Davidson Lands Conservancy

What Davidson Lands Conservancy does

Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust founded in 2000 and headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina, operating across Davidson, the Lake Norman region, Iredell County, and Mecklenburg County. Its mission is to conserve natural land and water, expand wildlife habitat and tree canopy, develop parks and greenways, and deliver environmental education in the region east of Lake Norman. DLC delivers four core program pillars — Land and Water Conservation (conservation easements and stewardship), Wildlife Habitat and Tree Canopy (TreesDavidson community planting program), Parks/Trails/Greenways, and Education and Service (World of Wonder / WOW) — alongside the Treasure Trees cataloging program (100+ trees) and the Backyard Book Series educational publications. Since 2000, DLC has accumulated 17.6+ acres under permanent conservation easement, facilitated the planting of over 1,000 trees through volunteers, and reaccredited with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2024.

DLC operates a donation-based revenue model with no traditional product pricing. Funding is generated through four primary streams: individual donations (one-time, legacy, tribute, and stock gifts), corporate sponsorships across multiple tiers, the annual Run for Green race (5K, 10K, half marathon; DLC's only fundraiser, entering its 21st year in September 2026 and reaching 1,500+ runners and spectators), and modest sales of the Backyard Book Series ($10/book, $25/set). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging partnerships with Davidson College, the Town of Davidson, MSC Industrial (Presenting Sponsor), Trane Technologies (Gold Sponsor), Williams Companies, NC Wildlife Federation, Conservation Corps North Carolina, and other regional nonprofits. Marketing and engagement flow through the DLC website, organic social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), email newsletters, earned local media, the Run for Green event, and direct volunteer programs.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Tom Shandley, with executive leadership undergoing transition in 2026 following Beth Wytiaz's announced departure; an active Executive Director search is underway. The organization adopted a 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and completed the Now & Forever Capital Campaign. DLC has no proprietary technology systems, APIs, or AI/ML capabilities; operations rely on standard web infrastructure and third-party tools such as RaceRoster and Queen City Timing for event management. Headcount is reported at 11-50 employees, consistent with a lean regional nonprofit supported by an extensive volunteer network.

Name

Davidson Lands Conservancy

Legal name

Davidson Lands Conservancy

Website

https://davidsonlands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Davidson Lands Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust founded in 2000 in Davidson, NC, conserving 17.6+ acres through easements, planting trees, expanding trails and greenways, and delivering environmental education across the Lake Norman region via donations, corporate sponsorships, and its annual Run for Green fundraiser.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conservation Easements & Land Trust Services (AFAMAMAH), Biodiversity Conservation & Habitat Banking (AFAMAMAC)

Keywords

• Land conservation
• Conservation easements
• Urban forestry
• Environmental education
• Wildlife habitat preservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Davidson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Run for Green Fundraiser: Annual road race (half marathon, 10K, 5K) that is DLC's only fundraiser. All funds raised go directly to the mission of conserving local land and water, connecting lives to nature, and promoting stewardship of natural resources in Davidson. The 2017 race raised over $30,000.
2. Donations and Contributions: Individual donations through various methods including online giving, legacy donations, tribute gifts, and gifts of stocks and securities. DLC has developed societies for major donors.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for Run for Green event with multiple tiers (Presenting, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Green sponsors) allowing businesses to reach 1,500+ nature-loving runners and spectators while demonstrating commitment to conservation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Davidson Lands Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) land trust that permanently protects and stewards land, water, wildlife habitat, and tree canopy in Davidson, North Carolina and the Lake Norman region through conservation easements, urban tree planting, parks/trails/greenways expansion, and environmental education programs. Its primary revenue-generating offerings are the annual Run for Green race fundraiser and the Backyard Book Series of nature publications, while its broader community programs (TreesDavidson, World of Wonder, Treasure Trees, Wildlife Corridors) are delivered through volunteers, donations, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) is a nonprofit land trust offering a portfolio of conservation programs rather than a commercial product. The organization operates four core pillars: Land and Water Conservation (conservation easements and land stewardship), Wildlife Habitat and Tree Canopy (TreesDavidson planting program), Parks, Trails & Greenways expansion, and Education & Service (World of Wonder program). Supporting offerings include the Run for Green annual fundraiser race, Treasure Trees recognition program, and the Backyard Book Series educational publications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• World of Wonder (WOW): An education program inspiring a love of nature in children through environmental activities, nature outings, and hands-on learning experiences.
• TreesDavidson
• Run For Green
• Treasure Trees
• DLC Fellowship Program

Products and services

• Land and Water Conservation Core program that protects natural land in Davidson and the Lake Norman region through conservation easements, donations, and ongoing stewardship of conserved properties.
• TreesDavidson Science-based urban forestry program that teaches tree planting, care, and valuation and expands the tree canopy through community volunteer tree-planting events.
• World of Wonder (WOW) Environmental education program for children and families that inspires a love of nature through outings, activities, and partnerships with Freedom School and STEAMfest.
• Run for Green Annual running event (5K, 10K, half marathon) that is DLC's primary fundraiser supporting all four conservation pillars.
• Treasure Trees Program Recognition and cataloging program for large, rare, and culturally or historically significant trees throughout the Davidson community.
• Parks, Trails & Greenways Program to expand trails, trail connectivity, and public green space in partnership with the Town of Davidson and private landowners.
• Wildlife Corridors Program Inventory and education program that maps and protects key wildlife corridors in Davidson, with habitat restoration supported by Williams Companies partnership.
• Backyard Book Series Nature education flip-book series featuring photography and information on local wildlife, sold to support DLC's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 trees planted through volunteer efforts
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Land Trust Accreditation CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024DLC secured reaccreditation through the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, demonstrating commitment to professional excellence and maintaining public trust in conservation work. Part of network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation.
• Land Trust AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLC displays Land Trust Alliance accreditation logo indicating membership in national network of land trusts. The Alliance supports land trusts across America in saving the land people love.
• 1% for the PlanetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDLC joined 1% for the Planet as a nonprofit partner, allowing participating businesses to direct 1% of sales to support DLC's conservation mission.
• NC Wildlife FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNC Wildlife Federation added DLC as an affiliate, connecting DLC to broader wildlife conservation network in North Carolina.
• Trane TechnologiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTrane Technologies is a Gold Sponsor for Run for Green and has a sustainable partnership with DLC to preserve and enhance natural areas in Davidson, NC, home to its North American headquarters.
• Williams CompaniesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Carolina collaboration powering restoration of wildlife habitats. Partnership demonstrates corporate support for DLC's habitat restoration work.
• Conservation Corps North CarolinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLC joined forces with Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) to hire local high school students to enhance forested walking trails at Fisher Farm Park during summer programs.
• Town of DavidsoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership for parks, trails, and greenways. DLC works with Town on greenway expansion, Fisher Farm park management, and sustainable natural assets planning.
• Davidson CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLC recognized as key partner by Davidson College. Partnership includes campus arboretum collaboration, Freedom School program at Ada Jenkins Center, student internships, and use of Erwin Lodge for meetings.
• WDAV 89.9 Classical Public RadiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Sponsor for Run for Green 2020; created uplifting playlist for virtual race participants using RaceJoy app.
• Shearwater Point NeighborhoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLC consulted with Shearwater Point neighborhood in Cornelius on options to preserve and cultivate wildlife; resulted in pollinator garden plans for community spaces.
• Dearness Gardens NurseryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPollinator and native plant specialist Christine Lisiewski from Dearness Gardens Nursery provided native plants for sale at DLC events as alternatives to invasive plants.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Conserving Carolina: Regional land trust serving the Hendersonville/Asheville region of western North Carolina with land conservation, trail-building, and education programs. Comparable mission and programmatic scope to DLC, with similar dependence on community fundraising and corporate sponsorships.
• Catawba Lands Conservancy: Accredited regional land trust serving the greater Charlotte/Foothills region of North and South Carolina with a comparable four-pillar model (land conservation, stewardship, education, community engagement). Directly comparable as a peer-sized accredited land trust operating in DLC's geographic neighborhood.
• Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina: Accredited regional land trust focused on conservation in the foothills and western Piedmont of North Carolina. Comparable in mission, scale, and programmatic approach to DLC, including land protection, trail development, and community education.
• Three Rivers Land Trust: Accredited land trust operating across the Piedmont region of North Carolina with conservation easement, trail, and education programming. Directly comparable as a peer North Carolina land trust with overlapping donor and corporate sponsor pool.
• Piedmont Land Conservancy: Accredited land trust serving the north-central Piedmont of North Carolina with land conservation easements, nature preserves, and educational programs. Directly comparable as a peer regional land trust operating near DLC's service area.

Others

• Land Trust Alliance: National membership organization supporting accredited land trusts across the United States. DLC is an accredited member and displays the Land Trust Alliance logo. Not a direct peer but a key industry infrastructure and advocacy organization.

Broad incumbents

• The Conservation Fund: National nonprofit that works with public and private partners to protect land and water resources across the U.S., with active North Carolina projects. Overlaps with DLC's land conservation and easement work at a much larger scale, and competes for corporate and government conservation funding.
• The Nature Conservancy - North Carolina Chapter: Global conservation nonprofit with a significant North Carolina chapter conducting land protection, restoration, and conservation science across the state. Operates at much larger scale than DLC but competes for the same donor pool, corporate ESG dollars, and attention in the local market.
• Trust for Public Land - North Carolina: National nonprofit focused on land and water conservation, parks, and equitable access with active programs across North Carolina. Broad incumbent competing for similar municipal, corporate, and philanthropic funding as DLC, particularly for trail/greenway and park projects.
• National Audubon Society - North Carolina: National nonprofit focused on bird and habitat conservation with active North Carolina chapters and sanctuaries. Overlaps with DLC's wildlife corridor and tree canopy work, and competes for the same environmentally engaged donor base.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DavidsonLandsConservancy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/davidson-lands-conservancy
• Instagraminstagram.com/davidsonlands
• Xx.com/davidsonlands

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Davidson Lands Conservancy