Athens Land Trust

06/15/2026

Join us for a free community screening and discussion about PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals." These synthetic chemicals have been used in thousands of products since the 1940s and are now found in drinking water supplies, soil, wildlife, and even human bloodstreams across the United States.

The evening will feature a screening of the documentary:

Contaminated: The Carpet Industry's Toxic Legacy

The film explores the environmental and public health impacts of PFAS contamination, particularly in communities affected by the carpet manufacturing industry.

Following the screening, community members will have an opportunity to learn more about PFAS, recent developments in federal drinking water regulations, and ways to participate in upcoming public hearings regarding proposed changes to PFAS protections.

What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals designed to resist water, grease, oil, and stains. Because they do not easily break down in the environment, they are often called "forever chemicals."
PFAS can be found in:
* Nonstick cookware
* Waterproof clothing
* Food packaging
* Carpets and upholstery
* Cosmetics and personal care products
* Firefighting foams

Research has linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds to health concerns including immune system effects, developmental impacts, increased cholesterol levels, and increased risks for certain cancers.

Learn About Upcoming Public Participation Opportunities
Attendees will receive information about an upcoming virtual public hearing concerning proposed PFAS drinking water regulations.

Virtual Public Hearing: July 7, 2026Public Comment Opportunities: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Citizens are encouraged to learn about the proposed regulatory changes and participate in the public comment process.

Register for the Public Hearing
Event registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-hearing-for-proposed-regulations-related-to-pfas-in-drinking-water-tickets-1988851418130

Learn More About the Proposed Rule Changes
https://www.selc.org/press-release/epa-proposes-to-gut-limits-on-toxic-pfas-in-drinking-water-abandoning-communities-across-the-country/

Who Should Attend?
* Residents concerned about drinking water quality
* Environmental advocates
* Public health professionals
* Students and educators
* Community leaders
* Anyone interested in learning more about PFAS contamination and environmental policy

Admission
Free and open to the public.

Hosted By
* Athens Land Trust
* Coalition of Athens Scientists
* Southern Sustainability Institute

For more information:[email protected]

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-hearing-for-proposed-regulations-related-to-pfas-in-drinking-water-tickets-1988851418130

06/09/2026

Leanne Hopper, Regional Program Manager, had a great time attending the State Partner Reception this afternoon hosted by Athens Land Trust.

06/04/2026

No filter is needed for these sunny Citrines, which are one of the offerings in this week's produce bags that will be delivered to food-insecure families in Clarke County. 🍅 🌞

Even while navigating the summer school schedule, delivery challenges, and the effects of the rain and heat on the vegetables, we are proud of our Williams Farm crew for continuing to supply fresh produce to over 48 families on a weekly basis.

All of the produce that we give away is grown on our small but prolific farm, which is overflowing with fresh food this summer. In seasons of abundance, we are finding creative ways to share with our community, ensuring that no food goes to waste.

If feeding Athens families speaks to you, we have volunteer opportunities available at Williams Farm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Click the link below to learn how you can get involved.

Volunteer at Williams Farm: givepulse.com/event/236531

05/29/2026

Athens Land Trust is looking forward to the Forest Heights Blueberry Festival, a fun community event highlighting local sustainability efforts!

Our youth programs will be tabling, with fresh produce for sale that they grew themselves at Williams Farm.

This event kicks off at 9:30 on Saturday morning, rain or shine. Don't miss out!

The Blueberry Festival is one branch of the Blueberry Project, a neighborhood-wide effort to grow and sustain community blueberry bushes.

05/15/2026

Athens Land Trust joins Community Land Trusts across the world to celebrate World Community Land Trust Day!

We have been working for over three decades to provide housing that is safe, sustainable, and permanently affordable for families and individuals in Athens-Clarke County.

With over 75 homes built, we have been able to help people who thought homeownership was an impossible goal to reach their dreams. All of this is made possible through the Community Land Trust model.

So, here's to ! Together we can spotlight in fostering affordable housing and sustainable communities around the globe. Learn more at worldcltday.org.

05/13/2026

Georgia is projected to lose more than 800,000 acres of farmland by 2040. The fourth highest farmland loss in the nation.

Join Athens Land Trust and speakers from USDA NRCS, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, American Farmland Trust, and GA Farm Link to discuss strategies for on-farm conservation practices, long-term farmland protection with conservation easements, succession planning and farm business support programs.

This event also includes a tour of the C.M Stripling Irrigation Research Park with UGA staff. Attendance is free with RSVP. Complimentary lunch is provided.

The details:
June Ninth, 2026
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park
8207 GA-37
Camilla, GA 31730

Please RSVP by June First, 2026, at bit.ly/farmlink2026 or click the link in our bio.

04/22/2026

Athens Land Trust sees land as the key to improving quality of life for all, and we remain deeply committed to responsible land use for conservation and community through:

- Protecting Georgia's diverse landscapes and working farmland through conservation easements.
- Developing environmentally-conscious, energy-efficient, permanently affordable housing
- Supporting Georgia's farming future through GA FarmLink.
- Keeping elementary school food pantries stocked with fresh produce grown at Williams Farm.
- Educating the next generation of leaders in Conservation, Agriculture, and Construction through our paid youth development programs.
- Empowering all members of our community to voice their concerns about issues impacting their neighborhoods.

We are giving our staff the day off tomorrow, April 22nd, to celebrate Earth Day. We will return to our regular hours of operation on April 23rd, to continue our work of connecting people to land and opportunity.

If our mission speaks to you, we encourage you to celebrate Earth Day by becoming a part of our journey. Learn how you can support Athens Land Trust at the link in our bio or go to athenslandtrust.org.

04/20/2026

Athens Land Trust and The Conservation Fund are pleased to announce the permanent protection of Woodland Gardens, a 48-acre Organic farm in Winterville, Georgia!

Known for its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers, Woodland Gardens is a cornerstone of the Athens-Clarke County local food system, supplying residents, markets and restaurants with healthy, locally grown products.

With this milestone, Woodland Gardens becomes the second farm protected by The Conservation Fund in partnership with Athens Land Trust.

The Conservation Fund’s Farms Fund program is designed to keep working farms in production while helping farmers put down permanent roots. Longtime farm business manager Celia Barss and partner John Cooper now own the land they have helped steward for the past two decades, securing its future as a productive farm.

Athens Land Trust played a critical role by placing a permanent agricultural conservation easement on the property, guaranteeing the land will remain dedicated to farming. This protection helps ensure that land near fast growing communities like Athens is not lost to development, preserving access to fresh food and open space.

Protecting working land is an integral part of Athens Land Trust’s mission to preserve, protect, and strengthen communities through the stewardship of land for affordable housing, conservation, agriculture, and economic development.

Click here to read the full story:
https://athenslandtrust.org/2026/04/13/woodland-gardens/

04/17/2026

It's always a pleasure to see ! They are in Athens, Georgia this weekend for the Athens Twilight Criterium, and as if tomorrow's 80 Kilometer Men's Pro Race were not a daunting enough feat, they also put in several hours of hard work volunteering at Williams Farm this morning.

We want to thank them for taking the time to give to our community by helping with our weekly harvest for food-insecure families, and we are wishing them luck with their race this weekend!

04/14/2026