As urban expansion continues, each untouched piece of land we’ve grown up loving is often clear cut, exposing a bare field with very little protection for the animals that once called that area home. Natural landscapes, farmlands and forests are disappearing at an alarming rate to make way for residential projects, threatening local ecosystems and agricultural resources. But, for Tracie Bullins, the land she grew up on, now lovingly called The Patch, is being handled with care to preserve it for not only wildlife, but for generations to come, as well.
A Love of Land and Nature
The early days of The Patch, Black Angus and Hereford cows roamed the land. Eventually, Tracie Bullins’ father enrolled the property in the Forsyth County Farmland preservation program. This agricultural land is protected from development, along with maintaining open and rural spaces while conserving soil and water sources.
“In 2023, my husband and I built a home on my family’s property and moved our family of five to the land where I grew up. We have four generations on this farm. After seeing the abundant wildlife that had made The Patch their home, I knew I had to do more with the land that would incorporate the woods and pond to keep the wildlife here but also attract more species. Farmland is traditionally viewed as a place to grow food and raise livestock. The concept of transforming a farm into wildlife conservation is relatively new,” said Tracie.
“The Patch is home for several herds of deer, flocks of wild turkeys and a variety of other animals such as fox, coyotes, raccoons, opossums and countless bird species like blue herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers, quail, diving ducks and songbirds. All of this wildlife roam, forage and nurture their young as we actively implement measures to safeguard them during their time on the land, aiming to provide them with a safe and flourishing habitat. Not only do animals and nature need land like The Patch, people benefit from the unspoiled land, too,” Tracie commented.
Finding Its Place in The Community
While The Patch is now a refuge and home to wildlife, Tracie has seen it address something missing in some people’s lives.
“As our communities take measures to expand roadways and housing options, this decreases the amount of undisturbed land for people to connect with nature and take a time out from life and exhale from their daily stressors. The Patch has a completely unobstructed view of sunsets which is hard to find today. A little more than a year ago, I had a friend, who is a photographer, ask me if she could refer a colleague of hers to use our property for a maternity session. The beauty of the land, with the tall grasses, lend themselves well to photo sessions. Ultimately, I want to share the natural beauty and serenity of our home and all the views with others. From first birthdays to engagements and maternity photo sessions, The Patch is a beautiful place to capture those special times in your life,” stated Tracie.
The Patch, a wildlife conservation farm, offers a stunning, natural backdrop for families looking for a beautiful, unique setting for their photos and a chance to experience wildlife on a scale not seen very much today. For Tracie Bullins and her family, sharing a little slice of heaven on Earth means so much and provides her with a reward that surpasses anything she could have imagined.
The Patch is located in Walkertown, NC. For more information, contact Tracie at 727.686.9505 or email [email protected]. Follow The Patch on Facebook at The Patch 4672
and Instagram at ThePatch4672_.
