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Natural Heritage Program releases updated county inventory, identifies 56 natural areas in Chatham
Summary
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program presented an updated 2025 Natural Area Inventory for Chatham County: 112 parcels surveyed (~7,500 acres), six newly described natural areas, 13 expansions, and strong emphasis on riparian and aquatic habitats rated "exceptional."
State Natural Heritage Program staff presented the 2025 Natural Area Inventory for Chatham County and described the survey methodology and main results: 112 parcels surveyed covering roughly 7,500 acres, six new natural areas described, 13 existing areas expanded and about 300 acres removed where habitat was too degraded to retain. The inventory now lists 56 natural areas in the county and highlights riparian and aquatic habitats as especially significant for biodiversity.
Project botanist Mary Conlin summarized field findings and significance: "I surveyed a 112 parcels that covered approximately 7,500 acres," and noted discoveries included newly mapped natural communities and new county records for rare plants such as white Ozark tassel‑root and aquatic liverworts. Planning staff explained how the inventory will be used in development review (conservation subdivisions), a pilot program to offer surveys for parcels not included in this round and GIS layers integrated into the county's Conservation Viewer.
