Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia

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Jasper, GA
Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia

The largest protected property is the 1,100 acre Burnt Mountain Preserve on Highway 136 East in Pickens County.

MCTGA - Since 1991 we've worked with caring landowners to protect important wildlife habitat and waterways, scenic views, farmland, and historically significant sites through voluntary conservation agreements in the North Georgia Mountains and foothills. The Preserve provides the community with a natural environment for hiking and passive recreation. This tract of land also protects the headwaters

of the community's water supply as the natural forest filters water runoff and reduces potential sources of water pollution.

08/26/2026

Today and all days, we remember Dolly Parton.

Dolly was born as the fourth of twelve children in a one-room cabin in the heart of Appalachia. Her family, who worked in agriculture, paid the doctor who delivered her with a sack of cornmeal. Through and through, Dolly loved and represented her heritage and the history that encompasses the area from which she came. She was a light and a fierce protector of the people and lands that make Appalachia the special place it is. She spread her unabashed joy, wisdom, and love through her music and tirelessly supported children's education and literacy, community aid, people's access to healthcare, and conservation.

The staff at MCT feel this loss immensely. We will remember Dolly's life and legacy as a manifestation of the deep connection to this special region and those who live within it. 🦋

07/14/2026

Today we are sharing news about a leadership transition at Mountain Conservation Trust. Executive Director Bill Sapp stepped down from his role on July 10 due to unforeseen health issues requiring his attention. The Board is deeply grateful for Bill’s dedication, professionalism, and passion for conserving the mountains and foothills of North Georgia. Thanks to his dedication and vision, MCT is well-positioned to continue protecting the landscapes and natural resources that define our region.

We want to assure you that this transition has been carefully planned. Kristen Kordecki, our new Development Director, stepped in as Interim Executive Director on July 1, giving her the opportunity to work closely with Bill and the Board to ensure a smooth transition.

Kristen brings more than two decades of leadership in conservation, nonprofit development, and strategic partnerships. She has secured significant public and private funding, built strong partnerships with government agencies, foundations, and community organizations, and led successful conservation initiatives across the Southeast. Her experience strengthening organizations and building lasting relationships will help ensure Mountain Conservation Trust continues to advance its mission with confidence.

Our Board, staff, and volunteers remain fully engaged, and our commitment to protecting the landscapes, natural resources, and heritage of North Georgia is as strong as ever. On behalf of the Board, we extend our appreciation to Bill for his dedicated service and wish him all the best. We also invite you to join us in welcoming Kristen Kordecki as she steps into this leadership role and helps guide Mountain Conservation Trust into its next chapter.

06/22/2026

Yesterday was the summer solstice, officially marking the first day of summer! ☀️
This time of year, fireflies flicker at dusk, snakes slip through the warm grass, and turtles bask on logs and riverbanks. Have you spotted any summer critters already?

06/15/2026

What did you do this weekend? Perry, MCT’s outreach coordinator, explored Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina!🌲

Did you know Pisgah is just one of 154 national forests in the United States? All of this land is federally protected and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

06/09/2026

This past Saturday, MCT staff was present for the ribbon cutting of the new Byron Herbert Reece Trail at Blood Mountain! ⛰️
Kudos to Georgia Appalachian Trail Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy for their years-long efforts in collaboration with the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to create a more natural, traditional backcountry experience! The new BHR will be a sustainable trail through the beautiful forest with less chance of erosion, less ongoing maintenance, and less human intervention.

06/06/2026

Happy from north Georgia's trails to yours!🌳
MCT and American Hiking Society hope you use today as a chance to get outdoors and become a steward of the trails you love!

05/13/2026

One week ago, we lost Ted Turner. Today, we honor his life, legacy, and impact that expanded beyond media and business and into the landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems he strove to protect.

Through his conservation efforts, Turner helped preserve millions of acres of open land across the American West and South, which helped to create critical habitats for native species and champion the restoration of bison populations in North America. His belief that conservation and stewardship were essential to the future of our planet inspired generations of landowners, environmentalists, and nonprofit organizations alike.

We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all those inspired by his work. May we continue carrying forward the vision he so passionately advanced.

05/05/2026

A message from our Executive Director:

“Recently, I had the honor of presenting to and hiking with the 2026 Class of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leaders. We discussed the role that the Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia plays in conserving and stewarding lands in the North Georgia mountains. We went on a wonderful hike along Anderson Creek in Gilmer county. The native trilliums were in full bloom, and we even found a white pine tree where a black bear had left its claw marks. The most exciting part of the hike was crossing a bouncing log bridge across the creek—everyone made it! We heard that some IGELians in previous classes opted to turn around at the prospect!”

04/29/2026

This past Saturday, MCT’s executive director Bill Sapp hosted his famous “Blue on Green” event! 🌿💧
Here, representatives from environmental groups across the state joined together to celebrate and spotlight the incredible work being done to protect the land, waters, plants and wildlife of the region.
Thank you to all who attended, and to our speakers: Sally Bethea (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper), Stacy Funderburke (The Conservation Fund), Tony Able (Southeast Beaver Alliance), and David Haskell (author of “How Flowers Made Our World”).

04/24/2026

We are REEL-y excited to attend the 2026 Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures festival TOMORROW 4/25! 🎣
So thrilled to be a part of Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival, come see us at booth number 65 from 10 AM-4:30 PM!

Address

104 N Main Street Ste 3
Jasper, GA
30143

Telephone

+17062534077

Website

http://www.mctga.org/

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