Fayetteville, Georgia

Publix Serves volunteers make an impactful environmental contribution at The Ridge Nature Area.

29 April 2024

In line with growing industry emphasis on corporate social responsibility, Publix, a leading provider of grocery services, partnered with the Southern Conservation Trust on Thursday, April 25, to make a tangible impact on a local nature area. Through their Publix Serves volunteer program, dedicated employees offered their time to help in the restoration efforts at The Ridge Nature Area.

The Ridge Nature Area ('The Ridge') is owned by The City of Fayetteville and managed by the Southern Conservation Trust (SCT). The Ridge was opened to the public in 2016 and is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The area encompasses 308 acres of natural beauty, providing a glimpse into contrasting ecosystems, passive recreational experiences, and environmental exploration opportunities. With over seven miles of trails, The Ridge is frequented by patrons who hike, trail run, and mountain bike. However, maintaining and preserving this natural area requires ongoing care and attention.

Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Publix Serves volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Over the course of several hours, these dedicated individuals joined forces with SCT staff to tackle various restoration activities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the area. Naz, store manager at Publix Store 0485, spoke on how Publix's mission of being involved as responsible citizens in our communities is important to them, "This is our community, we operate in the community, so it is good to serve and serving is the first step... that is why we are here giving back as a company today."

Publix Serves volunteers removing an invasive plant species at The Ridge Nature Area

Publix's volunteer program, Publix Serves, is a part of their community support initiatives. Engaging employees in impactful volunteer work fosters pride and connection. At The Ridge Nature Area, Publix Serves volunteers contributed to SCT's goals outlined in a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, aiding restoration efforts. The volunteers removed an invasive plant, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), from a 31,500-square-foot area. After removing the Chinese privet, they also worked with staff to plant native species near the park entrance.

Large pile of Privet, an invasive plant species, pulled from The Ridge Nature Area by Publix Serves volunteers.

Publix Serves volunteers' contribution to The Ridge Nature Area is deeply appreciated by the Southern Conservation Trust. President & CEO of SCT, Chris Doane, remarked, "The volunteers' commitment to service not only benefits The Ridge but inspires others to engage in community initiatives." Publix's commitment to corporate social responsibility aligns with nationwide efforts, highlighting the importance of collective action in preserving our natural resources.

For immediate release: Monday, April 29, 2024, Fayetteville, GA. For more information, contact Ashley Reeves, Marketing & PR Specialist at Southern Conservation Trust (ashley@sctlandtrust.org).

About Southern Conservation Trust (SCT): 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. (www.sctlandtrust.org)

View Post on Site

Tori Betsill

Director of Development at Southern Conservation Trust

Ashley Reeves

Marketing & PR Specialist at Southern Conservation Trust

7704867774