Building Bridges: Local Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter Partners with Southern Conservation Trust at The Ridge Nature Area
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    Building Bridges: Local Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter Partners with Southern Conservation Trust at The Ridge Nature Area
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    Fayetteville, Georgia

    Building Bridges: Local Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter Partners with Southern Conservation Trust at The Ridge Nature Area

    12 December 2024

    Sigma Omicron Lambda Leadership Academy combines service with leadership development for young teens during a volunteer day at a local nature area.

    The trails at The Ridge Nature Area are now more accessible thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Sigma Omicron Lambda Leadership Academy, a program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s (AOA) local chapter, Sigma Omicron Lambda (SOL). On November 23, 2024, mentees and mentors from the Leadership Academy partnered with the Southern Conservation Trust (SCT) for a day of service, constructing a new footbridge on one of the park’s popular trails.
    The volunteer day brought together the Academy’s mission of empowering teenage males with leadership and service opportunities and SCT’s commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. Over the course of the day, mentees worked alongside SCT staff and mentors from the local chapter, gaining hands-on experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and project management.
    “The Leadership Academy truly exemplified what it means to lead with purpose and impact,” said Jay Averett, Special Projects Manager for the Southern Conservation Trust. “Their hard work and dedication have created a lasting improvement to The Ridge Nature Area that will benefit thousands of visitors for years to come.”
    Members of the Leadership Academy demonstrating teamwork and collaboration while building the new footbridge.

    Members of the Leadership Academy demonstrating teamwork and collaboration while building the new footbridge.

    The footbridge enhances both safety and accessibility for hikers, runners, and families enjoying the trails, particularly in this area that is prone to muddy conditions. By taking on this project, the Leadership Academy mentees demonstrated their commitment to fostering a positive impact on the community while developing practical leadership skills in the process.
    “This experience gave our mentees the chance to connect their leadership development training to real-world service,” said Dr. Marcus Broadhead, Corresponding Officer for Sigma Omicron Lambda. “We’re proud to have partnered with the Southern Conservation Trust to give back to a community resource like The Ridge Nature Area, and we hope this inspires our mentees to continue driving positive change wherever they go.”
    The event was honored by the presence of Fayetteville Mayor Edward Johnson, a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. “As Mayor of the City of Fayetteville and on behalf of the City Council, I express sincerest appreciation to the Men of SOL Chapter of AOA and the Leadership Program designed to mentor young men in our community,” said Mayor Johnson. “It is a blessing for programs such as the Sigma Omicron Leadership Academy to find ways to be of service to the community in which our youth are being raised. The work that was done mirrors my belief that those who live within it can accomplish what we want for our city. These young men were able to truly make a difference for others they may never meet. I’m very proud of them and the work that Southern Conservation Trust has been doing since they have been entrusted with managing this very important work.”
    Fayetteville Mayor Edward Johnson signing the final board before installation, marking the completion of the project.

    Fayetteville Mayor Edward Johnson signing the final board before installation, marking the completion of the project.

    The Ridge Nature Area, managed by Southern Conservation Trust, features 235 acres of protected greenspace and over 6 miles of trails, making it a vital hub for outdoor recreation in Fayette County. Projects like this are part of SCT’s broader mission to elevate nature through stewardship, education, and public access to natural spaces. The new footbridge is located on the Three Oaks Trail, a section of the orange-blazed trail that connects Three Oaks to the Whitewater Creek overlook. The Ridge Nature Area is open to the public daily, from sunrise to sunset, and SCT encourages community members to explore this beautiful nature area. 
    To learn more about SCT and The Ridge Nature Area, visit www.sctlandtrust.org/the-ridge-nature-area.

    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 Sigma Omicron Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.: The Sigma Omicron Lambda Chapter was approved July 27, 2019, to serve the Metro Atlanta communities of Fayette and Coweta counties. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on December 4, 1906. The Sigma Omicron Lambda chapter looks forward to implementing the fraternity’s national programs, “Go to High School, Go to College”, “Project Alpha”, “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People”, and “Brother’s Keeper” in their service area. The fraternity boasts in its membership several past and present Metro Atlanta leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former Atlanta Mayor/Congressman Andrew Young, and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson. For more information visit, www.sigmaomicronlambda1906.org

    About Sigma Omicron Lambda Leadership Academy: The Sigma Omicron Lambda Leadership Academy, led by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., equips teenage males with the tools and mindset needed for personal growth and community impact. Through programming in leadership, financial literacy, service, and entrepreneurship, the Academy fosters a new generation of confident, ethical leaders committed to making a difference.