Friday, August 8, 2003

Jordan named SCT director

Southern Conservation Trust of Peachtree City recently contracted with Abby Jordan to serve as its first Executive Director.

Jordan, an environmental activist in South Fulton County for the past six years, will focus on building community partnerships, public awareness and increasing the number of preserves and trails in the South Metro area.

"I am looking forward to working with communities and local businesses to continue the work of protecting natural areas and providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation in the rapidly growing Southern crescent of metro Atlanta," said Jordan.

Southern Conservation Trust, a land trust founded in 1992, currently owns or manages 630 acres of passive parkland in Fayette County. Preserves include Sam's Lake on Old Senoia Road, the Line Creek Nature Area on Ga. Highway 54, and the 513-acre Flat Creek Nature Area and Boardwalk adjacent to the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City.

Both nature areas feature multi-use trails open to the public. The Rotary Club of Peachtree City recently constructed an overlook in the Flat Creek Nature Area, along with a fishing dock at the Line Creek Nature Area several years ago.

SCT has moved its offices back into the Flat Creek Nature Center building, which also houses the amphitheater ticket office, after renovation by the Peachtree City Development Authority. The Nature Center is open to the public on a limited basis initially.

A land trust is a non-profit organization directly involved in permanently protecting important land resources for public benefit. It may accept donations of properties, buy land, or help landowners establish legal restrictions that limit harmful use and development. It protects land that has natural, recreational, scenic, historic, or productive value, depending on the needs of the community.

Land trusts may use a variety of flexible and creative conservation methods that achieve conservation goals while meeting the specific needs of the community and landowner. Many approaches offer income, estate, or property tax benefits that help make conservation attractive and affordable.

Southern Conservation Trust plans to partner with other local and regional environmental organizations to offer regular community events such as nature walks and educational programs. For more information or to volunteer contact SCT at 770-486-7774 or sct@mindspring.com.