

�25

Williamston

�3 64

64

PungoRiver

lN

Mackeys

Washington Co.

Tyrrell Co.

Beaufort Co.

Martin Co.

Bertie Co.

Chowan Co.

�0

Connections - conservation lands

i SpruillHomePlaceFarm

PhelpsLk.

PungoLk.

NewLk.

LakeMattamuskeet

BullsBay

Jamesville

Creswell

Columbia

Roper

Plymouth

Windsor

Edenton

Washington

Bath

Bellhaven

AlligatorRiver

AlbemarleSound

PamlicoSound

Williamston

PungoRiver

5miles

lN

i

OpenSpaceandConservationLands-conservationlandeasementsandownership

* map information from One NC Naturally Conservation Planning Tool

Mackeys

��

Intensity of Potential Uses

Low (passive)

site managementtrail+structuremaintenancegarbage/recyclingcollectionhours/security

site improvementshabitatrestorationlivingshorelineinvasiveplanteradicationwaterqualityimprovements

activitiesday-hikingbirdwatchingpaddlingshorefishingculturalhistorytalksnativeplantstudy

site facilities wayfinding+usagesignageparkingpublicaccessroad/pathtrails/benches/elevatedwalkcanoe/kayaklaunchfishingpierinterpretivesignage

+

overnightcampingenvironmentaleducation (instructor-led)archaeology

herringfisheryrestorationmodelfarmrenewableenergygeneration

Moderate High (active)

none

+

+ toilet(composting/other)potablewatersupplycampsitespicnicshelter/tablesviewblind(s)storageshed(s)outdoorclassroom

additionalfacilityhousekeeping

culturalhistoryeducation demonstrations livingfarm fishery energyproduction (past+future)

renovated/relocatedfarm structures+equipmentADAaccessibility

STAFF volunteer part-time/full-time

+

+

+

+

+

We envision that the Farm could support a variety of uses.

�2

lN

AlbemarleSound

500feet

shore research

public access

camping

trails

rest

orat

ion

demo BMPs

hab

itat

bu

ffer

/ c

orri

dor

farmyard + structures

heritage farm

+/- 24 acres

P

researchplots

access from Spruill Loop Rd.connect

off-site drainage

connectoff-site drainage

herr

ing?

hab

itat

bu

ffer

/ c

orri

dor

Possible Uses Diagram

natural surface trails and low boardwalks, with low-key interpretive signage

sea level rise and changing shoreline - this site offers an experiment in progress, with both bulkhead and natural shoreline.

this property edge was originally wooded. there is a story that a mink was trapped here...

topography and soil patterns indicate cross-site surface water movement.

the packhouse and farmyard contain original equipment that could be used for demonstrations

existing crop fields could be used for educational organic farming, with demonstration Best Management Practices

natural surface parking with directional signage

natural surface campsites and a camping platform

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Regional Outdoor Educational FacilitiesTheHome Place FarmwouldbelocatedcentrallyamonganumberofWashington,Tyrrell,MartinandBertieCountyattractions.Thesitewouldbeuniqueamongsttheseplacesinthatitcouldofferpublicsoundshoreaccess,undisturbedcypress-gumswampexploration,activefarming,researchopportunitesandrestorationinonecompact,easilyaccessiblelocationwithin�5milesof4publicschools.

2 Pettigrew State Park5,300acres+�6,600wateracres,Tyrrell&WashingtonCos.,offersbiking,boating,family&primitivecamping,fishing,picknicking,andranger-lededucationalprograms.

4 Walter B. Jones Center for the Sounds & Scuppernong River Interpretive TrailTyrrellCo.,offersavisitorscenter,restrooms,wildlifeobservation,birding,fishing,canoeing&kayaking,hiking,scenicoverlooks,picnicshelter,&historicfeatures.

6 Davenport HomesteadWashingtonCo.,thisprivatefacilityofferslivinghistorydemonstrationsrelatedto�8thcenturyfarmlife.

7 Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime MuseumWashingtonCo.,downtownPlymouth,offersamuseumforstudyoflocalmaritimehistory,arestoredlighthouse,riverfrontboardwalk,educationalprograms,&restrooms.

8 Roanoke River Partners Camping SitesMartin,Bertie,WashingtonandTyrrellCos.,RRPcurrentlyoffersnumerouscreekandrivercampingsitesinthesecounties.TheprocessisunderwaytoincludeSpruillFarmwaterfrontinthissystem.www.roanokeriverpartners.org

3 Somerset Place3�acres,partofPettigrewStatePark,WashingtonCo.,offersoriginalandreconstructedhistoricplantationstructures,archaeologicalexcavations,visitorscenter,trails,ADA-accessibletrails,restrooms,&educationalprograms.

1 Palmetto Peartree Preserve�0,000acres,TyrrellCo.,offersbirding,wildlifeobservation,hiking,biking,primitivecamping,horsebackriding,paddling,&fishing.

5 Roanoke/Cashie River CenterBertieCo.,offersavisitorscenter,boatramp,riverfrontboardwalk&canoeramp,canoe/kayakrentals,outdooramphitheater,educationalprograms,&restrooms.

1 2

3photo: B+O, pllc

photo: NC parks

photo: NC Historic Sites

photo: B+O, pllc

4

6

5

7

8

photo: Partnership for the Sounds

photo: Visit Washington Co.

photo: B+O, pllc photo: Roanoke River Partners

1

2 3

4

5

678

AlbemarleSound

�0miles

Windsor Edenton

Roper

CreswellPlymouth

Columbia

PhelpsLk.

ii

�4

Goals in Detail1. Restore pre-agricultural native habitat and dynamic edges by expanding existing natural systems.

Severalacresofformerfarmlandadjacenttotheswamphavebeenreplantedwithredmaple,sweetgum,cherrybarkoak,wateroak,laureloak,persimmonandothertransitionalwetland/uplandspecies.

Currently,theagriculturalditchesthatborderandcrossthepropertyareminimallycut,andsupportadiversecommunityofherbaceousspecies.Insomeareas,itmaybepossibletorestoretheseditchestoamoremeanderingform,andcreatestormwaterwetlandstoserveasfarmrunofftreatment,aswellashabitat.

Habitatpatchesandcorridorsareimportantunitsofrefuge,especiallywherethereareopportunitiestoconnecttheseunitstoalargerhabitatsystem.Thewoodedareasatthesoutherncornersofthepropertyareacontinuationofthe2ndgrowthwoodlandacrossSpruillLoopRoad,andcouldbeconnectedacrossthesitetothecypress-gumswampattheeasternborder.Similarly,newhabitatbufferplantingsalongthewesternborder,alsoknownas‘theBigLeadDitch,’couldprovidemorehabitatcontinuitybetweenthesoundshoreandwoodstothesouth.

TheSpruillFamilyhavevividrecollectionsofathrivingherringrunalongthesoundshoreoftheproperty.The‘BigLeadDitch’historicallyprovidedasourceofherringandroeforresidentfamilies,andmayprovideanopportunitytostudyrestorationpossibilities.Spawningandnurseryareasmayalsobeapossibilitywithinthecypress-gumswamp.

“Currently the Division of Marine Fisheries has expanded sampling to evaluate, protect, and enhance potential spawning and nursery areas, as well as assess blockages of historical spawning habitat throughout the Albemarle Sound and its tributaries. Spawning area surveys have already been conducted along Mackey’s Creek by NC Division of Marine Fisheries.” - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

Spruill Farm ditchphoto: B+O, pllc

North River Farmsphoto: NCCF

Spruill Farm restoration areaphoto: B+O, pllc

Spruill Loop Roadphoto: B+O, pllc

Spruill Farm bufferphoto: B+O, pllc

image: NOAA

photo: B+O, pllc

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Goals in Detail2. Create a welcoming and safe place to learn.

ConvenientaccessfromHwys32and64makeitsimpleforschoolbusesandthegeneralpublictoreachthesite.

Thebestwaytoexplorethissiteisonfoot.Boardwalksthroughwetareascouldconnecthabitats.Anobservationtowermightbeincorporatedforcanopyandsub-canopyviewingandinterpretation.

Gatheringareasandshadyplacestopausearedesirableforeducationalprogramsandgroupuse.

Therearescenicplacestocampontheproperty,includingdry-landtentcampingalongthehighsoundshore,aswellaslocationsforboardwalktentplatformsamongthecypresses.

Identificationofuniquesitefeaturesandhistoricaluseswithconsistentsignageandinterpretationtechniquesenlivenvisitorexperiences.

“Visiting wilderness areas is the most popular nature-based land activity (29.8 percent) in the state of North Carolina. Hiking is also a popular activity (29.7 percent), with almost a third of state residents indicating participation within the last year. Visiting a farm or agricultural setting continues to be a popular activity with just under a third of residents doing this within the last year.” -NorthCarolinaStateParks StatewideComprehensiveOutdoorEducationPlan, NCOutdoorRecreationPlan,2009-20�3

photo: Roanoke River Partnersphoto: B+O, pllc


photo: B+O, pllc

photo: B+O, PLLC

photo: B+O, PLLC

photo: Glacial Lakes Permaculturephoto: B+O, pllc

�6

Goals in Detail3. Improve water quality and energy efficiency across site.

Thesiteissurroundedbysmall-tomedium-scaledfarms.Lowareasalongtheperimeterandacrossthesiteacceptdrainagefromagriculturalfieldsandroads,andwithsomeimprovements,theseareascouldbeusedtodemonstratenewmethodsofstormwaterrunofftreatment.Theseeffortswillalsocontributetohabitatimprovements.

Explorationofagriculturalbestmanagementpractices,energy-efficientstrategiesandalternativeenergysourcesisencouraged.

photo: Rex Dufour, NSAIS

“U.S. Department of Agriculture researcher Dr. Glynn Tillman found that rows of sorghum planted between cotton and peanut fields will act as a trap crop for stinkbugs that migrate out of the peanuts during harvest.” -RexDufour,NSAIS

“Planting milkweed along a field margin supplies nectar and pollen for a wide range of beneficial insects that provide free pest control.” -RexDufour,NSAIS

Partofimprovingwaterqualityisreducingoreliminatinguseofpesticidesandherbicidesinagriculturalpractices.HerearesomeinterestingideasfromATTRA-NationalSustainableAgricultureInformationService.

photo: Rex Dufour, NSAIS

Washington County, NC

PROPERTY MAP

One Inch = 1248 Feet

Disclaimer:The data provided on this map are prepared for the inventory of real property found withinWashington County, NC and are compiled from recorded plats, deeds, and other public recordsand data. This data is for informational purposes only and should not be substitutedfor a true title search, property appraisal, survey, or for zoning verification.

Parcel Number: 5673NC PIN Number: 7810741399

Owner Name: SPRUILL, JOHN R.Qwner Address:

Owner Address2: 1836 CORCUS FERRY RDOwner Address3: HAMPSTEAD, NCOwner Address4:

Feature ID: 434Property Location: SPRUILL LOOP ROAD

Deed Reference: 461734Appraisal Acres: 107

Land Acres: 107Sale Date: 20090803Sale Price: 0

Land Value: 749330Bldg Value: 7600Total Value: 757430

grass filter stripphoto: NRCS

uncultivated rowsphoto: NRCS

photovoltaics, solar thermal, and water harvestingphoto: Guy Marsden, Art Tec

Presently,farmditchesarestraight,andarecutonlyinwinter.Theyhostadiversearrayofnative(andnon-native)species.Thefigtreesreceivenochemicalfertilizers,insecticidesorherbicides.

Farm ditchphoto: B+O, pllc

site boundarygraphic: Washington Co. GIS

photo: Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co.

�7

Goals in Detail4. Provide public water access to Albemarle Sound.

Thissitewillprovideamuch-neededpublicwateraccessdirectlytotheAlbemarle.Currently,thereareonlytwoplacesonthesoundwherethereisdirectpublicaccess:thewaterfrontofEdentononEdentonBayandthePalmettoPeartreePreserveinTyrrellCounty.TheAlbemarleisthelargestfreshwatersoundintheworld.Elevenriversflowdirectlyintoit.Manyotherrivers,countlesscreeksandswampsflowintotheseelevenrivers.NinecountieshavedirectfrontageontheSound.

PossibilitiescouldincludeakayakandcanoelaunchwithportageroutefromSpruillLoopRoad,enclosedswimmingarea,benches,picnictablesandashortpierforcrabbing,fishingandnatureactivities.Someoftheseactivitiescurrentlyexistinaveryinformalway.

photo: B+O, pllc

photo: Barbara Weible, Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel

photo: EZdock systems

photo: B+O, pllc

photo: B+O, pllc

photo: Doward Jones

photo: B+O, pllc

photo: Doward Jones

�8

“Environmental education can provide hands-on environmental learning experiences that translate into job skills—whether or not this knowledge applies to a career in science. Charles O. Holliday Jr., chairman and former CEO of DuPont, declared that ‘an environmentally sustainable business is just good business, given the growing concern for environmental problems across America. A key component of an environmentally sustainable business is a highly educated work force, particularly involving environmental principles.’ -North Carolina Environmental Education Plan, orig. from No Child Left Inside initiative. Why is Environmental Education Important? http://www.cbf.org/site/

Goals in Detail5. Create opportunities for local employment.

photo: Nicolette Cagle, Duke.edu

photo: Coastal Plain Conservation Nursery

photo: WECO, NC State Univ.

photo: VA Trails.org

photo:CPCN

Thereareanumberofwaysthatthissitecouldprovidelocalemployment.Organicfarming,facilitymaintenance,andeducationalinstructionareconceivable,andotherpossibilitiesmayincludehabitatandbuildingrestoration,researchandculturalhistorypresentationsandevents.

Bringinglocalstudentsheretostudywillexposethemtotheirownuniquenaturalandculturalhistory,andwillalsointroducethemtoavarietyofprofessions.

photo: Doward Jones

photo:B+O,pllc

photo: WHO Farm.org

�9

ExpensesStart-upcostsmayinclude:

Softcosts: topographic/vegetativesurveys planninganddesignservices landscapearchitecture,architecture,civilandstructural

Hardcosts: restoration-materialandlaborcostsforplants,livestakes, seeding,installation stormwatermanagement-grading,erosioncontrol,slope stabilization,revegetationfordisturbedareas roadbedpreparation,parkinglot(soft,perviouspaving)-grading, erosioncontrol,barriers/fences,andsignage trailandcampsitepreparation-grading,surfacepreparation,edging generalconstruction-structuressuchas: boardwalks docks kayak/canoelaunch toiletfacilities(composting) picnicshelters/tables storagesheds utilities: septic/sewer(ifplumbed) electricity(renewable,on-site) potablewater/wells

interpretiveprogramming-educationalsignage,waysideexhibits, outdoorclassroomareas

operatingequipmentandsupplies-MARKETING,garbage recyclingcontainers,etc.

Operatingexpensesmayinclude:

Insurance

Propertytaxes

Ongoingmarketing

Garbage/recyclingcollection

Vegetationcontrol

Electricity

Sewer(ifnotseptic/composting)

Generalhousekeeping

Maintenancesupplies

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ThanksAhugeTHANKYOUtothefollowingpeopleandgroups,whoweregenerouswiththeirtimeandresources,andwhoseenthusiasmforthisprojectissubstantial: DianSpruillWilliams,JennySpruill,FionaSpruillandDavidGallagher,BobandGeorgiaSpruill,RayandHelenSpruill,MarvinandTerriSpruill,MelissaParnitzke,DowardJones,TomStroud,Dr.EllenColodney,TracyWoods,Mary-MargaretandDwightMcKinney,Dr.SuzanneDorsey,DavidEmmerling,CaryandDavidPaynter,ToddMiller,CarolynandBobHess,CypressGroupoftheNorthCarolinaSierraClub,FriendsofPocosinLakesNationalWildlifeRefuge,andtheWashingtonCountyWaterwayCommission.

References:Websourcesforimages,content,andmapinformation: AlbemarleResourceConservation&DevelopmentCouncil TheConservationFund ConservationTrustforNorthCarolina EPA.gov GoWildWashingtonCounty NaturalResourceConservationService,WebSoilsSurvey NicoletteandMarkCagle,DukeUniversity NorthCarolinaBotanicalGarden NorthCarolinaCoastalLandTrust NorthCarolinaDivisionofMarineFisheries NorthCarolinaDivisionofCoastalManagement NorthCarolinaDivisionofParks&Recreation,StatewideComprehensiveOutdoorRecreationPlan NorthCarolinaOfficeofEnvironmentalEducation NorthCarolinaPublicAccessFoundation NorthCarolinaSeaGrant NorthCarolinaStateUniversity,WatershedEducationCommunityOutreach NorthCarolinaWildlifeResourcesCommission OneNCNaturally PartnershipfortheSounds RedWolfCoalition RoanokeRiverPartners Tar-PamlicoRiverFoundation WashingtonCounty,NC WashingtonCountySoilandWaterConservation UnitedStatesGeologicalService VirginiaStateParks

Printsources:Islands, Capes, and Sounds: the North Carolina Coast, ThomasJ.Schoenbaum,�982,JohnF.Blair Into the Sound Country,BlandSimpson,andAnnCarySimpson,�997,UniversityofNorthCarolinaPressLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,RichardLouv,2008,AlgonquinBooksofChapelHill,Waterfront Access Study Committee Final Report,April�3,2007,NorthCarolinaSeaGrantandtheN.C.CoastalResourcesLaw,Planning,andPolicyCenter

2�

Golden Pond

DidyoueverstrollAlongtheoldsoundshore,AndmarvelatthesceneThat’syourstoadore?

DidyoueversitInthechillingbreeze,AndloseyourselfinquietnessJustthinkingwhatyouplease?

DidyoueverhearThenorthwindsighAndwatchanopsreysoarWhilehuntingwayuphigh?

DidyoueverwatchthewaterRollinggentlyoverthesand,AndwitnessnaturalbeautyUndisturbedbyman?

DidyoueverseeamulletjumpLikeadancingballet,AndwonderifhewasfeedingOrjusthisstyleofplay?

EveryoneneedsaGoldenPondAmidthewordlynoiseanddin,WherehecanwitnessthebeautyofnatureAndlifemakessenseagain.

Marvin Spruill, December 2007photo: Spruill Family

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Appendix A - Property InformationParcel Information

TheSpruillHomePlaceFarmasdescribedinthisdocumentislocatedonSpruillLoopRoad,NCStateRoad�3�8,Roper,NC27970

Itiscomposedof3parcels,listedbelow:

PINnumbers: Jack’slot78�0.00-76-6229

Mainfarm78�0.00-74-�399 Formerhoglot78�0.00-62-4779


PROPERTY MAP

One Inch = 788 Feet



Owner Name: SPRUILL, John R.Qwner Address: 1836 CORCUS FERRY RD

Owner Address2: HAMPSTEAD, NCOwner Address3: Owner Address4:


Deed Reference: 461734Appraisal Acres: 107

Land Acres: 107Sale Date: 20090803Sale Price: 0

Land Value: 749330Bldg Value: 7600Total Value: 757430


PROPERTY MAP

One Inch = 788 Feet






Deed Reference: 0Appraisal Acres: 0.5

Land Acres: 0.5Sale Date: 0Sale Price: 0

Land Value: 76000Bldg Value: Total Value: 76000


PROPERTY MAP

One Inch = 788 Feet





Feature ID: 208Property Location: LOOP RD/SR 1318

Deed Reference: 461734Appraisal Acres: 1.79

Land Acres: 1.79Sale Date: 20090803Sale Price: 0

Land Value: 5370Bldg Value: Total Value: 5370

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Appendix BA resource for Washington County

A few excerpts from Washington County’s government website

“The Ideal Habitat for a Wide Variety of Species. WashingtonCounty,NorthCarolinaisalocaleofunparallelednaturalbeauty,wherethousandsofacresofpristineforestandmilesofshorelineandlowcountrystreamsprovidesanctuaryforabreathtakingvarietyofspecies.Mostarenativetoourarea,butoneinparticularhasbeenmigratinghereinever-increasingnumbers—thelegendaryRelocatis Executivus.Exploreoursitetolearnwhy—forred-wingedblackbirdsandwing-tippedtycoonsalike—WashingtonCountyisTheNaturalChoice.”

“Waterandwildlifeareamongthecounty’smostvaluableassets.Recreationalandscenicwaterways,naturallakesandoldgrowthforestssupportarichdiversityofwildlifeaswellasathrivingoutdoorrecreationindustry.Thankstothesenaturalresourcesandourmanyhistoricallandmarks,WashingtonCountyhasbecomeapopulardestinationforeco-andheritagetourism.”

“WashingtonCountyisanaturalforbusinessescenteredonhistoricalandnature-basedtourism.Afterall,tourismisa$�0billion+industryinNorthCarolina,withmuchofthatspendingoccurringinthecoastalcounties.Andstudiesshowthatvisitorstohistoricorculturalattractionstendtospendmoremoneyandstaylongerthanothertypesoftravelers.WashingtonCountyishometoaCivilWar-eraplantation,andinfact,hasarichCivilWarheritage,withfoursitesthatarepartofthethree-stateCivilWarTrails.Thetownsandbackroadsofthecountyaredottedwithnumeroushistoricsites,manydatingtopre-colonialtimes.Thespectacularnaturalresourcesofthecounty—includingtheAlbemarleSound,theRoanokeRiverandabundantwildlife—drawvisitorstoeco-tourism,waterrecreation,andhuntingandfishingpursuits.Asthe“MainStreet”ofWashingtonCountyandtheprimaryroutefunnelingvisitorstoNorthCarolina’sOuterBanks,U.S.Highway64offerstremendouspotentialfortourismdevelopmentaswell.”

ThegoalsforSpruillHomePlaceFarmsupportandenhanceWashingtonCounty’s‘GoWild’program,whichpromoteseco-andheritagetourism.

“According to the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment results for North Carolina, participation in passive outdoor recreation has increased substantially from 1995 to 2006. Educational/viewing activities have increased by 43.4%. Fishing has increased by 66%, and outdoor adventure activities have increased by 87.5%.

And, according to the NC Department of Commerce, in a 2007 study, over 50% of visitor activities in North Carolina include passive outdoor recreation, such as rural sightseeing, beach visits, state/national park visits, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking and backpacking, nature travel/ecotourism, and camping.” -North Carolina State Parks, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, section I-13

graphic: Washington County.gov

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photo: Spruill Family

Documents

June 2012 - Spruill Farm Conservation Projectspruillfarm.org/images/Spruill Home Place Farm.pdf · acreage along the sound was home to a fishing operation, where pound nets collected