South Fork Conservancy celebrates 10 years, looks to more creekside conservation

By David Pendered for the Saporta Report
June 3, 2018

The South Fork Conservancy has entered its second decade of protecting the natural environment along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek with plans for a new pedestrian bridge over the creek – and money in the bank to pay for building the bridge and other projects.
Confluence Bridge

The concept design for the planned Confluence Bridge shows a bridge covered by planks, with a safety rail to protect visitors. The bridge is to span the place where the North and South Forks of Peachtree Creek come together.

The project is another major step for a grassroots organization that was started in 2008, during the depth of the Great Recession. The SFC’s efforts represent a textbook example of taking many right steps to achieve an objective, despite an uncertain economy and the challenges it presents to non-profit organizations.

See the full story here.

South Fork Conservancy raises $74 k and unveils Buckhead bridge design at Creek Rising

By Evelyn Andrews for the Reporter Newspapers

The South Fork Conservancy unveiled concept designs for the Confluence Bridge planned for Buckhead at its 10th-anniversary celebration and annual fundraiser.

The April 26 event held at Zonolite Park raised $74,000 for the nonprofit, which creates trails along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. The South Fork runs between Buckhead and Emory University. The conservancy plans to link the trails with PATH400, which has already been completed near Peachtree Creek. It also plans to connect to the Atlanta BeltLine and Brookhaven’s planned Peachtree Creek Greenway.

Read the full story and see SFC's bridge concepts here.

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.