Dig Deeper: Our History

The Mountain Conservation Trust was born because people care about the North Georgia Mountains’ scenic beauty, native species, unique culture, and close communities.

The concern in 1991 was that remaining open land in North Georgia was sectioned into pieces unable to sustain the natural ecosystems of the region. In response to extraction of natural resources around Oglethorpe Mountain, a group of 10 socially and economically diverse individuals stepped up to protect the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains they called home.

A group of people, including an older man with a name tag, sitting on the grass at a park, with a young girl holding a slice of cake, while others stand and sit in the background.
Three men, two with dark hair and one with gray hair and glasses, are engaged in conversation under a tent. They are wearing green shirts, and one has a white cap with a USA logo. The man with the cap is named Rick, as indicated by his name tag.

Without intervention, the group argued, the extraction and resulting damage to the land would impact the surrounding areas for years to come. Large-scale erosion, pollution of cities’ water supplies, and disturbances of miles-long stretches of river tributaries were real threats to the communities and wildlife that rely on the area.

Led by founding members Lynnell Reese and Cody Laird, the group advocated for preserving the region’s unique beauty, natural wonders, and critical watersheds. Their work attracted new members and financial backing and led to the founding of the Oglethorpe Wilderness Land Trust, now the Mountain Conservation Trust of North Georgia. Today, the Burnt Mountain Preserve is established, and the 756-acre southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains is permanently preserved.

Without intervention, the group argued, the extraction and resulting damage to the land would impact the surrounding areas for years to come.

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A view of a mountain covered with autumn-colored trees, with a cloud-covered peak in the background. The roof of a building with reddish-brown shingles is visible on the right side of the image.
Group of five people walking on a nature trail with trees in autumn colors.
Four children gathered around a table playing a game involving tissue paper and cups in a classroom or game room.

Since this founding achievement, the Mountain Conservation Trust has reached new milestones: acquiring land along Amicalola Creek, conserving land adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest, and placing more than 7,500 acres in the North Georgia Blue Ridge and Ridge-and-Valley region in permanent protection.

As new conservation challenges emerge, the Mountain Conservation Trust continues its commitment to the purpose that inspired our founders in 1991–to conserve the natural resources and scenic beauty of the mountains and foothills of North Georgia through permanent land protection, collaborative partnerships, and education.

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Protected Properties

Explore the properties we've protected, county by county, across the North Georgia mountains.

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Our Impact

30+ Years of Conservation

We’ve protected thousands of acres of the Appalachian Mountains since 1991.

SEE OUR IMPACT
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