MOORESVILLE – A 700-acre property north of Statesville used by Girl Scouts will be named the Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus in honor of a $2 million gift to the Hornets Nest Council.

The gift represents the largest made by the Mooresville-based Dale Earnhardt Foundation, established in 2002, to honor the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion.

“Dale was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman; whether it was spending time at the Earnhardt Farm or traveling across the country on a hunt, he loved outdoor adventure,” said Teresa Earnhardt, the driver’s widow and executive director of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. “We are proud to put Dale’s name on a campus like this with its beautiful wooded environment, wildlife native to the area and such a strong program teaching young people the importance of respecting nature.”

The Hornets’ Nest Council acquired Oak Springs property in 2007 to provide girls with outdoor activities. The gift will fund ongoing development of the campus, including a 25-acre lake under construction.