The Southern Conservation Trust Board has announced the retirement of executive director Pam Young after what officials termed “six highly successful years of growth.”
“We have been planning for succession over the past year,” said board chair Tami Morris. “Pam has been such an integral part of SCT that it was hard to imagine the organization without her. However, we do realize there comes a time for rest and relaxation. We wish Pam all the best as she retires with her husband, Bob, this summer.”
Under Young’s leadership, the past few years at the Trust have been marked by continual progress in organizational and board capacity, moving from a seven-member board a few years ago to a 14-member board and an advisory board in 2015. Multiple environmental initiatives have been realized, most notably achieving national Land Trust Accreditation in 2015. “This rigorous process ensures SCT is well positioned to continue serving our community,” a spokesperson noted.
“The board appreciates the great strides that have occurred under Pam’s leadership. Due to her diligence and foresight, Southern Conservation Trust is poised for future successes consistent with our mission and vision. Pam is to be commended for increasing the visibility and reputation of SCT at the local, regional, state and national levels,” said Morris.
In the community arena, the awareness and stature of SCT continues to evolve as evidenced by an increase in partnerships, grants, and volunteers. Perhaps one of the areas that has evolved the most is that of environmental advocacy, legislative monitoring, and stewardship, particularly in the area of water conservation and education. The first sustainable stormwater wetlands in the region is now being installed at Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City. Additionally Young has been working with the Upper Flint River Working Collaborative on several fronts including the Peachtree City WASA / Tyrone Sewer Extension effort that will have significant long term impact on flows in the Flint River Watershed. Other community and industry involvement includes Fayette Visioning, Georgia Water Coalition, and Georgia’s Environmental Nonprofit Sector Report and Convening Group.
Other achievements during Young’s tenure include:
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A 50 percent increase in access to passive recreation in SCT’s service area.
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A 33 percent increase in easements. This doubles the total acres owned, managed or held in easements by SCT to 2,428 acres of land with permanent environmental protection status.
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Opening of the Nesmith Outdoor Environmental Classroom at the Starrs Mill Complex in 2015. This was the first of what is hoped to be outdoor environmental classrooms at all high school complexes in partnership with the Fayette County Board of Education.
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More than 200 students have attended Camp WILD, a summer nature camp for children. Three weeks of camp provides a unique outdoor experience at Line Creek Nature Area.
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In 2015 more than 483 volunteers put in 2,028 hours to assist SCT with trails and nature area projects, many of them scout projects. These volunteer hours had a contributed value of $55,000.
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A partnership with the City of Fayetteville will result in the opening The Ridge Nature Area in late spring. This 308-acre preserve has required extensive oversight including development processes, construction, biodiversity initiatives, volunteers, and communication at multiple levels.
“It has truly been a privilege to serve this dynamic community and I hope I have played a small part in its success. The greatest part has been the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people, especially our young people. I have received and been blessed by so much; all the friends and comrades, inspirations from a child experiencing a first glimpse at a critter, watching a teen learn new skills and become empowered and even joy from all the surprise water gun deluges. I only hope I have been able to touch some of them with wisdom, guidance or even serve as a role model,” said Young.
The Pam Young Educational Legacy Fund has been established to ensure environmental learning initiatives for the next generation. These opportunities are available at www.sctlandtrust.org.
