Three Rivers Land Trust Campfire Conversations

Turkey season may be over, but the stories are still worth telling. In this episode of Campfire Conversations, Matt Williams, Nolan Cantrell, and Katie Stovall look back on the highs, lows, and lessons from this spring’s turkey season. The crew swaps stories from the woods, talks public land strategy, scouting, patience, close encounters, and the unpredictability that keeps turkey hunters coming b...

In this episode of Campfire Conversations , the team is back behind the mic after a busy prescribed burn season in the field. They break down lessons learned from burning nearly 1,000 acres over the past couple of months, sharing real-world insights on preparation, fire behavior, weather conditions, and the importance of teamwork when things don’t go as planned. Along the way, they highlight the c...

Pull up a chair by the campfire! TRLT Executive Director and Conservation Lands Manager Katie Stovall dive into everything Tuckertown, from the facts behind the campaign to dispelling common myths we see online. Tune in and get the full story on why this land matters and how you can make a difference. Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

We’re back after a short break with part two of this Campfire Conversations series! In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion on making land ownership more sustainable. Building on part one, we’re diving deeper into the realities and opportunities that come with keeping your land working for you. Pull up a chair and join us back around the fire as the conversation continues. Support the sho...

In this episode of Campfire Conversations, we’re discussing into a topic that hits home for a lot of landowners: how to make owning land a little more sustainable. Whether it’s finding ways to bring in a bit of income or just offsetting some of the costs, we’re talking through practical ideas that can make a big difference. From rising property taxes to the real cost of farming, we’re pulling back...

In this episode of Campfire Conversations, we’re reflecting on the bigger picture—what it means to leave a legacy through conservation. From turkey hunting traditions to the launch of our brand-new website and some exciting events on the horizon, we’re doing what we set out to do: conserve land, connect people to the outdoors, and maybe eat a few too many hotdogs along the way. Pull up a chair and...

In this episode of Campfire Conversations , we recap our latest event—the Uwharrie Archery Challenge! We also dive into common misconceptions about conservation, from conservation easements to land management, and what land conservation truly means at TRLT. Whether you're deeply involved in conservation or just starting to learn more, gather around the fire with us for a conversation about pr...

In this episode of Campfire Conversations , we dive into current events in conservation, focusing on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s proposed Conservation Access Pass—what it is, why it matters, and how it could impact public land users. We also take a step back to reflect on why we love the land and what sparked our passion for conservation in North Carolina. Whether you’re a l...

In this episode of Campfire Conversations, Katie, Michael, Matt, and Cody dive into the biggest challenges facing conservation today. From the importance of conservation-minded land use to the ongoing struggles of species protection, we’ll explore the critical need for greater species awareness and the vital role biodiversity plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Join us around the fire as we b...

Get ready for an exciting new year! In our latest Campfire Conversation, we’re diving into all the amazing events TRLT has lined up for 2025—and you won’t want to miss a thing! Join us as we chat with our newest team member, Cody Dagenhart, and get the inside scoop on everything from the Pee Dee Bird Hike to the Uwharrie Archery Challenge. There’s something for everyone this year! Don’t wait—sign...

On this episode we chat with Brooks Long about the North Carolina Zoo Wildlife Rehabilitation center,  the relationship between hunters and conservation, and so much more! You REALLY don't want to miss this one! Support the show Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

On this episode we sit down and chat with Duke Grimstead. We explore the fascinating world of adventure biking. Topics discussed include the value of public land for adventure riding, adventure bike gear, and the upcoming adventure bike rally 'Chilly Willy Weekend'! This event is a weekend of camping and adventure riding on a 100 mile route through the heart of the Uwharrie National Fore...

On this episode we chat with the Director of the Discover Uwharrie Welcome Center, Tracy Lamonds. Tracy shares her passion for the Uwharrie region, highlighting hidden gems, fascinating historical events, and more. You don't want to miss this one! https://www.discoveruwharrie.com/welcome-center Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

This week, TRLT staff members Michael, Katie and Matthew talk all things deer and duck hunting. They also give some hot tips regarding the upcoming Sportsman Access Program's Winter Draw.  Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

On this episode Katie and Matt speak with Bob Westerfield, UGA Extension Specialist with the University of Georgia Horticulture Department. The conversation takes a deep dive on all things food plots, habitat management and hunting. We hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to let us know what you think. If you would like to learn more about how you can manage your land for wildlife, reach out to...

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, we chat with one of our newest employees, Jessie Wilson. We discuss Jessie's role at TRLT and her background. We also recap our conservation success so far this year and surpassing the 50,000 acres conserved milestone! We also touch on some exciting upcoming events held by TRLT. Be sure to tune in and let us know what you think! Upcoming Events: http...

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, we chat with special guest, Dr. Randall Williams of Meateater. We discuss Randall's role at Meateater, hunting access challenges, our Sportsman Access Program and more. Be sure to tune in and let us know what you think! https://www.themeateater.com/listen/meateater Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

On this episode of Campfire Conversations we chat with Ben Williams of Moto Camp Nerd. We explore what defines motorcycle camping, the similarities and differences of moto camping vs. traditional backpacking, and talk all things camping gear. Be sure to tune in and let us know what you think! https://motocampnerd.com/  Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

On this episode we chat with John Stallone, lifelong hunter and Vice President of Howl for Wildlife, Inc. We discuss John's lengthy career in the outdoors, his current mission at Howl for Wildlife, and what you can do to help support the future of hunting. Be sure to tune in and let us know what you think! https://www.howlforwildlife.org/ Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to C...

On this episode we’re joined by Lee Crook, Davidson County zoning administrator. Lee shares an extensive history of Fort York, one of North Carolina’s lesser-known but most significant historical sites, and explains why it’s important to protect and preserve historic areas. Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT.org 

On this episode, we speak with Chris Lasher, American Red Wolf SAFE Ex-situ Population Manager. Chris discusses his lifelong dream of being a zookeeper, what an apex predator is, the many ways in which red wolves are misunderstood, the American Red Wolf SAFE program, the canine dating game, and the connection between local conservation and red wolf populations. Support the show Connected to the La...

On this episode we sit down with one of TRLT's newest employees, Alexis Rowe. We discuss her current role at TRLT as the Development Associate for Local Business. She also shares stories about her previous career as a zookeeper, her passion for the outdoors, wildlife, and local conservation. We hope you enjoy getting to know Alexis and if you would like to connect with her on a local business...

On this episode we’re joined by Joy Shuck, REI's Community and Mission Lead. Joy discusses cross-country road trips, REI’s long partnership with Three Rivers Land Trust, adventures visiting every state park in North Carolina, freaky encounters with cotton mouths, bears and copperheads, and the joys of hunting wildflowers. Support the show Connected to the Land, Committed to Conservation. TRLT...

On this episode, we sit down and chat with Curtis Smalling, Interim Executive Director and Director of Conservation at Audubon North Carolina. Curtis discusses his passion for birds and how he became a 'bird nerd' at a very young age.  Additional topics covered include Curtis' decades long career at Audubon, thriving and declining bird species in our state, and how you can get invol...

On this episode, we sit down with Sarah Crate, Outreach Communications Coordinator for the Longleaf Alliance. Sarah discusses her passion working to ensure the future of longleaf pines, tells us about their historical and modern significance, and explores their unique history with fire. We also chat about rare species, gopher frogs, the trials and tribulations of photographing fox squirrels, how l...