Access has arrived at Raven Rock and Hickory Creek Boulders!
In the Spring of 2023, the CCC worked with the land owners of Raven Rock and Hickory Creek Boulders to form a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining stewardship tasks and access for the public. We are grateful to the landowners for their generous allowance of climbing on their property for registered individuals. In turn, climbers have stepped up and begun to take care of their land.
As of summer 2023, this has included 6 acres of invasive species removal, 5 truck loads of trash removed, transforming an eroded dumpsite into a nice gravel parking area, installing a gate with a publicly-accessible entrance code, removal of over 30 graffiti tags, and some minor trail work. Our plans in the next year include major trail work, major graffiti removal, anchor replacement where needed, and continued work to improve the area.
In August 2023, the CCC was honored with a $35,350.00 Natural and Cultural Resources Focus Area grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for the Raven Rock Access Creation and Restoration project. This grant will enable us to make significant progress towards preserving and enhancing this precious natural climbing resource for generations to come.
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving eighteen counties in the region. Last year alone, they facilitated an incredible $29 million in charitable giving.
This grant will not only help us create and restore access to Raven Rock and Hickory Creek Boulders, but also contribute to the overall well-being of the local Hickory Nut Gorge community.
Thank you to The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for their incredible generosity and for making a difference in our region. Additional thank you to the great folks at Burntshirt Vineyards, who have provided permissions for this climbing access and stewardship initiative. Thank you to The Riveter for their $2,000 donation toward our efforts at Raven Rock and Hickory Creek
We are still shy of our project budget and NEED YOUR SUPPORT. You can support our work at Raven and Hickory Creek here.
