Mission and Projects

Our Mission

The Dunbar Forest Conservancy (DFC) is dedicated to environmental conservation, historical preservation, and public education. Our goal is to maintain a resilient landscape where the natural ecosystem and historical record are protected for future generations.

The Three-Fold Mission

1. Environmental Conservation & Restoration

• Riparian Recovery: We are removing storm-deposited flotsam from the riparian corridor to restore natural water flow following the 2024 storm.

• Habitat Stewardship: Our team monitors and protects vital habitats for native flora and fauna, including amphibians and reptiles.

• Forest Access: We maintain trails for visitors and access corridors for research and safety. 

2. Historical Preservation

• A Legacy of Rediscovery: We honor the work of Marshall Taylor, who in 2021 reestablished the acreage after decades of vacancy dating back to the mid-20th century. His efforts to clear the land and reestablish the primary access road are the foundation of our current stewardship. 

• A Legacy of Reclamation: We honor the work of Marshall Taylor, who recently reunified the property after it had sat dormant and divided over time. His assistance is invaluable in our stewardship of the land

• The Taylor Homestead Legacy: We archive artifacts and stories to preserve the heritage of the Taylor family, who shaped this land for centuries.

• Industrial Prospecting Sites: We protect family-worked prospecting pits—depressions 3–6 feet deep and 6–10 feet in diameter—dating back to the 1700s and 1800s.

3. Public Education

• Information Hub: We provide forest maps, emergency protocols, and educational handouts to help visitors engage safely with the landscape.

• Heritage Awareness: Our project highlights the intersection of human history and natural recovery, ensuring the story of the land survives environmental challenges.

Support the Stewardship

The stewardship and restoration of this land have been a personal labor of love, funded out of pocket to ensure the forest's survival. Your support allows the DFC to transition from immediate rescue into a sustainable community effort.

Your contributions directly support:

• Restoration Equipment: Tools for clearing storm debris and maintaining forest health. 

• Trail work: Establishment of new trails and the maintenance of prior trails. 

• Archival Supplies: Materials needed to catalog the historical record of the Taylor Homestead. 

• Educational Outreach: Production of flora, fauna, and history guides for the Information Hubs. 

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