The Southern Conservation Trust, a Georgia-based land conservation organization working to protect vital habitats and natural resources, today announces that they have officially protected the former Bear Creek Golf Course, a 390-acre property in Douglas County, Georgia.

In 2003, the Bear Creek Golf Course shut its doors and this breathtaking property was left unmanaged for 14+ years. In 2017, the Southern Conservation Trust took ownership of the property and fell in love with its unique features of beaver ponds, wetlands, significant elevation changes, miles of high-quality streams, and its diverse wildlife population. 

“As a land conservancy, it is an honor to own a local property of this quality, but we wanted to take that a step further and ensure that it could never be developed outside of a public nature preserve,” said Katie Pace Quattlebaum, Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Trust. “Conserving this land protects wildlife habitat and water resources for the local community and, we also hope, will very soon provide public access to Douglas County residents to enjoy this breathtaking preserve, as well.”

Multiple partners were involved in the protection of this failed golf course, including Douglas County, Piedmont Private Equity, Rooker Development, and the Georgia Piedmont Land Trust (GPLT) which now holds the conservation easement on the property.

GPLT Executive Director Carol Hassell said, “Protecting natural lands such as this property is more critical than ever as the pace of development accelerates in the Atlanta area and beyond.  We are proud to be a partner in this important conservation effort.”

The Southern Conservation Trust is currently developing its plan for the property, which is set to include 5+ miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and environmental education. More information can be found on the project and ways to support it at  www.sctlandtrust.org/little-bear-creek-area. 

The Southern Conservation Trust elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 65,000 acres of protected and conserved land throughout the Southeast, 

as well as 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center in Downtown Fayetteville, Georgia.  www.sctlandtrust.org  and  www.fayettenature.org. 

The Georgia Piedmont Land Trust ( www.gplt.org ) permanently preserves land in the northern half of Georgia to protect the quality of waters and woodlands; complement the conservation efforts of cities and citizens; and save farmland and historic sites for communities to enjoy now and for generations to come.

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