This past Saturday, we had a beautiful and breezy day for ORLT’s bird hike, held at Two Swallows Farm in Madison County. After gathering by the landowner’s farmhouse, we walked through carefully-managed fields and forests bursting with spring. Along the way, 34 species of birds were observed, including Louisiana Waterthrush and several Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Special thanks to Lauren Gingerella, owner of Chickadee Conservation Consulting , who lent her keen ears and sharp eyes to...

It’s Global Bear Awareness Day! Here in Georgia, the American black bear is an important part of our natural heritage. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy forests by dispersing seeds and shaping ecosystems, among many things. At Oconee River Land Trust, protecting land means protecting wildlife habitat for bears and so many other species that depend on connected, conserved landscapes to thrive. As development continues to fragment forests, conservation efforts become even more...

You may already be familiar with Hadrien as one of our senior land stewards. Over the last several months, he has also been helping ORLT to steward its donors and build new relationships in our community.  We are pleased to welcome Hadrien as ORLT’s new Director of Engagement!  While his boots will remain on the ground to monitor conservation easements and work with landowners to steward their properties, the majority of his focus will shift towards stewarding ORLT donors, members, and...