Hatcher's Bridge Tree Farm

Hatcher's Bridge Tree Farm is part of a third generation family owned  farm.

Once a cattle and tobacco farm  owned by David's grandfather, Rev. J.V. Johnson,  we now grow trees, and a variety of grains on food plots for the wildlife and maintain walking trails for nature observation.

Established as a wildlife refuge in 2008, no hunting is allowed.

We offer recreational opportunites and education opportunities to the individuals interested in learning more about the natural world.

Bordered by Little River in Johnston County North Carolina, the 120 acre farm consist of 50 acres of loblolly pine, 17 acres of cropland, a 10 acre meadow, and 43 acres of bottomland hardwoods. Named  after Hatcher's Bridge that crosses Little River adjacent to the property. 

The farm is a resource for those individuals working towards environmental education certification and anyone interested in the environment.

Many wild animals call Hatcher's Bridge Tree Farm home including: Deer, Turkey, Quail, Dove, Rabbits, Ducks, Bobcats, Hawks, Groundhogs, and many others.

Comments from audience:

"WHAT I LIKED MOST ABOUT MR. BARNES' SPEECH WAS WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT BALANCING MY LIFE." MARY CASEY- CLAYTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - LUNCHEON SEMINAR.

'WHAT I LIKED MOST ABOUT THE PROGRAM WAS MR. BARNES' DEMONSTRATION ABOUT MAINTAINING YOUR POISE." CINDY LANE- KENLY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - LUNCHEON SEMINAR

"THERE HAS BEEN SOME TALK GOING AROUND, STUDENTS ARE SAYING THEY LIKED MR. BARNES' SPEECH. MOST MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS DON'T CATCH OUR ATTENTION. I THINK THIS TIME A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE LISTENING." 'LEWIS EDWARDS, SOPHOMORE, NORTH JOHNSTON HIGH SCHOOL.

Comments from educators:

"DAVID HAS A REA;L GIFT FOR PRESENTING THINGS IN A FUN AND EDUCATIONAL WAY". CATHY KLOETZLI, EXTENSION AGENT, N.C. STATE COOPERTIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

"DAVID IS PASSIONATE ABOUT INSTILLING CORE VALUES IN OUR YOUNG ADULTS WHILE TEACHING THEM ABOUT THEIR ROLE IN PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT".  'ROSS RENFROW- PRINCIPAL, NORTH JOHNSTON HIGH SCHOOL'

" DAVID'S ENTHUSIAM FOR  ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS UNPARALLED. I AM PLEASED TO ENDORSE HIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM". KEITH BEAMON - SUPERINTENDANT OF ACCOUNTABLITY- JOHNSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS.  

"DAVID IS WORKING HARD IN HIS OWN NEIGHBOORHOOD AND BEYOND TO INSPIRE CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO SHOW MORE CONCERN FOR THE NATURAL WORLD.. THESE ENDORSEMENTS SERVE TO ILLUSTRATE HOW ONE PERSON CAN START TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."

 LISA TOLLEY, DIRECTOR- OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION - DENR

Who We Are

The owner, David J.Barnes is a certified tree farmer, forest steward, environmental educator and was Johnston County's TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR  2002.

David and his son Kalen Barnes were chosen as   RIVER FRIENDLY FARMERS OF THE YEAR  2008 by the Johnston County Soil and Water Conservation District Office.

Mr. Barnes conducts educational tours of the farm. He also provides motivation  to high school and college students, chamber of commerce groups, church groups, environmental groups, etc. His subjects include: environmental stewardship, increasing self-awareness, cooperative learning, developing your power of observation, and increasing productivity in the workplace, etc.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES

BY DAVID BARNES

HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUMS

CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS