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.

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Our History and Future


The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) was founded in 1993 by like-minded Fayette County residents from diverse backgrounds eager to preserve natural resources and bring harmony to the disruptions experienced as the community expanded. SCT was incorporated in January 1993 and approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation on March 17, 1994. The first activities of the organization were the management of public nature areas along Line Creek and Flat Creek in Peachtree City, Georgia. As a volunteer board-run organization, the first ten years of its existence consisted of accepting property donations and conservation easements. In the early 2000s, the organization expanded to the greater metro Atlanta area by working with private landowners to place critical lands under conservation easement. In 2013, SCT was proud to provide access to nature and offered its first nature-based summer camp. From 2011 to 2016, the organization was staffed by one contracted Executive Director. In 2016, the board employed SCT's first full-time Executive Director.


In November 2019, the Southern Conservation Trust acquired the Bennett-Graham-Brewer house, which dates back to the 1830s and is one of Fayette County's oldest standing structures. Members of the Bennett family occupied the residence continuously from 1849 until its acquisition from William Brewer's great-great-granddaughter in 2019.


During the 1860s, the house served as a boarding home for children attending Fayetteville Academy. Among these boarders was Annie Fitzgerald Stephens, the daughter of Philip Fitzgerald and grandmother of the renowned Margaret Mitchell, who later authored the literary classic "Gone With the Wind." Originally constructed as a large but simple two-story dwelling, the house was ravaged by a tornado in January of 1892. Ensuing reconstruction resulted in significant architectural changes as well as additions to the west side of the home. In the 1980s, the Brewer family fully restored the original architecture and renovated the second level. With its long history of committed stewardship, the Bennett-Graham-Brewer house, now the Fayette Environmental Education Center, fully aligns with our mission. It allows us to safeguard a tangible piece of history and provide it with sustained and renewed purpose to further elevate its unique intrinsic value.


Between 2016-2023, SCT has been at its best and grown exponentially from 3,537 impacted acres to over 55,000 across 13 states. SCT manages and provides access to nature at its five public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia. It has expanded its environmental education efforts for all community members since opening the Fayette Environmental Education Center in 2021. Today, the organization proudly works toward its mission, vision, and purpose through the dedication of a volunteer governance board of directors, its members, and passionate staff team members. 

We protect and conserve land in 13 states.

The Southern Conservation Trust currently conserves land in 13 states throughout the United States with a focus on the southeast. This map shows where our conservation easements are located.

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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.

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Nature Center + Education

We provide environmental education through our Fayette Environmental Education Center and encourage meaningful interactions with nature.

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Nature Areas

We operate The Ridge Nature Area, Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary, Morgan Grove Nature Area, Nesmith Preserve, and Wildcat Woods.

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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.

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YellowBand Coffee Roasters

Bee In Nature

For every bag sold, $5 is donated to our pollinator conservation efforts at our Nature Center

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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.

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