Hello Jim,
Im interested in checking out the Research Triangle for potential relocation and found these places that may be close to you as well:
http://eco-institute.org/
http://610kirby-permaculture.org/610kirby-permaculture.org/Welcome.html
http://www.bountifulbackyards.com/
Im from Minneapolis, and particularly interested in relocating to a warmer climate that has decent water access, proximity to both mountains and ocean, with land that is affordable within an hour of a major metro area. The Triangle seems to hit all of those things so right now it has my top interest and looking to network in that area. From the climate data Ive looked at the winters seem very mild (in comparison to Minnesota) floating in the 40s, and only slightly hotter/muggy in the summers in the 90s. Where exactly in Central NC are you from?