In early 1998 seven Gwinnett County citizens founded the Gwinnett Open Land Trust (GOLT), reflecting a focus on saving some green and open spaces to offset the area’s high velocity development and growth.

Our first conservation project included an area of streamside and floodplain along Sweetwater Creek, a tributary of the Yellow River.  Mary Kistner, artist and cattle farm owner, wanted to ensure her beautiful farm would be protected; GOLT received it from her with a special vision to continue her idea that art is sparked by nature.  Conservation easements on municipal land followed, including a granite outcrop with endangered and threatened plant species.  We accepted for protection several other riparian corridors as the emphasis on protecting water quality grew ever more urgent.  

We’ve also grown beyond Gwinnett County, so that today our service area includes the Georgia Piedmont.

Many people today realize that if their community is to be a healthy place to live, they must respect its environment and protect adequate greenspace.  The demand for land protection is great; our work only grows.