The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust worked with landowners to conserve 80 acres last year through conservation agreements. Under a conservation agreement, the landowner continues to own the land, but the property is protected in perpetuity from development.

Those honored included the following:

• Tom and Georgene German, who entered a conservation agreement to protect the top of Laurel Knob, a sensitive rock outcrop plant community on the top of one of the highest cliff faces east of the Mississippi River.

• Dick Jennings, who placed the Lonesome Valley meadow in a conservation agreement.

• Nina and Frank Burke, who donated a conservation agreement on the slopes of Satulah Mountain that will protect six acres in the Satulah Historic District.

• Margaret and Randolph Shaffner along with Rebecca and David Thomas, who donated 10 acres known as Rhodes Big View to honor their parents Robert and Antonia Rhodes. Rhodes Big View is located on U.S. 64 at the Macon/Jackson County line, with a spectacular view overlooking Whiteside Mountain and the Chattooga River headwaters.

• David Bauer and Mark Falb, who donated six acres in the Divide on Bald Rock Mountain. This forested property is adjacent to a Southern Appalachian bog that is already protected.

• David and Barbara Postles along with Larry and Nancy Fuller, who donated a wonderful tract on Hardscrabble Road that will remain a green-space forever.

Rachel Hamilton was also honored for her donation on Sagee Ridge Road made in 2005.

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s mission is to preserve the natural areas, scenic beauty, and green spaces of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for the enjoyment and benefit of the public. To learn more about the Land Trust contact them at 828.526.1111 or view their website at www.hicashlt.org.