Pettit Preserve Launches Membership Program

The Pettit Preserve has announced a new program for 2013, which will make the Preserve’s trails available for hiking on a regular basis.

Membership in Pettit Environmental Preserve will provide free admission to the four quarterly hikes that many have come to anticipate. Additionally, members will be able to visit the Preserve on the first Saturday of six months in which there is no hike scheduled.

"The great thing about this new program is that it will allow members access to the Preserve 10 months of the year," Executive Director Marina Robertson said in a release. "I am constantly receiving requests for dates and times that don’t fit with our quarterly public hikes so this will be a real opportunity for members to really explore the Preserve."

Basic membership (the Sweet Shrub level) will cost $50 for an individual, $75 for a couple and $100 for a family (two adults and up to four children), and will include admission to three of the six members-only Saturdays. To gain access to all six, the Tulip Poplar Preservation Partners level is available at a cost of $200 (for individuals, couples or families).

In order to be able to continue to offer quality environmental education at quarterly public hikes, beginning March 9, there will be an admission cost of $3 per person, a maximum of $10 per family.

"Grant opportunities have become more limited and competitive," said Robertson. "People who have come out to the Preserve in the past for hikes have always been surprised that we offer so much at no charge. However, in order to continue, we must now charge a nominal fee."

The new membership plan will provide opportunities for more benefits to supporters at higher levels. Lake Trail Supporters who contribute $300 will receive not only access to all public and members-only Saturday hikes, but also a Pick Your Own Hike Day that will include a guided hike by the Preserve’s Certified Interpretive Guide.

Friends of the Forest Society members who contribute $500 or more receive all the mentioned benefits plus an entry in to the Preserve’s first-annual Golf Tournament, scheduled for this fall.

Guardians of the Preserve contribute $1,000 or more and can plan a company event at the Preserve and allow up to 20 employees access to Preserve quarterly hikes and members-only Saturdays.

Those interested in becoming members may visit the Preserve's website for full details on membership benefits and to download a membership form, or call 678-848-4179. 

The Margaret and Luke Pettit Environmental Preserve, located just outside Cartersville in Bartow County, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to act as guardian and steward of the land under its auspices, to responsibly conserve the land; and to judiciously use the land for education and research. Schools, Scouts or other groups can contact the Preserve to schedule an educational program.