FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA, August 3, 2026 – Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) is proud to announce the promotion of Jesse Woodsmith to Vice President of Conservation, recognizing her outstanding leadership, scientific expertise, and lasting contributions to land conservation across the Southeast.

Since joining Southern Conservation Trust in January 2020, Woodsmith has played an instrumental role in advancing the organization's mission to elevate nature through exceptional stewardship. During her tenure, SCT's Conservation Team has expanded its conservation impact across the Southeast, stewarding more than 62,000 acres across 13 states, including more than 15,500 acres in Georgia, through conservation easements, fee-simple preserves, mitigation projects, and long-term stewardship initiatives.

Woodsmith holds a Master of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University. Her career has spanned wildlife research, ecological science, land trust stewardship, and conservation planning, giving her a unique ability to bridge scientific research with practical conservation solutions for landowners. Her passion for conservation extends beyond her work at SCT, where she also serves on the boards of the Association of Georgia Land Trusts and Natural Curiosity, Inc., a New Mexico-based nonprofit focused on conservation.

"Jesse has continuously excelled and embodies the true meaning of our mission to elevate nature through exceptional stewardship," said Chris Doane, President & CEO of Southern Conservation Trust. "She walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to conservation. Her leadership, integrity, and passion have strengthened our organization and the relationships we've built with landowners and partners throughout the Southeast. This promotion reflects the tremendous impact she has made and the bright future of conservation under her leadership."

One of Woodsmith's most significant accomplishments has been helping bring the Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund from a long-term vision to reality. Developed under her leadership, the new initiative helps private landowners move from conservation interest to conservation action by reducing the financial and logistical barriers associated with permanently protecting important lands.

The Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund provides eligible landowners with assistance for:

• Due diligence expenses associated with conservation projects
• Cost-share or matching funds for conservation-related costs
• Priority support for projects protecting high-value habitats, greenspaces, and watershed resources
• A more accessible pathway to permanent land conservation

The fund represents a significant investment in protecting the natural landscapes of Fayette and Coweta counties while empowering private landowners to become active partners in conservation.

Under Woodsmith's leadership, SCT has celebrated numerous conservation successes, including the 2025 expansion of its Sugar Creek Hollow Preserve. The acquisition of five additional properties expanded the preserve to 594 contiguous acres, strengthening wildlife habitat and connecting protected lands to the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia's Blue Ridge region.

As Vice President of Conservation, Woodsmith will continue overseeing Southern Conservation Trust's conservation strategy, stewardship initiatives, landowner partnerships, and long-term conservation planning while advancing initiatives that protect the region's natural resources for generations to come. 

Landowners interested in learning more about the Flint Rising Conservation Assistance Fund, determining project eligibility, and applying are encouraged to visit www.sctlandtrust.org/flint-rising-assistance-fund.

ABOUT THE FLINT RISING INITIATIVE

The Flint Rising Initiative is a collaborative regional effort focused on conservation, watershed stewardship, responsible growth, and environmental resilience across the Upper Flint River region. Led by Southern Conservation Trust, the initiative seeks to bring together landowners, businesses, local governments, conservation organizations, and community stakeholders around shared environmental solutions that support both healthy communities and healthy natural systems. It was established to help align conservation efforts across the region and strengthen long-term protection of key natural resources as growth continues. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org/flint-rising.

ABOUT SOUTHERN CONSERVATION TRUST

Southern Conservation Trust(SCT) is a Georgia-based land trust dedicated to elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. SCT, a 501(c)(3) public charity, impacts and stewards more than 65,000 acres across the Southeast, including five public nature areas and the Fayette Environmental Education Center in Fayette County. Through land conservation, environmental education, and public access to nature, SCT works to ensure protected lands benefit both people and the environment. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.