Southern Conservation Trust honored the Sams family of Fayetteville at the nonprofit’s Fall Benefit “Growing Greenspace” Oct. 1 near Sharpsburg.

The Sams Family donated a property known as Sams Lake to the Trust, which is now being restored to a wetland and will open in 2006 as a public bird sanctuary.

Catalpa Plantation, an historic landmark property, was the site of the fundraiser, which included a silent auction, nature photography exhibit and presentation of a bronze plaque to 20 Sams family members. More than 150 guests enjoyed perfect weather in an idyllic outdoor setting, and contributed over $10,000 for the Trust’s conservation programs in the Southern Crescent. Corporate sponsors included Wal-Mart, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Integrated Science and Engineering, Applied Wetlands Consulting, Regions Trust and Group VI.

“The Benefit was a great way to thank the Sams family for a gift that is a lasting memorial and will provide an environmental benefit to wildlife and water quality,” said SCT Executive Director Abby Jordan. “We hope their gift encourages other landowners to consider protecting the land they love.”

The photography exhibit featured 28 nature photographs which were entries to the Trust’s first annual Nature Photography Contest. The Grand Prize winner was Ashley Whitlock, a young photographer who accepted $500 and a $150 gift certificate from the Great Frame Up in Peachtree City. The top 13 photos will be featured in the Trust’s 2006 Nature Calendar.

Southern Conservation Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects over 600 acres of nature preserves in Fayette and Clayton Counties. As a land trust, the Trust works with willing landowners to protect scenic open space through legal tools that may provide tax benefits for the property owner.

For more information on Southern Conservation Trust and to order the 2006 Nature Calendar, visit www.sctlandtrust.org or contact SCT at 770-486-7774 or info@sctlandtrust.org.

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