Conserving Carolina

The Conserving Carolina organization has played a pivotal role in the acquisition and development of the Ecusta Trail. The accredited conservation entity has supported conservation and land management efforts not only through its expanding conservation easements but also through its highly regarded legal, financial, and real estate expertise.  Accreditation is accorded only to conservation organizations that uphold high standards for wildlife management, conservation education and community outreach efforts.  At the center of this unique enterprise is its Executive Director, Kieran Roe, a hardworking community leader who has devoted over twenty-three years to conservation efforts throughout Western North Carolina.

Kieran’s early education set the stage for his ongoing contributions to our region.  He earned a B.A. degree in Anthropology and M.L.S. in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University in his native state of New Jersey. Post-graduate studies included certificate programs at Yale University. Currently, he serves on a variety of conservation and advisory boards in the WNC Region.

Under Kieran’s leadership, Conserving Carolina has secured and protected over 47,000 acres of land. The organization has provided major support to the cleanup and restoration of important ecosystems like the French Broad River, considered a linchpin among North Carolina’s “Blueways,” designated recreational and environmental waterways.  According to Kieran, the Ecusta Trail and the French Broad River generate a unique ecological and recreational synergy.  He adds, “the development of the Ecusta Trail will bring not only the renewal and restoration of critical habitat but also enhanced recreational activities, economic development, and user-friendly access to the French Broad River.

Kieran observed that the COVID experience has brought a resurgence in the use of parks, trails and greenways as communities and families sought relief from pandemic isolation outdoors.  A testament to the sheer fun and life-changing experiences that can be found on our region’s trails is the fateful meeting of Kieran and his fiancée, Carrie Morrisroe, during a pandemic-induced hike last year.  He explains, “we went hiking constantly and around our 50th hiking expedition she admitted that she was kind of interested in me.” Carrie and Kieran must have enjoyed their own version of Trail Talk!

The WNC Region is quickly building momentum in land conservation and public access, states Kieran.  He urges voters to continue to elect legislators who support policies, funding mechanisms and local initiatives that encourage park, trail, and greenspace development.  “Our shared COVID experience has demonstrated and even intensified the demand for outdoor recreation and land conservation projects throughout WNC, and our legislators have become valued partners in these efforts.”  In a final thought from life-long conservationist Kieran, “we need to get off the cell phones and enjoy our open spaces that provide amazing beauty, recreation and, as with me, the opportunity for life changing experiences.”

Conserving Carolina has also played a key role in creating DuPont State Recreational Forest, Chimney Rock State Park, and numerous other parks, trails, and greenways. Read about their varied projects and see the impressive work in progress on the French Broad River displayed on their website story-map link: