Winter 2003 - 2004 Newsletter
Sams Lake wetland project begins
Several years ago the Sams family generously donated 56 acres of land on Old Senoia Road to Southern Conservation Trust. “Sams Lake” is typical of many local ponds created to provide water for livestock and crops. When the dam failed the area slowly returned to its natural vegetation.
Now this site will become a valuable functioning wetland, thanks to the Trust and the City of Atlanta. The expansion of Hartsfield Airport will eliminate wetlands on Sullivan Creek, the top of the Flint River basin. Federal law requires that this wetland loss be “mitigated” by the preservation, creation and/or restoration of wetlands elsewhere in the same river basin. The goal is “no net loss” because wetlands efficiently filter out silt, absorb pollutants and provide excellent nesting habitat for native and migrating birds. The Sams property was chosen as the airport’s “wetland mitigation site”.
Throughout 2004 workers will install a series of low earthen dams to create wetlands. In the final phase native wetland plants will go in, and the shallow ponds will once again draw wildlife to the area. Then the Trust will refurbish the viewing decks and install low impact trails, adding a scenic wildlife preserve and bird refuge to our list of natural community amenities in Fayette County.
The City of Atlanta has donated $1 million to the Trust so that we may monitor and maintain this wetland habitat—forever. This is a sobering responsibility: if the dam system is breached—even 50 years from now— the Trust must have the resources to restore the natural wetland function The endowment is prudently invested and held in reserve to ensure the Trust can meet our responsibilities at Sams Lake forever.
McIntosh High students monitor local streams
McIntosh High science students are environmental detectives in Fayette County’s “Adopt-a-Stream” program, coordinated by Southern Conservation Trust and Line Creek Watershed Assoc.
Students are monitoring our local creeks to investigate their health. Every month 8 teams of 4 students each visit Peachtree City streams to collect & test water samples for pH, temperature and oxygen levels. The data indicates how healthy our streams are for plants & aquatic “critters.” Results will be entered into a database to provide a baseline for evaluating water quality trends & possible threats.
Under the guidance of teachers Joann Rawlings and Mike Delisle, students will also map the watershed and locate potential sources of pollution.
The Peachtree City Rotarians have generously donated funds to pay for testing kits.
The AAS program is a great way for citizens to help our natural environment. Any individual or group can register with GA Dept. of Natural Resources and monitor a nearby stream or wetland. the Trust can help with test kits, LCWA provides scientific direction. For more information visit www.riversalive.org/aas or call the Trust.
A Note from the Executive Director
The Trust board members, communications consultant Debbie Britt, and I participated in a strategic planning retreat this past January to chart the Trust’s goals & priorities for the next 3 years. This step signals the Trust’s readiness to build our visibility and effectiveness in the Fayette community.
As a community land trust, we committed to build our conservation program, partnering with local citizens & government to protect special natural areas. We pledged to responsibly maintain and enhance our nature preserves for the benefit of Fayette County citizens. And perhaps our most exciting goal: we will develop a signature Nature Discovery Center as a community resource for information about nature and our environment.
Based on preliminary survey results, these goals reflect the values of this community. It’s clear Fayette citizens care about greenspace and the environment. As development continues, the threat to our quality of life will increase. We will need your help to accomplish our goals.
There is no other organization doing what we do. We must succeed, because when we do, our entire community benefits, now and into the future.
We invite you to get involved. Fill out the enclosed survey, become a member, make a donation, attend a volunteer event and give us your input on the Nature Center. We’re counting on you! When we protect nature for people and wildlife—everyone wins.
Our Strategic Imperatives:
- Maintain, monitor & enhance the conservation properties we manage & own
- Be an effective & respected community partner to protect special places
- Educate the public concerning nature & environmental issues
- Preserve land
Directions:
