Mission

The Land Trust is committed to safeguarding the forests, wetlands, and open spaces that define our region's character. Our mission is to preserve these areas of natural beauty today, and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship that lasts for generations.

Based in Augusta, Georgia, the Land Trust aims to protect the streams and wetlands that feed the central-portion of the Savannah River, including the Historic Augusta Canal, Rae's Creek, Butler Creek, Rocky Creek, and Spirit Creek. We also partner with local governments on their greenspace programs. Our partnership with Richmond County, GA has received recognition at both the state and national levels and has been recognized as a model for greenspace programs around the state.

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History

Whether you're biking along the Augusta Canal, boating on Clark's Hill Lake, hiking at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, hunting in the forests of McDuffie County, or just enjoying a picnic downtown on the banks of the Savannah, it is clear to see that ours is a region of exquisite natural beauty. It is also quickly becoming a region of intense growth and development.

In 2001, members of the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy recognized that if these areas which define our natural landscape were not somehow protected, they soon might be lost forever. With funding assistance from the state's new Community Greenspace Program, these individuals established what is now known as the Central Savannah River Land Trust.

In June of 2001, the CSRLT began working with Augusta-Richmond County to protect its most sensitive and inspiring landscapes, and within three short years had protected nearly 500 acres of forests, wetlands, and open spaces throughout the county, including the historic Augusta Canal Heritage Area, several islands in the Savannah River, and the beginnings of a wildlife corridor along Butler Creek in South Augusta.

Since that time, the Land Trust has grown into one of the largest private land trusts in Georgia, protecting over 3,600 acres of land in six counties. Our list of supporters has expanded from a few passionate individuals to include everyone from federal agencies and national groups to local businesses, schools, clubs, and families. We are proud to be a member-sponsored organization, working together to achieve our common goal of preserving our natural landscape for the generations to come.

To learn how you too can support the work of the Land Trust, click here.

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