Southern Conservation Trust

What Southern Conservation Trust does

Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 58-2036727) founded in 1993 and headquartered at 305 Beauregard Boulevard, Fayetteville, GA, operating as a regional land trust with conserved-holdings footprint across 13 southeastern states. The organization has stewarded more than 230 conservation easements covering 65,000+ acres, manages five public nature areas in Fayette County, GA, and holds the 1,665-acre Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve in North Carolina (deeded December 2019 via donation from Adoette Holdings, LLC). Underlying infrastructure is operations-based rather than technology-based: a staffed organization of 11–50 (approximately 13 employees), board governance under Chair Randy Cardoza, and President & CEO Chris Doane — described in materials as SCT's first full-time Executive Director (hired 2016). SCT's core products are land and easement stewardship, fee-title land management, environmental education (delivered via the 2019-acquired Bennett-Graham-Brewer House / Fayette Environmental Education Center), Camp WILD summer programming ($250–$300/week), scout and field-trip programming, and a Corporate Sustainability Partnership offering. SCT runs no proprietary technology platform; its differentiation is its accumulated easement portfolio, perpetual land-restriction architecture, and multi-state stewardship obligations.

The business model is a nonprofit hybrid revenue stack: individual memberships at $30–$60/year tiers, program fees (Camp WILD, scout programs, field trips), event-based fundraising (golf, clay shoot, 5K), corporate and foundation sponsorships — most notably a Georgia Power Flagship partnership underwriting the multi-year Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund — planned giving, and grants from agencies such as USDA-NRCS and the Georgia Forestry Commission. Membership acquisition is augmented by a podcast channel and five public nature areas that serve as community-facing touchpoints. Revenue is not publicly disclosed in the materials reviewed, consistent with a regional land trust of SCT's staffing scale.

Name

Southern Conservation Trust

Legal name

Southern Conservation Trust, Inc.

Website

https://sctlandtrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Southern Conservation Trust is a 501(c)(3) regional land trust founded in 1993 that has conserved 65,000+ acres across 13 southeastern states through 230+ easements, delivering land stewardship, environmental education, and public nature-area access to communities in Georgia and the surrounding region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Land Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH), Conservation & Protected Land Brokerage (Easements, Land Trust Sales) (BPAJADAH), Conservation, Restoration & Biodiversity Services (Habitat, Wetlands, Riparian) (IMAMAJAH)

Keywords

• Land conservation services
• Conservation easements
• Environmental education programs
• Nature preserve management
• Community conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Fayetteville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Memberships: Annual membership program with tiered pricing (College/Senior/Military $30, Individual $40, Family $60) providing access to nature areas, education programs, events, and member discounts.
2. Program Fees: Fees for summer camps ($250-$300/week), field trips, scout programs, and educational workshops. Family membership provides discounts on programs including $50 off Camp WILD and discounted homeschool programs.
3. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting conservation, environmental education, and land protection mission. EIN 58-2036727.
4. Corporate Sustainability Partnerships: Tailored corporate partnerships integrating sustainability into business operations including conservation awareness, biodiversity protection, carbon offset programs, CSR, community engagement, and employee team building.
5. Planned Giving: Charitable bequests, gifts of real estate, stocks/securities, IRA charitable rollovers (QCDs), and donor-advised fund grants enabling legacy gifts.
6. Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund: Georgia Power-funded assistance program helping landowners with due diligence expenses, cost-share support, and matching funds for conservation-related costs in Fayette and Coweta counties.
7. Event Fundraising: Charity events including Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic (September), Wild Shot Charity Clay Classic (March), and Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run (December) generating proceeds for conservation mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Southern Conservation Trust is a nonprofit land trust that protects land through conservation easements and public nature areas, restores native longleaf pine ecosystems using prescribed fire, and delivers environmental education programs through the Fayette Environmental Education Center, Camp WILD summer camp, K-12 field trips, and scout programs. It also runs community conservation initiatives such as the Flint Rising Initiative (wildflower assistance fund and glass recycling) and a corporate sustainability program.

Product overview

Southern Conservation Trust operates as a land trust and environmental education organization offering a portfolio of conservation and recreation programs. The core offerings include five public nature areas in Fayette County (Morgan Grove, NeSmith Preserve, The Ridge, Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary, Wildcat Woods) and the Fayette Environmental Education Center for environmental education programming. Additional programs include Camp WILD summer camp, scout programs, field trips, and the Flint Rising regional conservation initiative. The organization also manages the 1,665-acre Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve in North Carolina as a showcase for longleaf pine ecosystem restoration. Supporting programs include membership tiers, planned giving options, corporate sustainability services, volunteer opportunities, and annual fundraising events (Golf Classic, Clay Classic, 5K/10K).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Trail We Share Podcast: A podcast exploring connections between people, places, and purpose through conversations about the outdoors, music, conservation, and shared values.
• Camp WILD Summer Camp
• Flint Rising Initiative
• Flint & Friends

Products and services

• Conservation Easements Legally binding agreements that permanently protect natural, agricultural, and cultural resources on private property in the Georgia Piedmont; provided to landowners seeking permanent land protection and legacy/tax planning.
• Camp WILD Summer Camp Nature-based summer day camp program for children, delivered at the Fayette Environmental Education Center; combines outdoor exploration, environmental education, and recreation.
• Environmental Education Field Trips Standards-aligned outdoor field trip programs for K-12 students delivered at the Fayette Environmental Education Center and public nature areas.
• Scout Programs Outdoor and badge-earning programs designed for Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Cub Scout troops at the Fayette Environmental Education Center.
• Corporate Sustainability Program B2B sustainability engagement offering for companies and government agencies, including employee volunteer days, sponsorships, and conservation-aligned partnerships.
• Membership Program Tiered annual membership program for individuals and families that funds conservation work and provides member benefits including discounts on programs and events.
• Flint Rising Initiative Community-driven restoration initiative encompassing the Wildflower Assistance Fund (which subsidizes native wildflower plantings) and the Glass Recycling Program (community glass collection and processing).
• Public Nature Areas Five public nature areas across Fayette County, Georgia, providing free public access for hiking, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.
• Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve Public longleaf pine restoration reserve in Fayette County, Georgia, opened in December 2019 and managed using prescribed fire for ecosystem restoration.
• Fayette Environmental Education Center Education facility housed in the Bennett-Graham-Brewer House in Fayette County, opened in 2019; serves as the hub for K-12 field trips, scout programs, Camp WILD, and community events.
• Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic Signature annual charity golf tournament that raises funds for Southern Conservation Trust's conservation and education mission.
• Wild Shot Charity Clay Classic Annual charity clay shooting competition that raises funds for the Trust's conservation and education programs.
• Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run Annual community 5K, 10K, and fun run event that raises funds for the Trust's conservation and education programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 65,000 acres conserved across Southeast US through easements and land management
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• City of NewnancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Memorandum of Understanding for development of 29-acre Newnan Arboretum on Boone Drive. SCT serves in advisory capacity providing expertise in native plant species, habitat restoration, and environmental education programming. Project expected to serve as future tourism destination connecting with LINC trail network.
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Provided advisory input through Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance for orchid relocation. SCWDS positive HPAI test at The Ridge Nature Area led to coordination on wildlife health monitoring and prevention guidance.
• City of FayettevilleflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration on City Center Parkway project resulted in successful relocation of 100+ Pink Lady's Slipper orchids from development path to SCT-protected preserve. City approved SCT's proposal to relocate rare orchids with proper permits and timing aligned to natural growth cycle. SCT also manages The Ridge Nature Area for the City.
• Ripple Glass ATLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing purple household glass recycling bin at SCT's Nature Center Annex location. Community-based glass recycling helping keep glass out of landfills. SCT provides location and promotion; Ripple Glass handles collection and processing.
• Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership program where Girl Scouts fulfill badge requirements (Daisy Eco-Learner, Brownie Bugs/Hiker/Outdoor Adventurer, Junior Animal Habitats/Trail Adventurer, Cadette Eco Trekker/Trees) at SCT nature areas and nature center south of Atlanta. Programs include live animal encounters and hands-on conservation activities.
• Sole Roots RacingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent partner for Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run at McGuffey Nature Center, Coweta County Fairgrounds. Joint effort to raise funds for conservation advocacy, land protection, and wildlife in the community.
• Cherokee Rose Sporting ClaysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent venue partner for Wild Shot Charity Clay Classic in Griffin, GA. Premier 16-station shooting facility hosting SCT's annual clay target fundraising event.
• Flat Creek Country ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent venue for Vince Rossetti Charity Golf Classic in Peachtree City, GA. Four-player scramble tournament supporting SCT's conservation and environmental education mission.
• Association of Georgia Land Trusts (AGLT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide coalition for land trusts and conservation groups. SCT attends annual meetings discussing conservation planning, policy updates, and statewide priorities. Coalition brings together 30+ organizations preserving wildlife habitats, forests, wetlands, farmland, and water resources.
• North Carolina Sandhills Conservation Partnership (NCSCP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative effort bringing together federal, state, and non-profit conservation groups to share information and resources for longleaf pine ecosystem conservation and recovering imperiled species. SCT grateful for support from Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, Sandhills Ecological Institute, The Longleaf Alliance, and The Nature Conservancy.
• Georgia Forestry CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on prescribed burn planning and implementation. Worked with Commission to develop burn plans for Morgan Grove Nature Area's first prescribed fire, conducted under specific weather conditions with trained professionals.
• Land Trust AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization supporting land trusts. SCT receives technical expertise, policy updates, and best practices through membership and participation in AGLT coalition meetings.
• Georgia ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState environmental organization. Co-leads AGLT coalition, provides legislative session updates, and conducts strategic mapping exercises using State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) data to coordinate conservation priorities across Georgia.
• The Conservation FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational conservation organization. Case study discussions at AGLT meeting on successful land conservation projects including Dugdown Mountain Corridor and Okefenokee Swamp protection, informing SCT's multi-year conservation efforts.
• Georgia Plant Conservation AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition including Atlanta Botanical Garden and Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Provided advisory input for Pink Lady's Slipper orchid relocation project, ensuring proper expertise and authorization for transplanting protected species.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal conservation partner. Participates in AGLT coalition meetings and provides technical expertise on forest management, prescribed fire, and wildlife habitat restoration.
• Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides service hours toward SCT's fire management program on Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve. Proud to be part of educational and stewardship journey of next generation of environmental professionals.
• Tall TimberscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization participating in AGLT coalition, providing expertise on fire ecology, longleaf pine ecosystems, and bobwhite quail habitat restoration across the Southeast.
• UGA Conservation Law ClinicminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUniversity of Georgia legal clinic providing conservation law expertise and support to land trusts and AGLT coalition members.
• National Society Daughters of the American Revolution - James Waldrop ChapterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated 'Where to Recycle What in Fayette County' guide helping residents identify proper recycling locations for various items, complementing SCT's glass recycling program.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Longleaf Alliance: Regional nonprofit dedicated to longleaf pine ecosystem restoration across the Southeast. Directly aligned with SCT's Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve work and a recognized partner through the NC Sandhills Conservation Partnership.
• Chattahoochee Nature Center: Metro Atlanta environmental education center that operates public nature trails, live animal exhibits, and educational programs. Directly comparable to SCT's Fayette Environmental Education Center and Camp WILD summer programming.
• Georgia Conservancy: State-level environmental nonprofit that co-leads the Association of Georgia Land Trusts coalition alongside SCT. Operates in the same Georgia geography with overlapping conservation, advocacy, and partnership missions.
• Tall Timbers Research Station: Regional land conservation and research organization that participates in AGLT coalition with SCT. Shares deep expertise in fire ecology, longleaf pine ecosystems, and bobwhite quail habitat restoration across the Southeast.
• Athens Land Trust: Georgia-based land trust that acquires conservation easements and operates community farms and trails. Directly comparable in scale, structure, and service mix (easements + education + public access) to SCT.

Broad incumbents

• Trust for Public Land: National land conservation organization that acquires and protects land for public use. Competes with SCT for conservation easement deals in metro Atlanta and the Southeast, and partners with the same municipal governments (Fayetteville, Newnan-type markets).
• The Nature Conservancy (Georgia Chapter): Global conservation nonprofit with active Georgia operations. Directly competes for major land donations, conservation easements, and corporate sustainability partnerships across the same southeastern geography as SCT, though with vastly larger scale and brand recognition.
• The Conservation Fund: National nonprofit that partners with SCT through the Association of Georgia Land Trusts. Active across the Southeast on working-lands conservation and forest protection, competing for similar federal, corporate, and philanthropic funding.

Regional players

• Atlanta Botanical Garden: Major metro Atlanta public garden and conservation organization. Overlaps with SCT on plant conservation (Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance member, orchid advisory), environmental education, and visitor programming within the same regional market.

Others

• Association of Georgia Land Trusts: Statewide coalition of 30+ Georgia land trusts. SCT is an active member and partner, participating in annual meetings and policy coordination — a coalition peer rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SamsLakeBirdSanctuary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southern Conservation Trust