22-year-old Cornell grad launches nature conservancy
By Grace Rodriguez
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RINCON, Georgia (WJCL) — A recent Cornell University graduate is planting new seeds in Rincon with the start of a nature and bird conservancy. Isaiah Scott, a Rincon native, started Rookery and Roots Conservancy on 16.1 acres in Effingham County to teach the next generation about nature.
“A lot of people don’t know, but the Gullah Geechee heritage corridor, it extends into Effingham County,” Scott said.
Scott says he’s blending his love of wildlife with his Gullah Geechee heritage, and plans to use the property to educate others.
“One thing we’re very interested in having is an outdoor classroom or also a living classroom where students can come and have, you know, experiences out in nature and, you know, be able to go on field trips,” Scott said.
Teaching others is something his dad says runs in the family.
“Giving back, you know, helping kids, that’s just something that our family has always done. And education is, is key in our family,” Roger Scott said. “I had tears in my eyes yesterday because I can’t believe it’s true. You know, doing something special for my son. You know, he’s 22 years old, owning 16.1 acres of land.”
The project still has another year to go, but the Scott family isn’t wasting any time getting the property ready for visitors.
“We’re planning to build a bird observation blind that people can go in and see ducks coming into the pond,” Scott said. “I just envision a future where, you know, there will be more places such as this where people and wildlife can thrive sustainably in the landscape.”
Scott says that aside from the conservancy, he’s also working on other ways to educate and inspire the next generation of learners.
“I’m actually working on a book about this that are significant in Gullah Geechee culture. I’m illustrating a field guide of birds of the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor, and some of the birds, such as, you know, hawks or turkey vultures and even another bird called the bobolink,” Scott said.
The family will host a trail cleanup Monday, Jan. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring gloves and trash bags.
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