South Fork Conservancy Surpasses $2 Million Campaign Goal

Atlanta, GA (October 2017) – South Fork Conservancy (SFC) is working to complete approximately five miles of creekside trails in the heart of Atlanta with funds donated to its capital campaign, Revealing the Creek.

Fourteen months after announcing a goal of $2 million for its first-ever capital campaign, SFC announced that it has surpassed that goal during a celebration on October 24. Campaign co-chair and Board President, Billy Hall said, “This is a milestone in our vision to connect people and communities and our natural environment.  The funds from this campaign will launch the effort to create 30 miles of trails connecting greenspace from Lindberg to the perimeter.”

To date, the campaign raised $2,041,000 and funds are still being received. Notable donations include a $500,000 gift from the Kendeda Fund and a $250,000 grant from Park Pride. Local business, Catalyst Development Partners and NewFields, contributed five-figure gifts.

Dozens of individuals also joined the campaign and the median gift was $36,400. Campaign co-chair, Joni Winston said, “Foundations, businesses, and our local community have all enthusiastically joined us and we are deeply grateful for their generosity. Their support shows a powerful connection to our mission of creating an urban oasis along Peachtree Creek.”

Campaign funds are already being put to work on six impactful trail projects. Once completed, these infrastructure improvements will connect the SFC pedestrian trail system to the Atlanta BeltLine, PATH400, and Peachtree Creek Greenway near the intersection of I85 and GA 400. This trail hub will eventually connect Buckhead to Emory University’s Campus. This connectivity to greenspace is designed to enrich the lives of community members, enhance the livability of Atlanta, and add to the city’s character.

“We hope that surpassing our goal in our first capital campaign will help more people learn about our trails and inspire even more community members to join us through membership and volunteering,” said Billy Hall. For information on donating, or visiting South Fork’s four completed creekside trails, visit www.SouthForkConservancy.org and check their Facebook page for updates.

South Fork Conservancy Named a Water Hero in Clean 13 Report

‘Clean 13’ lauded by environmental and conservation groups in Georgia

Clean 13.png

By Kristina Torres

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution11:43 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017

The Georgia Water Coalition released a new report Wednesday applauding the “Clean 13,’” people, businesses, local governments and others from across the state that it says are working to make local waterways cleaner.  Read the full story here: http://on-ajc.com/2gP2Vha

The Coca-Cola Co. funds South Fork Conservancy’s efforts at Zonolite Park

By David Penderedfor the Saporta Report

The effort to improve Peachtree Creek now includes a $25,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Co. that was used to install a rainwater harvesting system at Zonolite Park, in northeast Atlanta.

South Fork Conservancy board member and NewFields Chairman Billy Hall presents a plaque to John Radtke, director of Coca-Cola’s Water Sustainability Program. The plaque reads: ‘This rainwater harvester is a gift from The Coca-Cola Company to the watershed and all the life it supports.’ Credit: Eric Voss

“We’re so grateful to The Coca-Cola Co. for this gift, and can’t wait to keep working with them to preserve the creeks and waterways of our city,” said Sally Sears, a founding and current board member of the South Fork Conservancy.

The grant speaks to the momentum gathering around the volunteer-driven effort to restore the corridor along one of Atlanta’s historic waterways.

Read the full article at http://saportareport.com/coca-cola-co-funds-south-fork-conservancys-efforts-zonolite-park/