Southern Conservation Trust Launches Tree Planting Initiative with QTS as Part of Greater Atlanta Data Center Development Project

Ashley Reeves • July 22, 2024

Fayetteville, Georgia

The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) has announced a new partnership with QTS Data Centers, a leading provider of data centers solutions, to plant regionally native trees in conjunction with the development of QTS’s new data center campus located in Fayetteville, Georgia. As part of the initiative, SCT and QTS will plant more trees locally than were cleared during the campus’s construction.

“We are proud to support QTS’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the Southeast,” said Chris Doane, President & CEO of the Fayetteville-based Southern Conservation Trust. “Planting native tree species is critically important, for many reasons, including boosting biodiversity by supporting other native flora and fauna and strengthening overall ecosystem resilience,” We are thankful for QTS's leadership in sustainability and commitment to planting trees in our region.”

This initiative will support planting a mix of 14 native canopy and understory tree species that closely align with an oak-hickory-pine forest community on a plot of preserved land near Fayetteville. Tree species to be planted include Shortleaf Pine, Northern Red Oak, Yellow Poplar, Downy Serviceberry, and American Persimmon, all of which would have been historically part of this property. In the coming months, SCT contractors will cover 20 acres on the preserve that will benefit the region by increasing habitat for birds, mammals, and reptiles; reducing ambient heat levels; reducing air pollution; improving filtration of nonpoint source pollution into the Towaliga River; and reducing monoculture habitat that must be mowed frequently to maintain.

“We are grateful to work with SCT to support and sustain shared resources in our local communities and surrounding environments,” said Tag Greason, Chief Growth Officer at QTS. “Sustainable practices are a key component of our business operations, and this initiative is just the start of how we hope to positively contribute to the Fayetteville area.”

Beyond donating trees, QTS also remains committed to volunteering with SCT on varying initiatives that support protecting public nature areas and land through stewardship and conservation as well as educating community members about nature in the Fayetteville area. The company recently supported improvements to SCT’s Fayette Environmental Education Center through generous donations and employee volunteer work. The combination of QTS’s giving and service illustrate the company’s culture of prioritizing the stewardship of communities, partners, and customers.

About Southern Conservation Trust

Based in Georgia, the Southern Conservation Trust is a US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 58-2036727, that elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 55,000 acres of conserved land and public lands throughout the southeast, including 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We don’t just believe in protecting land; we believe people should have equal access to enjoy it. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.


About QTS

QTS Realty Trust, LLC is a leading provider of data center solutions across a diverse footprint with over two gigawatts of critical power capacity under customer contract in North America and Europe. Through its software-defined technology platform, QTS delivers secure, compliant infrastructure solutions, robust connectivity and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises, and government entities. QTS is a Blackstone portfolio company. Visit QTS at www.qtsdatacenters.com, call toll-free 877.QTS.DATA or follow on X, formerlyTwitter, @DataCenters_QTS.


SCT Press & Media Contact

Ashley Reeves

Marketing & PR Specialist

ashley@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.

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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.

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