GACDS members are committed to providing continued guidance on conservation issues at the local, state, and national levels. To achieve that goal, we are planning to build a conservation education center. This permanent home in Oconee County will allow us to build on our tradition of promoting the conservation of Georgia's natural resources.
The center will provide a place for our organization to host events, conduct the business of the association, and share office 
space with other conservation organizations. An exhibit area connected to the conference room will demonstrate to visitors the soil and water conservation districts’ rich history. The pavilion and outdoor classroom will offer hands-on learning opportunities. This “green building”, which will exemplify energy-efficient construction and maintenance, will be surrounded by landscaping and nature trails that model best management practices for conservation.
Twelve acres near Bishop were purchased in 2007 for the building site. Our presence in this transitional county will emphasize the relevance of the soil and water conservation districts, which were formed to protect agricultural lands and now must be equally involved in the protection and conservation of natural resources in urban areas. A building committee has begun the design of the center with input from members representing districts throughout the State.
Environmental education allows citizens to be proactive in their approach to natural resource challenges, saving our communities money and preventing problems. Our conservation education center will offer a much-needed service to our state’s growing population. GACDS is seeking funding to support the construction of this center and the installation of an outdoor classroom to educate youth and adults about Georgia’s natural resources.
