Run Wild for Nature: “Born to Be Wild” 5K/10K/Fun Run Coming to Coweta County January 31, 2026

Chris Doane • October 14, 2025

Coweta County, GA

Run Wild for Nature: “Born to Be Wild” 5K/10K/Fun Run Coming to Coweta County January 31, 2026


COWETA COUNTY, GA — Get ready to run wild with Flint the River Otter! The Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run is coming to McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds on Saturday, January 31, 2026—and it’s more than just a race. It’s a celebration of community, conservation, and the natural beauty of Coweta County.


Hosted by Southern Conservation Trust (SCT), in partnership with Coweta County and Soleroots Racing, the event invites runners and families of all ages to lace up and make a difference. Proceeds from the race will go directly toward environmental education programs and local conservation efforts—supporting hands-on learning, land preservation, and wildlife protection across Coweta County.


“If there was ever a time to invest in environmental education and conservation here in Coweta County, it’s now,” said Chris Doane, President and CEO of the Southern Conservation Trust. “Events like this bring people together around a shared goal—to ensure that future generations can experience and learn from the wild spaces we cherish today.”


Whether you’re chasing a new personal best in the 10K, cruising through the 5K, or joining your kids for the Fun Run, every step you take helps protect and enhance Coweta County’s natural spaces.


Families will love the festive atmosphere. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite SCT mascot, and each registered child will receive either a “Flint the Otter” plushie or an event T-shirt as a keepsake. And don’t be surprised if you spot Flint the River Otter himself cheering you across the finish line!


Join us for a wild day of fun, fitness, and giving back to the environment—because together, we can keep Coweta County’s wild places thriving.


Event Details:
Location: McGuffey Nature Center, Coweta County Fairgrounds
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Events: 5K, 10K, and Fun Run
Registration: https://www.sctlandtrust.org/born-to-be-wild



Thank you to our event sponsors—Fulton & Kozak, G&F Southeast Distributors, and the Newnan Times-Herald / Newnan-Coweta Magazine—for their generous support. Their contributions, along with those of our dedicated donors, make it possible for the Southern Conservation Trust to continue elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. Conservation is vital to the future of Coweta, Fayette County, Georgia, and beyond. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sctlandtrust.org/born-to-be-wild or contact Chris Doane, President & CEO, at chris@sctlandtrust.org.




About the Southern Conservation Trust
The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. Managing and conserving over 65,000 acres across the Southeast, SCT provides public nature areas, environmental education, and conservation programs that connect people with the outdoors and protect the places we love.

Press & Media Inquiries

For all press and media inquiries, please reach out to Tori Betsill, our Director of Development. Tori is here to assist you with any questions or information you may need about Southern Conservation Trust's initiatives, events, and conservation efforts. You can contact her directly at tori@sctlandtrust.org.

Contact Us

About Southern Conservation Trust

At Southern Conservation Trust, we are passionate about elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. Based in Georgia, our 501(c)(3) public charity has successfully conserved over 65,000 acres of land across the Southeast, including five public nature areas in Fayette County and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We believe that protecting our natural spaces is just the beginning; everyone should have equal access to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Join us in our mission to foster a deeper connection between people and nature. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.

LEARN MORE

Share Post

Recent Articles & Blogs

AGLT: Collaborating to Protect Georgia’s Wild Future

By Paxton Hayes • May 22, 2026
AGLT: Collaborating to Protect Georgia’s Wild Future

A Year in the Making: Southern Conservation Trust and City of Fayetteville Partner to Preserve Native Orchids

By Tori Betsill • April 22, 2026
FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA, April 22, 2026 – What began with the discovery of native Pink Lady’s Slipper orchids in 2023 has grown into a multi-year conservation effort, one that now serves as a powerful example of how thoughtful development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. As plans move forward for the City Center Parkway in Fayetteville, a population of rare Pink Lady’s Slipper orchids was discovered growing within the pine understory of a 38.5-acre tract along Grady Avenue, largely hidden from public view. While not federally endangered, these native orchids are increasingly uncommon and highly sensitive to their environment. They are also protected under Georgia law and classified as a species of concern, meaning it is illegal to remove them without proper authorization, making their presence both special and vulnerable. Rather than allowing the plants to be lost as a result of development and construction, the Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) saw an opportunity. In May 2025, SCT approached City officials with a proposal to relocate the orchids to a nearby SCT-owned private preserve. With the City’s approval, SCT’s Director of Parks & Planning and members of its Conservation Team carried out the effort, ensuring the relocation was done responsibly and with the greatest chance of success. Over the following year, plans were refined, permits were secured, and timing was carefully aligned with the orchids’ natural growth cycle. With advisory input from members of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, including experts from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, SCT’s Conservation Team began the delicate process of transplanting the orchids in early spring 2026, carefully relocating more than 100 individual plants with intact root systems to a safeguarded habitat at a nearby SCT-owned private preserve, where another population of Pink Lady’s Slippers already exists and thrives naturally. The work required precision, patience, and teamwork, as transplanting these orchids is notoriously difficult, even under ideal circumstances, and should only be undertaken with proper expertise and authorization. Each plant was carefully cataloged, tracked, and replanted under conditions designed to mirror its original environment, with close attention to growth stage and long-term viability. Early signs are encouraging, with many of the transplants already showing resilience following the move.

Newnan Arboretum Project Advanced by City of Newnan and Southern Conservation Trust

By Chris Doane • April 16, 2026
NEWNAN, GEORGIA, April 16, 2026 – The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) and the City of Newnan have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to champion and collaborate on the development of the Newnan Arboretum, a planned 29-acre greenspace located on Boone Drive. The Newnan Arboretum is envisioned as a community-centered natural destination that will celebrate native landscapes, promote environmental stewardship, and provide opportunities for outdoor education and passive recreation. It is also expected to serve as a future tourism destination, drawing visitors to experience its unique ecological and educational offerings. Over time, the site is anticipated to connect with the LINC, further enhancing accessibility and integration with the City’s growing network of trails and public spaces. Through this partnership, the Southern Conservation Trust will serve in an advisory capacity, providing expertise in native plant species, habitat restoration, and environmental education programming. SCT’s involvement will help ensure that the Arboretum reflects best conservation practices and serves as a model for sustainable land use. “This collaboration represents an exciting step forward in creating a space that blends conservation, education, and community connection,” shared Cleatus Philips, Newnan City Manager. “The Newnan Arboretum will be a lasting asset for residents and visitors alike. The Southern Conservation Trust’s long-standing experience partnering with local municipalities adds valued credibility to the project’s long-term success.” Chris Doane, President & CEO of the Southern Conservation Trust, added, “We are proud to partner with the City of Newnan on this important initiative. By focusing on native species and meaningful environmental education, the Newnan Arboretum will not only preserve the natural character of this land but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment.” The Newnan Arboretum reflects a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life, protecting natural resources, and fostering a stronger connection between people and the outdoors. For future details regarding project timelines, design, and community engagement opportunities, follow the City of Newnan on social media channels or sign up for their weekly newsletter: https://www.newnanga.gov/574/Weekly-Newsletter