About Us
We elevate nature through exceptional stewardship.
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 55,000 acres of conserved land and public lands throughout the southeast, including 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We don’t just believe in protecting land; we believe people should have equal access to enjoy it.
Our History and Future
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 Fayette Environmental Education 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.

Today, SCT manages five public nature areas in Fayette County and protects over 7,000 acres across the Southeast. We continue to grow through the support of our volunteer board, dedicated staff, and community members—working together to protect land, connect people with nature, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Pillars of Impact
Conservation
We impact over 55,000 acres of working farms, forests, scenic and historic landscapes, rivers, and vital wildlife habitats in 13 states throughout the southeast.
Nature Center + Education
We provide environmental education through our Fayette Environmental Education Center and encourage meaningful interactions with nature.
Nature Areas
We operate The Ridge Nature Area, Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary, Morgan Grove Nature Area, NeSmith Preserve, and Wildcat Woods.
Our Values
Partnership
Driven
Partnerships are central to everything we do, from partnering with elected officials on public nature projects to local farmers conserving their land.
Inclusive Stewardship
Inspiring our communities, being exceptional stewards, and connecting all people to environmental education and access to nature because we believe everyone can be a steward and contribute to our legacy.
Ethical
Conservation
Ethically and strategically conserving land across the Southeast for future generations.
Lasting
Impact
We are creating lasting change through the land we conserve in the Southeastern United States and the organization’s philanthropic impacts.
We protect and conserve land in 13 states.
The Southern Conservation Trust protects precious land across 13 Southeastern states, with a special focus right here in the Southeast. This map highlights the locations of our conservation easements.
Elevating nature with our Annual Corporate Sponsors.
Thank you to our Annual Corporate Sponsors.
Interested in your company joining our mission to elevate nature? Check out our 2025 Annual Corporate Sponsor Opportunities, and become a corporate sponsor today!
Valued Partners
Our community partners help us elevate nature, and make everything we do possible.
Line Creek Brewing Co.
#ConserveGeorgia
$1 from every 6-pack comes back to our organization to further our mission.
Transparency is everything
The Southern Conservation Trust is governed by a responsible and engaged Board of Directors.
The Board establishes policies, sets budgets, oversees operations, and reviews organizational accomplishments.
Wisely Stewarding
Financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Contributions to the Southern Conservation Trust are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Transparent Accounting
SCT receives professional tax services and obtains an annual audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards from an independent public accounting firm.
