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Based in Georgia, the Southern Conservation Trust is a US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 58-2036727, that elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 60,000 acres of conserved land and public lands throughout the southeast, including 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Flint Nature Center. We don’t just believe in protecting land; we believe people should have equal access to enjoy it.
Founded in 1993 by Fayette County residents passionate about conservation, the Southern Conservation Trust began by protecting local nature areas along Line and Flat Creeks. Initially run entirely by volunteers, SCT spent its first decade accepting land donations and conservation easements.
In the early 2000s, SCT expanded beyond Fayette County to protect critical lands across the greater metro Atlanta area. By 2013, we launched our first nature-based summer camp and began increasing public access to nature. In 2016, SCT hired its first full-time Executive Director, signaling a new era of growth.
A key milestone came in 2019 with the acquisition of the historic Bennett-Graham-Brewer House,now the Flint Nature Center. Dating back to the 1830s, the home has deep roots in local history, including ties to the family of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. The Center now serves as a hub for environmental education and community connection.

Join volunteer team for moth night

Become a Southern Conservation Trust volunteer

Give

Keeping Georgia Farms in the Family: A Legacy of Land, Conservation and Stewardship

“Lights Out": Giving Georgia’s Night-Flying Birds A Safer Journey

Southern Conservation Trust Launches 10-Year Forest Restoration at Towaliga Preserve with QTS Data Centers

The Mountain, the Darkness and the Decision to Keep Going

Southern Conservation Trust Invests Born to Be Wild Race Funds in Youth, Environmental Education, and Outdoor Recreation

Southern Conservation Trust Promotes Jesse Woodsmith to Vice President of Conservation

Southern Conservation Trust Opens Applications for the Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund

Science, Growth, and Georgia's Future: Why Facts Matter More Than Ever

What Happens to Conservation Easements When Eminent Domain Is Used?

Morgan Grove Nature Area’s First Prescribed Burn: A Milestone for Habitat Management

AGLT: Collaborating to Protect Georgia’s Wild Future

A Year in the Making: Southern Conservation Trust and City of Fayetteville Partner to Preserve Native Orchids

2025 Impact Report

2024 Impact Report

2023 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

Chris Doane

Jesse Woodsmith

Angela Goddard

Brian McKnight

Charlee Glenn

dustin campbell

Hana Sellers

IAN HACKNEY

Jay Averett

Josie Saunders

Michaela Duda

Paxton Caroline Hayes

Taylor King

Tori Betsill

Volunteer with Us This Holiday Season! 💚 We’re hosting three volunteer days at the Nature Center Annex to help prepare important holiday mailings! Choose a date to join us: Thursday, November 12 Tuesday, November 17 Thursday, December 3 ⏰ Time: 10 AM – 12 PM 📍 Location: Nature Center Annex, 455 Beauregard Blvd, Fayetteville, GA Parking: Available on-site. Look for the brick house with the purple Ripple Glass recycling bin outside. We would love your help! Email Josie@sctlandtrust.org to sign up! Thank you for supporting SCT this holiday season! 💚

How can we balance growth with the protection of the natural resources that make our communities special? 🌿 On November 2, the Southern Conservation Trust brought together regional leaders, elected officials, and conservation partners for the Flint Rising Leadership Forum to explore this important question. From protecting our waterways and preserving greenspace to planning for responsible development, the forum sparked meaningful conversations about the future of the Upper Flint River region. Read our latest press release to learn how leaders from Fayette and Coweta Counties are working together to build thriving communities while protecting the natural resources that sustain them. 🔗 click the “News/Blogs” link in our bio to read more! Learn more about the Flint Rising Initiative at FlintRising.org. @thecitizennews @newnantimesherald

Protect the land you love. 🌿 The marshes, forests, and waterways that make our communities special are worth protecting. But conserving land can come with financial and logistical challenges that make it difficult for landowners to take the next step. The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund helps eligible landowners in Fayette and Coweta counties explore permanent land conservation by reducing some of those barriers. 🌱 Assistance may include support for due diligence expenses, cost sharing for conservation related costs, and more. And here's something important: Exploring conservation does not mean giving up ownership of your land. You can continue to own your property while protecting its natural features for generations to come. 💚 Ready to explore what's possible for your property? Take the first step and tell us about your land and your conservation goals! Click the link in our bio to learn more! Together, we can protect the land we love and preserve the natural beauty of Fayette and Coweta counties for generations to come.

Mark your calendar! 💚 This December, we're celebrating the little moments that can make a big difference—a child's first animal encounter, a new discovery on a school field trip, or a summer day spent exploring nature. On Giving Tuesday, December 1, the Southern Conservation Trust is launching our Keep the Wonder Growing campaign to raise $20,000 for the Flint Nature Center. Your support helps sustain the educational programs, animal care, supplies, and daily operations that make these experiences possible. Mark your calendar or give early! 📅 Giving Tuesday: December 1 🌿 Campaign ends December 31 Click the link in our bio to give today!

A Day in the Field! 🌿💚 Our SCT team recently headed to Sugar Creek Hollow, one of our beautiful private preserves in North Georgia, for a special outing led by our Conservation Team! The outing gave the rest of our staff a firsthand look at what a day of property monitoring looks like for our conservation team. From exploring the property to seeing the important work that goes into caring for and protecting these special places, it was a great opportunity to learn more about conservation in action. Sugar Creek Hollow is a private preserve that is not open to the public, making this an extra special opportunity to experience its incredible natural beauty. We are grateful for our Conservation Team and all they do to ensure the lands we protect remain healthy and thriving for generations to come! 🌳

Introducing the Flint Nature Center! You may have noticed that we’ve been calling it simply “the Nature Center” for a while now—and we’re excited to finally make it official! The Southern Conservation Trust’s Fayette Environmental Education Center is now the Flint Nature Center. The new name better reflects our connection to the Upper Flint River watershed and the important role this place plays in connecting our community to nature through environmental education, outdoor recreation, conservation, and hands-on experiences. Same place. Same people. Same mission. A new name that better reflects where we’re headed. 💚 We’re excited for this next chapter and all that’s ahead at the Flint Nature Center! Click the News and Blogs link in our bio to read more about it! #FlintNatureCenter #SouthernConservationTrust #UpperFlint #ConnectToNature @thecitizennews @mainstreetfayettevillega

Make a difference with every mile! 🏃‍♀️🦦 Mark your calendars for December 12, 2026, because the Born to Be Wild 5K, 10K & Fun Run is coming to Newnan! Join the Southern Conservation Trust at the McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds for a day of fitness, family fun, and a whole lot of WILD spirit! 💚 Here’s what you can look forward to: - Choose your adventure with a 5K, 10K, or Fun Run - Meet Flint the River Otter and show off your favorite SCT mascot costume -Kids can choose an event T-shirt or a Flint the otter plushie when registering - Enjoy a fun day outdoors while supporting conservation Make every step count for the wildlife and natural spaces we all love! Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or bringing the family along for some outdoor fun, there's a place for you at the starting line! 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds 275 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 🌎 Run for nature. Celebrate wildlife. Support conservation. 👉 Ready to join the fun? Register or explore sponsorship opportunities here: Click the link in our bio to register! Tag your running buddies and start spreading the word!

🌱 Growth That Gives Back As our communities grow, conservation should grow with them. Every investment in nature helps create opportunities to protect the land, restore habitats, and preserve the natural spaces that make our communities special. By supporting conservation today, we can help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Do you have a Donor Advised Fund? Consider recommending a grant to Southern Conservation Trust and help us continue our mission to elevate nature through exceptional stewardship. 🌿 Let your giving take root. Recommend a grant to Southern Conservation Trust today! Southern Conservation Trust 305 Beauregard Blvd., Fayetteville, GA 30214 EIN: 58-2036727

Thank you to the Coweta County Chamber of Commerce for inviting our President and CEO, Chris Doane, to share more about the Flint Rising Initiative last Friday! 🌿 As Coweta County continues to grow, protecting the natural spaces and waterways that make our community unique is more important than ever. Through Flint Rising, Southern Conservation Trust is working to support conservation efforts and help ensure these valuable resources remain part of our region’s future. We appreciate the Chamber for creating opportunities to bring people together around the future of our community and for helping shine a light on the importance of conservation. Learn more about the Flint Rising Initiative by clicking the link in our bio! #SouthernConservationTrust #FlintRising #CowetaCounty #Conservation #ProtectWhatYouLove

🌿 Something exciting is taking root… Our Nature Center is entering a new chapter, and with it comes a new name that better reflects our connection to the place we call home. Same place. Same people. Same mission. But something new is coming. 👀 Stay tuned for the big reveal! #SouthernConservationTrust #NatureCenter

A LITTLE WILD GOES A LONG WAY! 🦦🏃‍♀️ What if your next finish line could help protect the places we love? 🌎💚 At the Born to Be Wild 5K, 10K & Fun Run, every step supports Southern Conservation Trust’s mission to conserve land, protect wildlife, and keep nature thriving for generations to come. Whether you’re chasing a PR, enjoying a family outing, or just looking for a reason to get outside, there’s a place for you at the starting line! 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds in Newnan, GA And of course, Flint the River Otter will be there to cheer you on! 🦦 👟 Pick your distance, bring your people, and let’s get a little wild for a great cause! 🌲 Click the link in our bio to register! #BornToBeWild #SouthernConservationTrust #RunWild #ConservationInAction #ConnectToNature

🌿 What do you want the future of your land to look like? The woods you love, the creek that runs through your property, the wildlife that calls it home, or the family land you hope to pass down. Whatever makes your land special, protecting it for future generations starts with exploring your options. The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund helps eligible landowners in Fayette and Coweta counties explore permanent land conservation by helping reduce some of the financial and logistical barriers that can stand in the way. 🌱 Assistance may include support for due diligence expenses, cost sharing for conservation related costs, and more. And here's something important: Exploring conservation does not mean giving up ownership of your land. You don't have to be a conservation expert or know whether your property qualifies to get started. 💚 Ready to explore what's possible for your property? Take the first step and tell us about your land and your conservation goals! 👉 https://forms.gle/QmLRkYr7bgovbQGs6 Let's work together to protect the land we love and preserve the natural beauty of Fayette and Coweta counties for generations to come.

A look at who we are and where we’re headed. We’re excited to share this feature from Georgia CEO highlighting Southern Conservation Trust President & CEO Chris Doane. In the video, Chris shares the history of SCT, our work as a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and connecting people to nature, and our newest initiative, Flint Rising. Flint Rising represents an exciting next chapter in our conservation work, with a focus on protecting the Upper Flint River watershed and the communities connected to it. 🌊 Thank you to Georgia CEO for helping us share our story and our vision for the future!

We loved having the Rutledge Center join us at Morgan Grove Nature Area for another volunteer day this week! 💚 We always enjoy our volunteer days with the Rutledge Center and are so grateful for the time and energy they bring to caring for our natural spaces. This week, they helped pick up trash and clear trails, making a big difference for everyone who visits Morgan Grove. And of course, no volunteer day is complete without a little wildlife encounter! 🐢 An Eastern Box Turtle came right up to us to say hello while we were working. What a special volunteer day surprise! Thank you, Rutledge Center, for helping us care for the places we all love! @rutledgecenter

VENDORS WANTED! 🦦 Want to get your business in front of local runners, families, and outdoor lovers? Join us as a vendor at the Born to Be Wild 5K, 10K & Fun Run! 🌿🏃‍♀️ Come be part of a fun, family friendly event while connecting with our community and supporting conservation! 📅 Saturday, December 12 📍 McGuffey Nature Center | Newnan, GA Interested in becoming a vendor? Email Josie at josie@sctlandtrust.org for details and to reserve your spot! 🦦🌿🏃‍♂️ We’d love to have you join us!

⚖️ Conservation takes more than acres—it takes creative problem-solving, collaboration, and sometimes a little legal expertise! We’re excited to be working with 8 UGA School of Law students on 8 real-world conservation projects, all pro bono through the University of Georgia’s Land Conservation Clinic, led by Steffney Thompson. The Land Conservation Clinic brings together law, science, and policy to support land conservation across Georgia and the Southeast. For SCT, this partnership is an incredible resource—and we’re so impressed by the students’ enthusiasm for tackling real-world conservation challenges. We’re grateful for this partnership and for the opportunity to work alongside the next generation of conservation professionals! 🌿⚖️ Learn more about the UGA Land Conservation Clinic. Click the link in our bio to learn more!

🌿 Join the Conversation: Flint Rising How can we balance growth with protecting the greenspaces, waterways, and natural resources that make Fayette and Coweta special? Join SCT President & CEO Chris Doane for the final Flint Rising Community Conservation Conversation on Oct. 13 at Carnegie Library in Newnan. Learn about Flint Rising, the Conservation Assistance Fund, and how our region can work together to conserve the places that matter most. 📍 Oct. 13 | Carnegie Library, Newnan 🕡 6:30 PM Click the link in our bio to learn more!

We had a great time volunteering today at the Joseph Sams School’s Clays for a Cause clay shoot at Cherokee Rose! 🎯 The Southern Conservation Trust Development Team was there lending a hand, supporting a great cause, and enjoying a beautiful day with the community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support the Joseph Sams School and be part of such a fun event! #SouthernConservationTrust #ClaysForACause #JosephSamsSchool #CherokeeRose #Community GivingBack Volunteer @thejosephsamsschool @cherokeerosesportingclays

What if one small switch could help a bird find its way home? Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through Georgia under the cover of darkness. But the lights around our homes can make that journey more difficult, drawing birds off course and toward buildings. The good news? Helping can be as simple as turning off a light. You don’t have to turn your home, or your neighborhood, completely dark. A few small changes can help create a safer path for birds while keeping the lighting you need. Small changes. Safer skies. Read the blog post and learn more about making your home bird-friendly this migration season! Click the "SCT NEWS AND BLOGS" link in our bio to read! @birdsgeorgia

🦦🌲 Get ready to get WILD! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ The Born to Be Wild 5K, 10K & Fun Run is coming to the McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds on December 12, 2026! This isn’t just a race. Every step helps make a difference. Your participation supports Southern Conservation Trust’s work to conserve land, protect wildlife, and advocate for the natural places we all love. 🌿🦉 And there’s plenty of fun waiting for you! 🎉 🦦 Dress as your favorite SCT mascot! 👕 Registered kids can choose an event T-shirt OR a Flint the otter plushie! 🏃 Pick your challenge: 5K, 10K, or Fun Run 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the whole family for a fun day outdoors 🦦 Keep an eye out for Flint cheering you on at the finish line! Whether you’re chasing a new PR, getting your miles in before the holidays, or looking for a fun family adventure, come run wild with us! 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds 🌎 Run for nature. Run for wildlife. Run for a cause. 👉 Click the link in our bio to register or sponsor the event! Lace up, bring your wildest spirit, and we’ll see you at the finish line!

🌳 A new chapter for Towaliga Preserve. Southern Conservation Trust is launching a 10-year forest restoration initiative at Towaliga Preserve in Henry County, formerly known as Henderson Farms. With long-term support from QTS Data Centers, SCT will restore degraded early-successional forest, improve the health of surrounding mature forest, and strengthen habitat and watershed protection across this important landscape. This work goes beyond planting trees. It includes professional forestry, invasive species management, native tree planting, ecological research, long-term monitoring, and continued stewardship by SCT. The restoration builds on an earlier QTS-supported effort at the property, where SCT planted 12,140 native trees representing 21 species across 23 acres. We’re grateful for the partnership that is helping us not only protect this landscape, but invest in its long-term ecological health. Click the "SCT NEWS/BLOGS" link in our bio to read more! @qts_data_centers

🏆 We’re honored to be named Best Kids Activity Leader in Fayette County! Southern Conservation Trust may be a land trust and conservation organization, but our work goes far beyond conserving land. Through environmental education, public access to nature, and programs for kids and families, we connect people with the outdoors throughout Fayette County and neighboring communities. In 2025, SCT served more than 5,000 students through homeschool programs, field trips, and other environmental education opportunities — in addition to the countless families who visit our Nature Center and trails throughout the year. Our ~14-acre Nature Center campus in the heart of downtown Fayetteville provides something pretty special: an oasis of nature, trails, wildlife, and environmental education right in the middle of our community. We’re proud to be expanding that impact in 2026 and grateful to everyone who voted for us in the Fayette Chamber of Commerce (GA) & The Citizen’s 2026 Citizens Choice Awards. 💚🌿 Haven’t visited yet? The Southern Conservation Trust Nature Center is open to the public Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM. Plan your visit: www.sctlandtrust.org/nature-center #CitizensChoiceAwards #FayetteCounty #SouthernConservationTrust #EnvironmentalEducation #NatureCenter #FayettevilleGA @thecitizennews

You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out. Maybe you've thought about protecting your land someday. Maybe you're concerned about what could happen to it as the area grows. Maybe you want your children or grandchildren to enjoy the same woods, fields, streams, and open spaces that mean so much to you. Or maybe you're simply curious about what conservation could mean for your property. You don't have to know if a conservation easement is right for you. You don't have to understand the entire process. And you don't have to be ready to make a decision. Start with a conversation. The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund helps eligible landowners in Fayette and Coweta counties explore options for permanently protecting their land and may help reduce some of the financial and logistical barriers involved. Tell us a little about your land, your goals, and what you're hoping to protect. Our team can help you understand whether conservation may be a fit for your property. 🌿 Protect the land you love. Start the conversation. Click the link in our bio to learn more! #FlintRising #ProtectTheLandYouLove #LandConservation #FayetteCounty #CowetaCounty

🏆 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us, sponsored, volunteered, donated, and helped make The Vince such a memorable day! Your support helps Southern Conservation Trust continue elevating nature through exceptional stewardship while honoring Vince Rossetti’s legacy of leadership and community impact. 💚 🎉 Congratulations to our winners! 🏌️‍♀️ 1st Place Ladies: DeGolian Realty 🏆 1st Place Overall: Line Creek Brewing Company 🥈 2nd Place: DeGolian Realty 🥉 3rd Place: Lindsey & Lacy We’re grateful for every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, and partner who made this event possible. Thank you for supporting conservation and helping us protect the special places that make our community so unique! 📸 Enjoy a few highlights from the day, and we hope to see you again next year! #SouthernConservationTrust #TheVince #CharityGolf #Conservation #ThankYou @linecreekbrewingco @degolianrealty

Ready to RUN WILD? 🦦🌿 The Born to Be Wild 5K, 10K & 1-Mile Fun Run is coming to Newnan on December 12, and registration is OPEN! Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, enjoying a morning outside with the family, or just looking for a fun way to support conservation, there’s a race for you! 🌿 5K | 10K | 1-Mile Fun Run 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds 🦦 Flint the River Otter will be there! Plus, kids can choose a Flint plushie or event T-shirt when they register. Bring your running buddies, your family, and your best wild spirit for a day that makes a difference for the places and wildlife we love. 🎟️ Early registration starts at just $35 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K. 👉 Click the corresponding link in our bio to register!

The Flint is more than a river—it’s a story of Georgia’s people, places, and the land they call home. From its beginnings near Atlanta to the farmlands of southwest Georgia, the Flint flows for 350 miles through forests, farms, communities, and some of the state’s most remarkable landscapes. For generations, people have worked to protect its clean, free-flowing waters and the communities that depend on them. Watch this short video to discover the Flint and why its future matters to all of us. Learn more and become part of the story at FlintRising.org.

🏌️ ONE WEEK UNTIL THE VINCE! ⛳ The countdown is on! The Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic is officially just ONE WEEK AWAY! Grab your clubs, gather your crew, and join us for a day of great golf, friendly competition, prizes, and plenty of fun, all while supporting the conservation work of Southern Conservation Trust. 📅 Monday, September 21 📍 Flat Creek Country Club 🏌️ 4th Annual Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic Don’t miss your chance to be part of The Vince! There’s still time to register, but spots are filling up! 👉Click the link in our bio to register today!

Join us for a Community Conservation Conversation! 📍 September 17 – Madras Community Center Learn how conservation, community partnerships, and responsible growth are coming together through the Flint Rising Initiative. Click the link in our bio and select "Flint Rising Initiative" to learn more and register!

Don’t sit this one out! The Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic is coming up, and there’s still time to get your crew together and hit the course! Plus, you can SAVE on registration: 💰 Save $100 on a foursome with code FRIEND ⛳ Save $25 on an individual player with code SOLO Grab your clubs, bring your friends, and come see why The Vince is one of the most fun tournaments around! 👉 Click the link in our bio to register today and save!

🦦🏃 REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Get ready to RUN WILD at the Born to Be Wild 5K, 10K & Fun Run on December 12, 2026! Join us at McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds for a family-friendly race where every mile supports conservation and protecting the places we love. 🌿 5K | 10K | 1-Mile Fun Run 📅 December 12 📍 McGuffey Nature Center | Newnan 🦦 Flint the River Otter will be there! Bring your friends, your family, your running shoes—and maybe your best mascot costume! Kids can choose a Flint plushie or event T-shirt when they register. 🎟️ Early registration is now open, with 5K registration starting at $35 and 10K at $45. 👉 click the "SCT Programs and Events" link in our bio to register today! Run wild. Have fun. Support conservation. 🌿💚 #BornToBeWild #FlintNatureCenter #SouthernConservationTrust #RunWild #5K #10K #FunRun #NewnanGA

SCT President & CEO Chris Doane took on a 24 hour mountain trail relay in Utah. 🥾⛰️ Through steep climbs, storms, darkness, and exhaustion, he was reminded why trails matter and why we protect them. Read Chris’s latest blog and discover what the trail taught him about conservation. 🌿 The trail is waiting. Click the link in our bio and go to "News and Blogs" to read more!

A big thank you to @extraspace for supporting the enhancement of our new trail entrance at the Nature Center! 🌿 Their team not only funded the materials for this project but also rolled up their sleeves and helped bring it to life. Volunteers worked to enhance the entrance path from the bridge to the gate by installing a stone border and preparing the trail surface. Their efforts will help create a more durable, accessible, and inviting pathway for the visitors, students, and families who enjoy the Nature Center each year. We’re so grateful for their investment in our community and our campus! Interested in bringing your team out for a corporate volunteer day? We’d love to work with you! Email volunteer@sctlandtrust.org to learn more.

What Does "Conservation" Actually Mean? If you're a landowner, you may have questions about what permanent conservation really means. Does it mean giving up your land? No. Does it mean you can no longer use your property? Not necessarily. Is land that is zoned for conservation permanently protected? Not necessarily. Do you have to be ready to make a decision before talking with a land trust? Absolutely not. A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that can permanently protect specified conservation values on a property while the landowner generally continues to own the land. Every property is different, and conservation agreements are tailored to the property's conservation values and the landowner's goals. That's why the first step doesn't have to be an application. It can simply be a conversation. The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund helps eligible landowners in Fayette and Coweta counties explore permanent conservation and reduce some of the financial and logistical barriers that can come with the process. Have questions about your property? Click the Flint Fund link in our bio above! #FlintRising #ConservationEasement #LandConservation #FayetteCounty #CowetaCounty

Join us for a Community Conservation Conversation! 📍 September 8 – Peachtree City Library 📍 September 17 – Madras Community Center Learn how conservation, community partnerships, and responsible growth are coming together through the Flint Rising Initiative. Click the link in our bio to register!

Do we REALLY have to grab you by the shoulders and shake you?! 😂 Why haven’t you signed up for The Vince yet?! 🏌️‍♂️ Spots are filling up fast for the funnest golf tournament around, and The Hawk thinks it’s about time you joined us! ⛳ SAVE $100 on a foursome with code FRIEND ⛳ SAVE $25 on an individual player with code SOLO Get your crew together, grab your clubs, and come see what makes The Vince one of the most fun tournaments around! Sign up today by clicking the golf tournament link in our bio above! ~ The Hawk 🦅 #TheVince #VinceRossettiCharityGolfClassic #GolfForGood #CharityGolf #GolfTournament #SouthernConservationTrust

⛰️ Tomorrow, Team SCT takes on the Ragnar Trail Soldier Hollow Relay! Over the next two days, our runners will tackle miles of mountain trails while raising awareness and support for local trail projects here at home. If you've been thinking about donating, now is the perfect time. Help us send the team off knowing they're making a difference for trails in Fayette and Coweta Counties. Support the team by clicking the link in our bio! Wish them luck in the comments! 👏

Have a Donor-Advised Fund? 🌱 You can support Southern Conservation Trust with just a few clicks! Recommend a grant from your DAF—your sponsor handles the rest, and your gift fuels conservation and environmental education in our community. Looking for other ways to help? Become an individual member for $40/year—that’s just $3.33/month—and support our mission! 👉Click any link in our bio and go to the "Get Involved" tab and click on memberships to join today! Southern Conservation Trust | 305 Beauregard Blvd., Fayetteville, GA 30214 | EIN: 58-2036727

What do you want the future of Fayette and Coweta counties to look like? If you care about conservation, responsible growth, clean water, and protecting the natural places that make our communities special, we want to hear from you. Join Southern Conservation Trust President & CEO Chris Doane for the first of three Community Conservation Conversations about Flint Rising. We have a plan for protecting the Upper Flint River region while supporting thriving communities. Now, we want to hear what you think—and what you want to see happen next. 📅 September 1 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Carnegie Library | Newnan Free and open to the public. Come be part of the conversation. Click the link in our bio to learn more and register!

🌲 One week until the race and we're making progress! Thanks to our amazing supporters, we've already raised $350 toward our $5,000 goal! Every donation helps Southern Conservation Trust improve, maintain, and expand local trails throughout Fayette and Coweta Counties. There's still time to help us reach the finish line before our Ragnar team heads to Utah on August 28. Click the link in our bio to donate!

Your Land. Your Story. Your Future. You own your land. You know why it matters to you. Maybe it's the woods you've walked for years. A creek that runs through your property. Wildlife you enjoy watching. Family land you hope to pass down. Or simply the open space you want to see remain for generations. What do you want the future of your land to look like? The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund is helping eligible landowners in Fayette and Coweta counties explore options for permanently protecting the land they love. And conservation may not mean what you think it does. You don't have to give up ownership of your land to explore conservation, and you don't have to have all the answers before starting a conversation. If you've ever wondered what conservation could look like for your property, we'd love to hear from you. Click the link in our bio to learn more. #FlintRising #LandConservation #FayetteCounty #CowetaCounty #ProtectTheLandYouLove

A little race day fun can go a long way! 🏃💚 Our Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run is about more than crossing the finish line. Proceeds from the race help us support local organizations that get people—especially young people—active and connected to the outdoors. Chris recently stopped by a Coweta Comets Running Club practice to present the club with a sponsorship check and celebrate the work they’re doing to inspire young runners in our community! Ready to make your miles matter? 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 Coweta County Fairgrounds Registration opens August 21! 👉 Learn more: www.sctlandtrust.org/born-to-be-wild @cowetacomets

👟 Meet Team SCT! These eight runners are taking on the Ragnar Trail Soldier Hollow Relay—and running with a purpose. Thank you to: • Brent Snodgrass • Jeff Butterworth • Sandy Wisenbaker • Michael Fouts • Vicki Kaiser • Troy Blackwood • Sarah Jacobs • Chris Doane Together they're helping raise funds to improve local trails and outdoor spaces in Fayette and Coweta Counties. Help cheer them on by making a donation and supporting the trails we all enjoy. Donate here: https://secure.sctlandtrust.org/forms/ragnar

Investing in our community starts with investing in the next generation. 💚🌱 Southern Conservation Trust was proud to welcome Fayette County 4-H to our nature center for a check presentation made possible by proceeds from our Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run! We’re grateful for the opportunity to support programs that help local youth learn, grow, and connect with the outdoors. Your participation in the Born to Be Wild makes a difference beyond race day. 🏃‍♀️🌿 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 Coweta County Fairgrounds Registration opens August 21! 👉 Learn more: www.sctlandtrust.org/born-to-be-wild

Supporting the next generation of runners and nature lovers! 🏃💚 Southern Conservation Trust was proud to welcome a representative from the PTC Flash XC Club to our nature center to present a sponsorship made possible by proceeds from our last Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run! We’re proud to support programs that encourage young people to get outside, stay active, and connect with nature. Want your race participation to support SCT’s conservation mission and local youth programs? Join us for our next Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run! 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 Coweta County Fairgrounds Registration opens August 21! 👉 Click the events link in our bio above to find out more and register for our race! @ptcflash

You care about the future of our region. Let's talk about it. 🌿 As Fayette and Coweta counties continue to grow, how do we protect the land, water, wildlife, and natural places that make our communities special? Southern Conservation Trust President & CEO Chris Doane wants to hear from you. Join us for one of three Community Conservation Conversations about the Flint Rising Initiative—a five-year effort focused on balancing conservation, responsible growth, and the future of the Upper Flint River region. We have a plan. Now, we want to hear what you think. 📍 Newnan — September 1 | 6:30 PM | Carnegie Library 📍 Peachtree City — September 8 | 6:30 PM | Peachtree City Library 📍 Newnan — September 17 | 6:30 PM | Madras Community Center Free and open to the public. If you care about conservation, balanced development, and protecting the places we call home, come be part of the conversation. Learn more and register: https://www.sctlandtrust.org/flint-rising (click the link in our bio above)

Flint Force in Action! 🌿 A huge thank you to our Flint Force volunteers who came out a few days ago to help refinish the posts along the boardwalk at NeSmith Preserve! Their hard work helps keep our trails and nature preserves safe, welcoming, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. 💚 Want to get involved and make a difference in your local nature preserves? Join the Flint Force! This volunteer group helps with hands on projects and stewardship efforts throughout Southern Conservation Trust’s public nature areas. 📧 Interested in volunteering? Email volunteer@sctlandtrust.org to learn more! #FlintForce #SouthernConservationTrust #Volunteer #VolunteerGeorgia #NeSmithPreserve #Conservation #GiveBack #GetOutside

⛳ Don’t miss your chance to tee it up for conservation! Spots are filling fast for the annual Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic! Gather your team, enjoy a great day on the course, and support Southern Conservation Trust’s mission to protect and preserve our natural spaces. 🌿 📅 Monday, September 21, 2026 📍 Flat Creek Golf Course | Peachtree City, GA 🏌️ Grab your team and reserve your spot today before they’re gone! Register now and join us for a day of golf, fun, and making a difference! 👉Click the link in our bio to register!

Did you know one of North America's biggest native leaves can be found right here on one of our conserved properties? While monitoring one of our protected lands, our Senior Conservation Biologist, Brian, stopped to admire this incredible Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla). This native understory tree grows up to 40 feet tall, but its most impressive feature is its enormous leaves, the largest simple leaves in North America, reaching up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide! As if that wasn't enough, the Big Leaf Magnolia also produces one of the largest native flowers in North America. Its creamy white blooms are pollinated by beetles that climb inside the flower, making this tree as fascinating as it is beautiful. Nature is full of amazing discoveries, and protecting these special places helps ensure incredible species like this continue to thrive. 🌳💚

🌿 Join the Conversation. Help Shape Our Region's Future. Southern Conservation Trust invites you to attend one of three upcoming Community Conservation Conversations about the Flint Rising Initiative. As our region continues to grow, how do we protect the greenspaces, waterways, and natural resources that make Fayette and Coweta counties such special places to live? Join SCT President & CEO Chris Doane to learn about the Flint Rising Initiative, the Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund, and how regional collaboration can help balance growth with conservation. 📍 September 1 – Carnegie Library (Newnan) 📍 September 8 – Peachtree City Library 📍 September 17 – Madras Community Center (Newnan) All programs begin at 6:30 PM. Chris will also be sharing Flint Rising with local civic and business organizations throughout the fall, helping expand the conversation across our region. Learn more and register: https://www.sctlandtrust.org/flint-rising (Click the link in our bio above)

🌿 Please join us in welcoming two new members to the Southern Conservation Trust Parks Team! We’re excited to welcome Dustin and Ian as our newest Park Technicians. They’ll be helping care for and maintain SCT’s public nature areas, keeping our trails and natural spaces safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. If you see Dustin or Ian out at one of our nature areas, be sure to say hello and welcome them to the team! 👋 We’re glad to have you both on board, Dustin & Ian! 🌱

🌿 Could your land benefit from conservation funding? The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to eligible landowners in Fayette and Coweta counties who are interested in permanently protecting their property. 🌳 Forests 🌾 Farmland 💧 Property along waterways 🦌 Wildlife habitat Your land may qualify. Not sure if you're eligible? Learn more about the program, what funding can cover, and whether your property may be a fit. 📅 Applications are open through August 12, 2026. 👉 Learn more & apply: www.sctlandtrust.org/flint-rising-assistance-fund (Click the link in the bio above)

🏃‍♂️ Support the Trails. Support the Team. 🌲 On August 28–29, eight local runners will take on the Ragnar Trail Soldier Hollow Relay in Midway, Utah—an overnight trail relay that will test their endurance, teamwork, and determination. But this run is about more than crossing the finish line. Our team is running to raise $5,000 for Southern Conservation Trust to help create, improve, maintain, and expand local trails and natural spaces throughout Fayette and Coweta Counties. Whether you give $10 or $100, every dollar stays local and helps make our community a better place to explore, exercise, and connect with nature. 🎯 Goal: $5,000 Donate today: https://secure.sctlandtrust.org/forms/ragnar (Click the link in our bio) #SupportTheTrails #RunForConservation #SouthernConservationTrust #RagnarTrail

A new chapter in conservation leadership at Southern Conservation Trust! Please join us in congratulating Jesse Woodsmith on her promotion to Vice President of Conservation! 🎉 Since joining SCT in 2020, Jesse has helped lead our conservation work across the Southeast, building strong partnerships with landowners and advancing our mission of elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. Her leadership has also helped bring a longtime vision to life: the Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund, which helps landowners overcome financial and logistical barriers to permanently protecting important natural areas in Fayette and Coweta counties. We’re proud to celebrate Jesse, her passion for conservation, and the incredible work of our Conservation Team. 💚 Read the full announcement and learn more about Jesse’s conservation leadership: 👉 https://www.sctlandtrust.org/sct-promotes-woodsmith-to-vp (click the link in our bio above to read more)

Supporting the next generation of nature lovers! Yesterday, Southern Conservation Trust was thrilled to present a sponsorship check to the UGA Extension Coweta County 4-H program, made possible by proceeds from our January Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run! We love being able to support organizations and programs that connect students with nature, outdoor recreation, and hands-on learning. Thank you to UGA Extension Coweta County 4-H for all you do to serve our community! 💚 Want your participation to support not only SCT’s mission, but the work of other like-minded organizations in our community? Save the date for our next Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run! 📅 December 12, 2026 📍 Coweta County Fairgrounds Registration will open soon, so stay tuned! 👉 Learn more: https://www.sctlandtrust.org/born-to-be-wild

🦦🎨 Flint the Otter stopped by to admire Fayetteville’s new downtown mural painted by @krystalmichelle_muralstudio … and he LOVES it! 💚 Check out this amazing new artwork, then make your way down the road to visit the nature center! 📍Park at the Fayette Public Library and follow the flag marking the trail entrance to the nature center. We’re open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM. Come explore with us! @mainstreetfayettevillega #FlintTheOtter #FayettevilleGA #NatureCenter #ExploreNature

Today is World Conservation Day. Every acre protected. Every trail maintained. Every child who discovers a love for nature. Every animal that finds a safe habitat. None of it happens by accident. At Southern Conservation Trust, we're working every day to protect more than 65,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat while providing places where our community can connect with nature. This World Conservation Day, you can make a lasting impact. 💚 Your donation helps protect local greenspaces, care for our nature preserves, provide environmental education, and ensure future generations can experience the beauty of the natural world. Ready to make a difference? Visit our website and click the blue "Donate" button to support our mission today: www.sctlandtrust.org (Click the link above in out bio) Together, we can protect nature today for generations to come. #WorldConservationDay #ConservationMatters #ProtectNature #SouthernConservationTrust #SupportConservation #GiveBackToNature

💜♻️ 187,000 Pounds Recycled and Counting! Thanks to our amazing community, we've now recycled more than 187,000 pounds of glass through our Ripple Glass Recycling Bin! A special shoutout to May, our biggest month yet, with an incredible 15,820 pounds collected. Thank you, Ripple Glass, for helping provide our community with another great way to recycle. Keep the momentum going by bringing your clean glass bottles and jars to our bin at 455 Beauregard Blvd., Fayetteville, GA 30214. Every bottle makes a difference! @rippleglassatl

⛳ Vendor Opportunities Available at the Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic! Showcase your business to hundreds of golfers, community members, and local leaders at one of Fayette County's premier charity golf tournaments. For $500, your vendor sponsorship includes: • A business tent set up on a golf hole • Your business name featured on the sponsor thank you banner at registration It's a great way to increase your visibility, connect with potential customers, and support Southern Conservation Trust's mission. Interested in becoming a vendor? Email tori@sctlandtrust.org for more information or to reserve your spot. Space is limited!

See something while out on the trails? Say something! If you notice something at one of our nature areas that needs attention—like a fallen tree, damaged sign, BIG FOOT, or anything else—let us know! Just scan the QR codes on our trail stickers or the flyer posted at the kiosks. Or visit the form directly: https://forms.gle/vLMQHLLXdxBLbyXG6 Frequent visitor? Bookmark the link so you can help us keep our nature areas safe and beautiful all year long.

🌙🦋 The countdown is on! Our FREE Moth Night Pajama Party is just over a week away! Looking for a fun and unique summer evening? Join Southern Conservation Trust and our partners for a night of moths, science, crafts, and adventure as we celebrate National Moth Week! ✨ Meet real arthropods up close 📖 Enjoy a special moth-themed story time 🎨 Create two moth-inspired crafts 🔬 Learn from University of Georgia entomologists 🦋 Watch fascinating moths come to life after dark 🏆 Show off your best pajamas or moth-inspired costume in our pajama and moth cosplay contest 📸 Snap a photo at our moth-themed photo stop As darkness falls, we'll head outside to observe Georgia's incredible nighttime pollinators and contribute to real citizen science through National Moth Week! 📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM 📍 Fayette County Library 1821 Heritage Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA 30214 💚 This event is FREE, but registration is required. Don't wait to reserve your spot. Register today and experience the wonder of the natural world after dark! 🌐 Click the events link in our bio to register!

Protect Your Land. Preserve Your Legacy. Applications Are Still Open! 🌳 If you own land in Fayette or Coweta County, you may qualify for financial assistance to help permanently protect your property through conservation. The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund helps eligible landowners overcome the costs associated with conserving their land by providing assistance for due diligence expenses, stewardship contributions, and conservation planning. Whether your property includes forests, farmland, streams, wildlife habitat, or other significant natural resources, this voluntary program is designed to help you safeguard it for future generations. ⏳ Applications close August 12, 2026. Learn more, review eligibility requirements, and apply today: 👉 www.sctlandtrust.org/flint-rising-assistance-fund (Click the link in our bio) Help protect the natural landscapes that make Fayette and Coweta counties special—for today and tomorrow.

Your Groceries Can Help Protect Nature 🌿💚 What if your next trip to Kroger helped conserve local green spaces and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards? It can! By linking your Kroger Plus Card to Southern Conservation Trust through the Kroger Community Rewards program, every eligible purchase helps support the Fayette Environmental Education Center at no extra cost to you. 🛒 Sign up at: kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards (this link is in our bio at the top of this page) 🔎 Southern Conservation Trust Nonprofit ID: YN194 Already enrolled? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to thank you for supporting conservation with your everyday shopping. #KrogerCommunityRewards #SupportLocalConservation #ShopForGood #SouthernConservationTrust

🔥 Ever wonder how a prescribed burn stays safely under control? Watch as SCT team member Paxton "holds the line," one of the most important jobs during a prescribed burn. This critical role helps keep the fire safely within the designated burn unit while protecting the surrounding landscape. Hit play to see conservation in action! 🌿 @gatrees @georgiawildlife

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