Rooted Thoughts from the Heartwood Chapter 4: Lynda Turbeville on The Importance of Preserving FamilyTree Farms for Future Generations

At ForestHer NC, our strength comes from our community. These are the women who step up, ask questions, and champion the stewardship of North Carolina’s woodlands. So, this month, we are thrilled to spotlight one of our dedicated board members, Lynda Turbeville, whose journey perfectly captures the spirit of what we do.

When Lynda unexpectedly inherited her family’s farm, she faced a challenge familiar to many women landowners: navigating a historically male-dominated industry while figuring out exactly where to start.

Lynda found a home in ForestHer NC, drawing strength from the unique camaraderie, education, and shared purpose of women landowners supporting one another. Today, she is helping lead the organization as one of our esteemed board members to ensure other women have those same vital resources.

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My stepfather passed away in 2000, and my mother in 2004. My brother Ron and I inherited the small family farm. When Ron died in 2005, I became the caretaker for the property that has been in my stepfather’s family since at least the early 1900’s. As

a lover of history and family tradition, I feel a strong sense of duty to protect it for future generations. I am truly fortunate that my husband, Samuel Gaskins, has been very supportive of my goals and efforts.

I have a tendency to name most things, and I felt that the farm needed a name. My stepfather was William F. Norris, and my nickname for him was Sweet William. So, the little tract became Sweet William Farm, a way that I could honor the man who had been so kind to me.

In later life, my parents had rented out the land to another farmer. The income was

not much, but the other farmer also kept the ditch banks mowed, etc. so it was a

beneficial relationship.

When I became owner, I checked with the County Extension Office and asked if there

were any programs available which might work well for the land. There were none at

that time. Later, one of the staff members called me and told me about the Longleaf

Pine Initiative that was being offered, and I did the necessary paperwork to participate.

(I cannot overemphasize the importance of building a strong relationship with the

people in these positions. I was very grateful that the staff person remembered that I

was looking for opportunities.)

I live in Lee County, but my farm is in Columbus County, which is about a two-hour

drive, so it was not convenient for me to join the forestry group there. But the Lee

County Forestry Association welcomed me, and the things that I have learned in this

group apply to forestry landowners across the state. The educational programs offered

and the fellowship of the Lee County Forestry Association have been important to me.

I have made some mistakes, and I have done some things right. It has been a learning

process and a very positive and enriching one. I asked lots of questions; searched for

workshops and learning opportunities; and from the time that I heard about ForestHer,

I have been an active member and was honored when given the chance to serve as a

Board member.

When I began the Longleaf Pine Initiative, I also placed a conservation easement on the

land related to nesting birds, and I am currently looking for other easements that I hope

will benefit the land long term. The area where Sweet William Farm is located has

become a bedroom community for the South Carolina beaches, and farmland is being

developed at an alarming rate. An adjoining farm, which had been in the same family

for generations, was sold to a developer. Being a steward for this land becomes more

important every day.

I am in the process of documenting Sweet William Farm for designation as a Century

Farm. I was unsure if it qualified since it came through my stepfather’s family, but I

was told by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that, since it was passed to

me through a Last Will and Testament, it qualified.

Family farms are more than just pieces of land used for agriculture; they are living

legacies that connect generations through shared history, hard work, and stewardship

of the land. These farms provide environmental, economic, cultural, and educational

benefits that can positively impact future generations.

In the case of family tree farms, the importance is expanded even further for their role

in protecting the environment. Tree farms help improve air quality by absorbing carbon

dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also provide habitats for wildlife, prevent soil

erosion, and contribute to healthier ecosystems. By safeguarding these farms, families

help conserve natural resources and create greener communities for future generations

to enjoy.

In addition to their environmental and economic value, family tree farms hold deep

cultural and historical significance. Many have been passed down through several

generations, carrying stories, traditions, and lessons that reflect a family's heritage.

Preserving these farms allows younger family members to maintain a connection to

their ancestors and gain a greater appreciation for their roots. This sense of identity

and continuity strengthens families and the surrounding communities.

The preservation of family farms is a joint effort, and communities, governments, and

families must work together to protect these lands through conservation programs,

responsible planning, and continued family involvement. The goal is to ensure that

they remain productive and preserved for the future. This preservation is essential for

the well-being of future generations. Our family farms provide environmental

protection, economic stability, cultural heritage, and educational opportunities that

cannot easily be replaced. By safeguarding these farms today, we honor the past while

creating a stronger, more sustainable future for those who will inherit the land.

I constantly feel the presence of my mother and stepfather, Bill and Sarah Spivey Norris,

as I care for their little farm cottage and the Longleaf Pines that are now part of the

property. I hope that they are proud of the heritage that we are working hard to

preserve. And I hope that my son, Jeremy, will continue the legacy.

Sincerely,

Lynda Turbeville