Crown of the Mountain Bridge

In 2015 we were approached by the Willoughbys who wanted to see their family property protected along the border between North and South Carolina. Their homesite was surrounded by pristine woods and streams that looked over the Watson Cooper Heritage Preserve. When we visited the property and realized its importance and connection to the rest of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness, we knew it was a project we had to pursue.

The 62-acre tract is the absolute top of South Carolina – virtually all of South Carolina north of the Watson Cooper Heritage Trust Preserve, with the state line and the eastern continental divide as its property boundaries. It boasts one of the highest points in the state and completes and protects the Watson Cooper Heritage Trust Preserve, one of the state’s premier protected properties that our founder, Tommy Wyche, helped secure. This site contains one of the highest points in the state, with priceless views of the surrounding Blue Ridge, stunning hardwoods, and all manners of wildlife. Also on the property is the headwaters for Matthews Creek, perhaps the most important brook trout stream in the state.

Unfortunately, where the headwaters begin, a small pond was created. We saw this as an opportunity not only to protect and preserve these vital acres, but also to restore the Creek. We believed through conversations with state biologists, that a mountain bog might have once occupied the area. Removing the dam, might just bring back the bog over time. Further, eliminating the pond will eliminate any fish species that should not be in these high headwaters, making it easier to re-establish and preserve populations of native brook trout and other mountain fishes in the upper reaches of Matthews Creek.  

Through a grant with the SC Conservation Bank and a generous donation in honor of Marjorie E. Schmidt, we were able to purchase the property in 2016. It would take three more years of planning until we were able to remove the dam and free the headwaters of Matthews Creek.