Georgia Conservancy

The goal of thriving communities initiative is to position georgias communities to be more resilient to ecological, demographic, and economic stresses. The Georgia Conservancy partnered with various rural and economically-challenged local and county governments and undertook housing analyses to then create future housing plans that emphasized the specific communities affordable housing needs while making recommendations on land redevelopment, development infill, and building reuse as primary priorities for provision of projected housing needs. Such an approach emphasized the utilization of land already disturbed and buildings already constructed, which inturn provided a balances between minimizing greenfield development while still meeting human needs.

Engaged georgians goal is to create stewards and foster appreciation by connecting all georgians to our natural resources. We planned and hosted dozens of outdoor education and service opportunities for hundreds of georgians in locations across the state. Engaging georgians in these hands-on, direct engagements fosters deep connections to natural environments while also providing environmental education to many who may not have such opportunity otherwise. Georgia Conservancy is continuing rigorous outreach to georgians who may not feel public spaces are open to them and/or who do not consider themselves outdoor recreationists, through new and expanded community partnerships.

The healthy natural systems program protect and restore georgias natural systems for a sustainable future Georgia Conservancy continued our education rooted in a previously-completed 50 year state landcover change analysis. Highlighting how and where Georgia is growing and removing working landscapes (working forests and farmland) and natural areas before various general public, civic leader, elected official, and development professionals audiences, we are creating awareness of the necessity of thoughtful redevelopment and conservation needs. From these strategic engagements, we saw support for increased conservation programs, funding for conservation easements and fee simple conservation acquisitions, and an increase in appreciation for ecological services that natural features provide.