Conservation

ORAS is actively involved in several programs to actively promote conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Athens Area. As the human population grows, wildlife and wildlands are feeling the pinch. We at ORAS are committed to affecting positive change at the local level through the help of community partners and our wonderful volunteers. Click on any of the programs below to learn about them and how you can participate in local conservation projects.

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program:
Certify your backyard as wildlife habitat and network with other gardeners in the area.

ORAS Conservation Grant:
Apply for one of our biannual grants if you have a scientific or service project that would benefit wildlife and our community.

Important Bird Areas Program:
Learn how to get involved with our own IBA, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and assist Georgia's IBA Coordinator, Charlie Muise.

Memorial Park/Birchmore Trail Weed Warriors Team:
Help pull invasive plants to promote our native plants and wildlife at Memorial Park in central Athens.

Sandy Creek Nature Center:
Help with environmental education projects in the Athens area.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia:
Our very own Important Bird Area, the State Botanical Garden offers plentiful birding, volunteer, and adult-learning opportunities.

Plants for Birds Garden:

A native pollinator garden in Athens-Clarke County planted by ORAS in collaboration with UGA Odum School of Ecology and Lilly Branch Audubon Society using funds from National Audubon Society's Burke Grant.