Despite a rainy and cold day, the Southern Conservation Trust (SCT), a local nonprofit focused on elevating nature through exceptional stewardship, is thrilled to announce the success of its 7th Annual Run the Ridge, held on February 15, 2025, at The Ridge Nature Area. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, participants, and volunteers, the event raised over $10,000 to directly benefit enhancements to the 235-acre nature preserve just minutes from downtown Fayetteville. A special thank you to Brent Scarbrough & Co. for donating a truckload of gravel ahead of race day to help mitigate flooding in the parking area and ensure a smoother experience for all.
Opened to the public in 2016 through a landmark partnership between SCT and the City of Fayetteville, The Ridge is a rare urban greenspace offering trails, bottomland hardwood forests, a scout camping area, restrooms, and rich wildlife habitats. It draws thousands of visitors each year, from nature enthusiasts to families and local groups.
“The Ridge exemplifies the power of thoughtful conservation and community collaboration,” said Chris Doane, President & CEO of SCT. “We’re deeply committed to maintaining and improving this valuable space, and we are grateful to all who contributed to this year’s success.”
The funds raised will support upgrades to the restroom facilities, trail infrastructure, and safety features, while SCT continues to address challenges, including ongoing vandalism and restroom damage. Despite limited resources, SCT remains dedicated to protecting this public treasure.
Key partnerships have played a crucial role in enhancing The Ridge. In December 2023, QTS Data Centers, HITT, and ClayCo provided approximately $50,000 in in-kind labor and materials, improving roads, adding speed bumps, installing picnic tables, and more.
Volunteers from the Georgia Aquarium assist with invasive species removal at The Ridge Nature Area as part of SCT’s ongoing habitat restoration efforts.
Over the past three years, SCT has also successfully led an invasive species removal initiative, supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The project has also received a total match for the grant totaling more than $25,000 in cash and in-kind contributions, including 175+ volunteers who dedicated 585 hours of work. SCT’s parks team contributed more than 200 hours to ecological monitoring and restoration, while in-kind donations from QTS Data Centers, including native plants, further bolstered these efforts.
While discussions on urban green spaces and environmental resilience continue to grow, SCT remains focused on its local impact—preserving and enhancing The Ridge for public enjoyment. Throughout 2023–2024, SCT also hosted four Trails for Troops events at The Ridge, supporting over 130 veterans, first responders, and community members in camaraderie and connection. “We take great pride in The Ridge,” said Doane. “From community-driven stewardship to professional conservation efforts, we’re committed to ensuring this space serves our community and its natural heritage.”
Initiatives like Run the Ridge, Trails for Troops, and ongoing management and improvements at The Ridge are part of a larger trend in conservation, where organizations are increasingly focusing on community engagement and ecological restoration to make public lands accessible and sustainable. This trend is seen across the country, as similar organizations also host events and projects to engage their communities and improve local natural areas.
To learn more about SCT and The Ridge Nature Area, visit www.sctlandtrust.org/the-ridge-nature-area
About the 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.