The 70-acres of woodlands and permanent pasture at Moorefields are maintained as a wildlife refuge, owned and managed by the Friends of Moorefields, a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation. Moorefields is cherished by many and serves multiple purposes. It’s a place where a sliver of our past is preserved and enhanced; a formal garden and a place to grow hay, support honeybees and nurture the wild; a venue for sharing our heritage and enjoying music, food, entertainment and a sense of community; and much more.

The governing Friends of Moorefields has secured several grants to help improve our outreach, preservation efforts, and understanding of the site. Grants from the Ochiltree Foundation have allowed us to finish repairing and painting the exterior and interior of the house. A grant from the Covington Foundation has enabled us to rebuild the front porch, a performance space for our annual bluegrass festival as well as a gracious space for enjoying the sweep of fields and forest.

Grants from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, Orange County, and the Eno River Association will protect the integrity of the Moorefields property in perpetuity through the use of farm and natural area conservation easements even as we link to the Mountains to Sea Trail traversing Orange County. Moorefields is also the beneficiary of a grant from the federal and state governments facilitating on-the-ground archaeological research into the lives of enslaved people and others who lived here over the centuries.

Furthering the archaeological, artistic, environmental and historic preservation goals of the Friends of Moorefields is ultimately reliant on support from our friends like you. Grants can fund special projects but don’t cover ongoing operational expenses or other needs that arise. Your support in maintaining and extending our efforts will aid in enriching appreciation and endurance of our community’s shared heritage.