North of downtown Fairhope, two parcels of undeveloped city-owned land are divided by Veterans Drive. Between Greeno Road and Scenic 98, the 108-acre property known as Dyas Triangle is bordered by Fly Creek to the north and 104 to the South. It currently serves as a green buffer between Greeno and the city, as well as a habitat corridor for numerous species of plants and animals.

The Triangle Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 2018 to preserve, protect and enhance this property as a natural space for public enjoyment and education. Once restored and managed, it could be one of the last remaining examples of an old-growth longleaf pine savanna (one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems) in the area.

“I have considered the creation of a nature-based park within the city a brilliant addition to life and education of considerable importance, I am confident, to city and state,” says Dr. E.O. Wilson, a seventh-generation Mobilian who is known internationally as “the father of biodiversity”.

The Triangle Conservancy believes a conservation easement is the ideal way to ensure long-term preservation of this community resource. It allows the landowner to continue ownership of the property while also ensuring that the environment, ecosystem and biodiversity will never be destroyed. Conservation easements are common throughout the country and several exist locally in Gulf Shores, Point Clear and Dauphin Island.

“Miscommunication and misinformation about the Triangle over the years has led to confusion, distrust and misunderstanding about the City’s original intent and subsequent efforts to preserve the Triangle,” says President Mary Riser. “We are grateful to be in talks with the current administration and are advocating for the City of Fairhope to honor the original intent behind the purchase of the Triangle and to commit to preserving, protecting and enhancing it for the public’s use in perpetuity.”

To follow the local initiative, visit Facebook.com/triangleconservancy/