Foothills Conservancy adds staff to grow impact across Burke County and region

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is expanding its presence in Burke County and across the region with two new hires aimed at strengthening community engagement and long-term conservation efforts.

The Morganton-based land trust announced that Erin Canter has joined as community engagement coordinator and Sarah Wilder as development specialist. The positions were created as part of a new strategic plan adopted in January following community input from surveys and interviews.

That feedback highlighted strong support for conservation work that not only protects land and water but also delivers visible benefits to local communities through education, access, and engagement.

“These two roles are a direct embodiment of the goals of our strategic plan,” said Andrew Kota, executive director of Foothills Conservancy. “We’re focused on deepening our presence in communities and strengthening the relationships that are foundational to our work.”

Canter will lead outreach and education efforts, connecting residents — including those in Burke County — to conserved lands and natural resources. She previously worked with students and volunteers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, focusing on environmental education and community science.

“I’m excited to get to know the people and places that make this region so special,” Canter said.

Wilder, who has lived in Morganton since 2022, will focus on building relationships with donors and supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability. She brings more than a decade of experience in operations and constituent engagement.

“I want these landscapes to be protected forever,” Wilder said.

Foothills Conservancy has conserved more than 74,000 acres across its eight-county service area, including significant tracts in Burke County, where its work includes land protection, trail development, and public access initiatives.

The organization said the new roles reflect a continued effort to ensure conservation work remains community-driven and accessible, while supporting outdoor recreation and quality of life in Burke County and across Western North Carolina.

— AVN