FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — October 30, 2026 — The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) is pleased to announce that the Fayette Environmental Education Center will now be known as the Flint Nature Center, a new name that reflects the organization’s growing focus on the Upper Flint River Watershed and its commitment to connecting people of all ages with the natural world.

The name change better reflects the Center’s purpose and its welcoming, community-focused experience. While environmental education remains central to its mission, the Flint Nature Center offers more than classroom learning. It is a place where families can explore nature, discover local wildlife, participate in hands-on activities, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.

“The Flint Nature Center name better reflects both our conservation priorities and the experience we want to create for our community,” said Chris Doane, President and CEO of the Southern Conservation Trust. “We want people to see it as a place they can visit, explore, and enjoy together. Whether a child is meeting an animal ambassador for the first time, a student is discovering a new interest in science, or a family is spending time outdoors, we want the Center to inspire a lifelong connection with nature.”

The name also reflects  SCT’s conservation work in the Upper Flint River watershed, where the organization works to protect important natural areas and connect more people with the outdoors. Through conservation and education, SCT is working to ensure that people have opportunities to experience, understand, and appreciate the natural resources that make this region special.

A Historic Home with a Growing Community Impact

The Flint Nature Center is housed in the historic Bennett-Graham-Brewer House, which dates to the 1830s and has ties to the family of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. SCT acquired the property in 2019 and opened the Fayette Environmental Education Center to the public in 2021, transforming the historic home and its 14-acre campus into a hub for environmental education and community connection.

The campus also carries a connection to former neighbors Dr. Ferrol and Helen Sams. As the surrounding area transitioned to accommodate the Walton Communities development, SCT helped preserve a piece of the Sams family’s legacy by salvaging native plants and other elements from their gardens. These efforts reflect SCT’s commitment to conserving not only land and natural resources, but also the local history and living landscapes that make a place special.

Today, the Flint Nature Center welcomes visitors Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 305 Beauregard Boulevard in Fayetteville. Its programs serve school groups, homeschool families, scouts, summer campers, and community members through interactive learning experiences designed to make nature accessible to all ages.

During the 2025–2026 school year, the Center served more than 1,000 public school students. Its annual Camp WILD program also reached a milestone in 2026, welcoming 119 campers and filling 119 of its 120 available spaces—the highest participation since the program began in 2022.

Visitors can meet the Center’s animal ambassadors, including turtles, snakes, goats, chickens, and rabbits, and participate in educational programs throughout the year. Offerings include Teachable Tuesdays, homeschool programs, animal ambassador presentations, school field trips, and customized scouting experiences.

Connecting More People with Nature

As a nonprofit organization, SCT strives to keep educational experiences accessible through free and low-cost programs. Community support helps sustain Flint Nature Center’s daily operations, educational resources, animal care, and opportunities for children and families to connect with nature.

The Flint Nature Center is one part of SCT’s broader conservation work. Founded in 1993, the organization protects more than 65,000 acres across the Southeast and manages five public nature areas in Fayette County.

Community members can learn more about the Flint Nature Center, explore programs, and support its work at sctlandtrust.org/nature-center. As Giving Tuesday approaches on December 1, supporters are encouraged to make a gift to help sustain the Center’s educational programs, animal care, and daily operations. Make a gift at sctlandtrust.org/giving-tuesday/year-end-giving