The landowner’s top priorities were location, value, and creating biodiversity on the landscape. This led us to a 45-acre parcel that had been slated for subdivision before an update of local development regulations made lot sizes smaller and less profitable. By working with a civil engineer and county-level planners, we determined that the property could be a good fit for our client’s vision of creating an “eco-Disneyland,” while remaining a sound investment if they were ever to sell.

Since the purchase in October 2023, we have transformed the landscape from fallow hay fields dominated by sweetgum, loblolly sprouts, and Virginia pine for almost a decade to what has been recognized locally as the only managed savanna in the county. We overcame woody encroachment, poor soil, and a fire ant infestation through a series of prescribed burns, no-till cover crop plantings, soil amendments, and pest treatments.

A year in, our cover crops had so successfully rejuvenated the soil and prevented weed growth that we were able to save the landowner $9,000 on fertilizer and $7,000 on herbicide compared to our original estimate. We have constructed multiple road systems and trail systems and continue to work at restoring a pond that will become a favorite fishing hole for this landowner’s family. We are proud to continue to manage this property with annual prescribed burning and planting, as necessary.