Southern Conservation Trust, City of Fayetteville, and UGA Extension Fayette County Relocate Historic Yates Apple Trees to Preserve Local Heritage
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    Southern Conservation Trust, City of Fayetteville, and UGA Extension Fayette County Relocate Historic Yates Apple Trees to Preserve Local Heritage
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    Fayetteville, Georgia | September 16, 2024

    Southern Conservation Trust, City of Fayetteville, and UGA Extension Fayette County Relocate Historic Yates Apple Trees to Preserve Local Heritage

    24 September 2024

    The Southern Conservation Trust (SCT), in collaboration with the City of Fayetteville and UGA Extension Fayette County, successfully relocated two Yates apple trees on Thursday, September 12, preserving a piece of Fayetteville’s heritage while accommodating new development in the area.

    Originally planted by the Fayette Historical Society at the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House around 2012, the trees were part of an educational program highlighting their agricultural and cultural significance. Often called Red Warrior in the South, the Yates apple variety was selected by Matthew Yates in Fayette County, Georgia, around 1844. Known as one of the South’s elite apples, it has been a regional favorite for over a century. The relocation was carried out to protect the trees and ensure their continued growth as construction began on the City’s Alleyway Improvement Project, a new downtown revitalization effort in the Main Street Fayetteville district.
    The careful planning and coordinated effort of all parties involved ensured the safe transplanting of the trees, which are now in the Fayette County Extension Education Garden where they can thrive while also providing educational opportunities. “We’re grateful to the Southern Conservation Trust who helped us find a new home for these two trees, still small enough to be safely relocated,” said Lori Funderwhite, Director of Economic Development for the City of Fayetteville.
    The trees will now be under the care of the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, where UGA-trained volunteers will utilize them to develop hands-on educational programs for residents in Fayette County. “The successful relocation of these trees is a testament to the power of community collaboration,” said Rich Cocos, a Fayette County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer. “By working together, we’re not only preserving an important part of our local history but also demonstrating how development can be balanced with conservation to benefit future generations.”
    For the Southern Conservation Trust, this initiative highlights its dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement. “We’re proud to have played a role in preserving these historic trees,” said Chris Doane, President & CEO of SCT. “This collaboration exemplifies how conservation efforts can work hand-in-hand with local development to ensure that our natural resources and heritage remain intact.”
    This project not only underscores the importance of community-led initiatives but also sets a precedent for how cities can grow responsibly. By balancing the preservation of historical and environmental assets with the evolving needs of the community, collaborations between organizations can foster sustainable development that benefits both residents and the environment. 
    For more information about the ongoing conservation efforts of the Southern Conservation Trust and to help support the organization, visit www.sctlandtrust.org.

    About Southern Conservation Trust: 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. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.

    About UGA Cooperative Extension: UGA Cooperative Extension was founded in 1914 to bring researched-based agricultural information to the people of Georgia. More than 2.6 million Georgians are reached each year through educational programs to youth, industry professionals, farmers, and homeowners. Millions more rely on UGA Extension’s publications, educational news articles, and public television programming for advice and information. To learn more visit extension.uga.edu.

    About City of Fayetteville: The City of Fayetteville is an innovative and progressive community where we treasure our past and the promise of our future. We continuously strive to become a premier city by enhancing the quality of life of our residents through effective and efficient service delivery, smart growth development, and exciting economic and recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.fayetteville-ga.gov.