The Fred Stanback, Jr. Ecological Preserve is a 189-acre tract of land located behind the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel and teh Center for the Environment in the northeastern section of the campus. The area is under development as an ecological preserve designed to be a significant educational and natural resource. Lake Baranski and other specially created study/research areas have been created on the property. Funding for the development of the preserve has been provided through the gifts of Fred J. Stanback, Jr. and William C. Stanback of Salisbury. Mr. Fred J. Stanback, Jr. is a member of the Catawba Board of Trustees.
WILDLIFE PRESERVE
In 1999, The LandTrust for Central North Carolina purchased land that will allow Catawba College to create a wildlife refuge. The property is the largest undeveloped tract of land in Rowan County under permanent conservation easement.
The LandTrust, which purchased 300 acres, presented the property to Catawba's Center for the Environment. Catawba, in return, agreed to a conservation easement which will protect the land's natural value.
Located seven miles north of Catawba on Highway 601, the land occupies the area at the confluence of Second Creek and the South Yadkin River. The Catawba College South Yadkin Wildlife Refuge will provide a learning environment for Catawba students in the fields of wildlife management and land conservation.
RELATED LINKS:
About the Ecological Preserve
Preserve Map
Center for the Environment
Environment & Sustainability