Georgia’s Land. Georgia’s Future.
Since 1967.
Homegrown conservation working for Georgia’s future.
At Georgia Conservancy, our mission is simple: healthy lands, thriving communities, and a future where every Georgian can enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.
Land and Water Conservation in Georgia
What We Do
At Georgia Conservancy, we believe nature is for everyone. For more than 50 years, we’ve helped protect Georgia’s land, water, and coast. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on projects, we make sure that the special places across our state stay healthy and beautiful for generations to come. Together, we can protect what makes Georgia home. Learn how you can get involved.
Land and Water Conservation in Georgia
Our Approach
Conservation and Sustainable Growth, Side by Side
At Georgia Conservancy, we believe a healthy environment is the foundation for thriving communities and a strong future. Through conservation, sustainable development, and outdoor stewardship, we take real action to keep Georgia’s land, water, economy and communities strong. We partner with citizens, businesses, and leaders to make smart choices today that will protect Georgia’s future. Join us in building a state where nature and people thrive side-by-side.
our impact
From the Mountains to the Marshes
Georgia Conservancy has worked with more than 80 communities across Georgia to grow sustainably, led thousands of people on more than 800 outdoor adventures and service projects, helped conserve hundreds of thousands of publicly accessible acres, and annually dedicates 500 hours at the State Capitol advocating for state conservation funding and policies.
Georgia Environmental Education, Major Projects, and Field Notes
80+
communities supported for sustainable growth
800+
outdoor adventures and service projects
500+
hours at the State Capitol advocating
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state of Georgia
Georgia Conservancy Events and Trips
Explore It. Understand It. Protect It.
Land and Water Conservation in Georgia
Statewide Scope with Regional Impact
From the Appalachian Mountains to the barrier islands, we advocate, educate, and engage in every corner of Georgia.
Hover over the map to look at some of regional impact →
Cloudland Canyon Weekend Adventure
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Join the Georgia Conservancy on July 24-26 for an incredible weekend of caving, hiking, camping, and all-around outdoor adventure at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Cloudland Canyon is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain and was formed as Sitton Gulch Creek cut its way into the surrounding sandstone. The canyon’s elevation ranges from 800 feet at the floor to 1,980 feet at the rim. Cloudland Canyon offers scenic walks and challenging hikes, including a trail leading to two cascading waterfalls, Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. learn moreChestatee River Day Paddle
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Join us for a guided paddle on the Lower Chestatee River, one of the most scenic and accessible moving-water rivers in north Georgia. Flowing out of the southern Appalachian foothills near Dahlonega, the Chestatee River winds through a landscape shaped by mountain hydrology, historic gold mining activity, and generations of human interaction with the watershed. The name “Chestatee” comes from a Cherokee phrase often translated as “place of lights” or “pine torch place,” referencing traditional nighttime hunting practices once carried out along the riverbanks. learn morePanther Creek Falls Day Hike
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Join us for a guided hike to Panther Creek Falls in Habersham County on Sunday, May 17 at 10 AM.
This guided day hike to visit Panther Creek Falls offers a more backcountry experience. Our route winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest, following Panther Creek as it cuts through a steep mountain valley on its way toward the Tugaloo and Savannah Rivers. learn moreGeorgia Farmland Conservation Program creation/advocacy
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Burning for Birds
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Okefenokee Protection
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Salt Marsh Restoration Projects
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The culmination of Georgia Conservancy’s research – consisting of extensive geospatial analysis and community engagement – are priority projects and suggested implementation strategies to move this plan into action. learn moreSASMI Roadmap
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The Georgia SASMI Roadmap presents recommendations for specific actions to aid future salt marsh protection. Here, we identify key marsh migration areas to prioritize for conservation and recommend nature-based practices that align with the goals of the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative. learn moreNorth Atlantic Right Whale
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Blake Plateau
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St. Marys & Darien Studios
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Georgia Conservancy worked with a graduate studio from Georgia Tech’s College of Design to consider future design and development scenarios for the downtown areas of two coastal Georgia communities – Darien and St. Marys. More DetailsSweetwater Creek Day Hike
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Spend a day on the Lower Etowah River with SAGE (Stewards and Advocates for Georgia’s Environment), Georgia Conservancy’s new community bringing together women who care deeply about protecting our state’s natural resources. This paddle offers a chance to step outside and experience firsthand the natural systems we work to protect.
Our route covers a 6-mile stretch of the Etowah from Hardin Bridge to Neel’s Landing. This section is well known for its calm current, scenic rural landscapes, and unique features like historic Native American fish weirs. It’s a great setting for both new and experienced paddlers, with just enough movement in the water to stay engaging without being technical. More DetailsStatewide Advocacy
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Principled advocacy relies upon sound data and inclusive collaboration. With this in mind, the Georgia Conservancy’s Advocacy team is under the Gold Dome every day of the Legislative Session working with partners in advocating for the protection of Georgia’s land, water, and communities. More DetailsBlackville Community Plan
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Through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), Georgia Conservancy is supporting revitalization efforts in McDonough’s Blacksville neighborhood that honor the community’s history while ensuring a vibrant and inclusive future for generations to come. More DetailsAssociation of Georgia Land Trusts
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In 2018, Georgia Conservancy helped convene AGLT, a coalition of more than two dozen organizations focused on private land conservation in Georgia. Through annual meetings and quarterly newsletters, AGLT members have the opportunity to share news and best practices, provide technical assistance and advice to clients and partners, and coordinate advocacy for sound conservation policies. More DetailsMorgan County Conservation Strategy
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The Georgia Conservancy has partnered with Morgan County to develop a Conservation and Growth Strategy for the county’s unincorporated areas. This initiative aims to thoughtfully guide future growth – with a focus on meeting varied residential needs – while preserving the unique rural character and natural resources that define Morgan County. Morgan County Conservation Strategyour affiliations
adventure is calling
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