The Fayette Environmental Education Center Opens Its Doors For Tours and Educational Programs

Ashley Reeves • January 18, 2022

As of January 18, 2022, the Southern Conservation Trust has officially opened the Fayetteville Environmental Education Center to the public. Located at 305 Beauregard Boulevard, in historic downtown Fayetteville, this amazing facility will be open for guided tours, educational programs, summer camps, and much more. The official opening was delayed from 2021 due to Covid-19.

The Fayette Environmental Education Center (FEEC) is set to be the Southern Conservation Trust’s premier nature facility in Georgia. It serves as home base for conservation initiatives, nature area development, environmental education, agricultural education, and an environmental art program. This facility will encompass all that the Southern Conservation Trust does, and share it in a teachable way with the community we love.

“We are very excited to finally be in a position to open the Fayette Environmental Education Center to the public,” said Katie Pace Quattlebaum, CEO and Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Trust (SCT), the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the nature center. “This took years of work from our amazing staff, board, and volunteers, and would not have been possible without the support of the City of Fayetteville and the community,” she added.

In November of 2019, the Southern Conservation Trust purchased the historic Bennett Graham Brewer house built in the 1830s. In the late 1850s, this house was home to several children of Philip Fitzgerald, the great-grandfather of author of Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell. The SCT team has spent the last 2 years converting the home into the new Fayette Environmental Education Center. The environmental education center features an indoor live animal exhibit room, native habitat room, watersheds of Georgia, Georgia’s Ecoregions, environmental art gallery, educational classroom, and so much more. Outside the beautiful property features a playground and picnic area, outdoor classrooms, an agricultural education area with live demonstrations, and various pollinator and songbird gardens.

“We are thrilled to offer our first public program of 2022 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm,” said Liz Hall-Dukin, Director of FEEC. “Join us every week for  Teachable Tuesdays, featuring educational programs ranging from science and nature to art and history. This week’s topic is Dude Where’s My Acorn. We look forward to sharing FEEC with our community”. Advanced registration is required, please visit  www.fayettenature.org/event

Currently, the property grounds are open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Inside tours will be available by appointment only at  www.fayettenature.org/schedule-tour  or email us at  educationcenter@sctlandtrust.org. Various weekly and monthly scheduled educational programs are offered at the location. For more information about these programs, and how to register, please go to  www.fayettenature.org/event.  Masks are currently required for all guests.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONSERVATION TRUST

The Southern Conservation Trust elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 65,000 acres of conserved land throughout the Southeast, as well as 6 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center in Downtown Fayetteville, Georgia. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.

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