Katherine Moore, growth management program manager, invites you to join her at Good Urbanism 101, which is fast becoming one of the Georgia Conservancy’s most popular programs. Register now for this six-class course to be held at AGL Resources in midtown Atlanta and learn about quality urban design, walkability, alternative transportation options, sustainability and the relationship between urban infrastructure and the urban experience. The Georgia Conservancy’s growth management program and Georgia Tech professors Richard Dagenhart, David Green Doug Allen explore urban design history, principles and current practices in an entertaining and engaging atmosphere.  

Why is quality urban design of concern to the Georgia Conservancy? For the same reasons we support adoption of the City of Atlanta's Sustainable Building Ordinance
(for the answer visit our website)
 

On October 5, Gov. Sonny Perdue’s “Water Task Force” met at the Governor’s Mansion to begin work on a contingency plan for the Metro Atlanta area should the legal and congressional reauthorization strategies fail. Georgia Conservancy president Pierre Howard is one of four leaders from the environmental community appointed to this 70- person task force. In these private meetings, Pierre Howard will  work on our behalf, voicing support for water conservation and efficiency and reporting back to the Georgia Conservancy membership as the contingency plan develops.

For history, commentary, and behind-the-scenes information, visit the Georgia Conservancy's Water War Room - your resource for everything related to Metro Atlanta's use of Lake Lanier and the TriState Water War.

Breaking news: Pierre Howard was quoted in Atlanta Journal Constitution after the task force meeting: “Conservation is the cheapest and most effective way to [guarantee] change. It will help us with the courts, Congress and our state neighbors in negotiations if we demonstrate that we’re excellent stewards of water. I’ve noticed in 30 years of dealing with the Legislature that crisis effects change and there’s an atmosphere of crisis around the water issue.” Read the full article online.   

Georgia Conservancy members and friends are invited to canoe the western portion of the Okefenokee Swamp with naturalist Cathy Sakas. We will be staying at the comfortable cabins of Stephen C. Foster State Park and taking two canoe trips – one on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. As we paddle the wide-open channels, members will discover a wide array of flora and fauna, including swamp fetterbush, fields of white and yellow water lily, blackgum, bay and the knotty cypress trees, united by the shimmering, reflective water that is as rich in color as black English tea.

The Georgia Conservancy invites you to the Environmental Heroes Celebration on October 13 benefitting GreenLaw and honoring our former president (and current board member) John A. Sibley III with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Georgia Conservancy is proud of John Sibley's stellar record of successful environmental advocacy. He is truly a man of courage and principle, who personifies the best in public service.

To reserve your event ticket, go to green-law.org.

Meet your elected officials  at "Manuel's" on October 27 at 6 p.m.
Join the Georgia Conservancy's Generation Green for an environmental conversation with state elected officials in Atlanta at Manuel's Tavern at 6 p.m. on October 27. Will Wingate, Georgia Conservancy's land conservation and legislative director, will also give a brief overview of the Georgia Conservancy's legislative priorities for 2010. RSVP online - Facebook page or send an email to us.
 

St. Simons Island and Flint River events a success
On September 24, the Georgia Conservancy and the Flint Riverkeeper hosted more than 100 passionate Flint River supporters at the grand pavilion at the Gerald I. Lawhorn scout camp on the banks of the Flint. The Georgia Conservancy thanks REM, REI, Whole Foods, Stripling Inc. and the Packway Handle Band
(see pictures here).

On October 3, at the fabulous Strachan Carriage House, island home of Patty and Todd Deveau, Georgia Conservancy coastal members and friends gathered to celebrate the coastal work of the Georgia Conservancy. Thanks to The Vine, Susan Laney with the Jack Leigh Collection, Straton Hall Catering, Beachcomber Buggies and all the members of our great host committee (see pictures here).
 

1,205 Acres along the Conasauga River donated to DNR via Dellinger
Conservation Easement
Josh Smith, watershed director for the Conasauga River Alliance, tells the Georgia Conservancy that “This is a great example of the generous nature that the people within this watershed possess. We are confident that this land is in good hands, and are grateful for the donor, as well as for the system that is in place to accept such generosity.” The Georgia Conservancy applauds Jim Dellinger and the DNR Board for protecting this land along one of Georgia's most pristine rivers. (See pictures from our Conasauga snorkel trip).

Georgia Conservancy in the media
Water talks, water talks everywhere, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, 10/8/2009

Corps outlines remedies for deepening's effects, Savannah Morning News, 10/7/2009 

Drought That Dried Atlanta’s Urinals Worsened by Poor Planning, Bloomberg News. 10/1/2009 

Reservoir plan might tap Coosa too much, The Birmingham News, 9/29/2009