Southern Conservation Trust Invests Born to Be Wild Race Funds in Youth, Environmental Education, and Outdoor Recreation
Race funds support four local organizations focused on youth development, environmental education, and outdoor recreation
FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA — August 18, 2026 — The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) is proud to announce that funds raised through its 2026 Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run are being used to support youth-focused organizations that share SCT’s commitment to environmental education, outdoor recreation, and helping young people build a lifelong connection with nature.
Although severe winter weather led to the cancellation of the January 2026 race for participant safety, support from race registrations and sponsorships still made an impact. Those funds help SCT advance its mission of elevating nature through exceptional stewardship, including providing access to nature at its public nature areas, conserving land across the Southeast, and providing environmental education through its Nature Center in downtown Fayetteville.
This year, SCT also chose to extend the impact of those funds beyond its own programs by supporting four like-minded organizations in Fayette and Coweta counties: Fayette County 4-H, Peachtree City Flash Youth Cross Country Club, Coweta County 4-H, and the Coweta Comets Youth Running Club.
Investing in the Next Generation
The four organizations supported by SCT provide opportunities for young people to learn, develop leadership skills, stay active, and connect with their communities and the outdoors.
While each organization serves youth in different ways, from environmental education and hands-on learning to youth running and outdoor recreation, all share a commitment to helping young people build skills, confidence, and positive connections that can last a lifetime.
“Through the Born to Be Wild event, we want to do more than raise funds for SCT,” said Chris Doane, President & CEO, Southern Conservation Trust. “We want to see those funds create a ripple effect throughout the communities we serve.”
Run for Nature Again in December
The Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run will return on December 12, 2026, at the McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds. SCT is once again partnering with Sole Roots Racing and Coweta County for the family-friendly event.
Every registration supports SCT’s mission. Participants can choose from the 5K, 10K, or Fun Run, with a mixed-surface route featuring both asphalt and nature trails.
Children who register can choose either an event T-shirt or a “Flint” the otter plushie, and participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite SCT mascot.
Registration is now open at sctlandtrust.org/born-to-be-wild. Want to increase your impact? Consider becoming a sponsor of the December 2026 Born to Be Wild 5K/10K/Fun Run! Visit the event webpage to view available sponsorship levels and benefits and learn how your business or corporation can become a valued sponsor. Questions about sponsorship opportunities can be directed to the Southern Conservation Trust team at info@sctlandtrust.org
About the Organizations
Fayette County 4-H
Fayette County 4-H is a youth development program serving students in grades 4–12 through hands-on opportunities to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. As part of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Fayette County 4-H offers programs focused on agriculture, environmental issues, leadership, communication, health, conservation, and citizenship.
Learn more:
https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/fayette/4-h-youth-development.html
Photo: Left to right — Kim Toal, County Extension Coordinator/ANR Agent; Chris Doane, SCT President & CEO; Cara Rhoad, 4-H Youth Agent.
Peachtree City Flash Youth Cross Country Club
For more than 35 years, the Peachtree City Flash has provided youth in the community with opportunities to participate in cross country and develop a lifelong love of running. The program emphasizes commitment, respect, self-esteem, and sportsmanship while providing opportunities for competition, community service, leadership development, and more.
Learn more:
Photo: Left to right — Michael Caulfield, Head Coach; Chris Doane, SCT President & CEO.
Coweta County 4-H
Coweta County 4-H provides hands-on learning experiences that help young people acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and build positive attitudes. Programs address agriculture, environmental stewardship, conservation, leadership, communication, health, and citizenship.
Learn more:
https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/coweta/4-h-youth-development.html
Photo: Left to right — Chris Doane, SCT President & CEO; Bill Hammond, 4-H Agent; Roberta Thrasher, 4-H Program Assistant.
Coweta Comets Youth Running Club
Founded in 2024 through a partnership with Coweta Parks and Recreation, the Coweta Comets provide youth in Coweta County with an opportunity to participate in a running team and expand access to youth running on the south side of metro Atlanta. The volunteer-led program emphasizes teamwork, character, and courage while providing a fun, safe, and encouraging environment for young athletes.
Learn more:
Photo: Coweta Comets adults, left to right — Brent Snodgrass, Alex Florez, Nathan DeWitt. Comets youth — Joshua Snodgrass, Cole Florez, Sophia Florez, Elijah Florez, Nathan Snodgrass, Alex DeWitt.
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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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