Conserves soil and heritage by working with Black landowners in the southern United States via McIntosh S.E.E.D. program
In the heart of the American South, the McIntosh S.E.E.D. Community Forest stands as a testament to the power of community, conservation, and cultural preservation. Located approximately 40 miles north of Harris Neck, Georgia, this 1,148-acre forest is a significant landmark, being the first Black community-owned forecast in the USA, jointly acquired with The Conservation Fund in 2015.
The forest's significance extends beyond its size and ownership. It represents a crucial step forward in Black land ownership and conservation efforts linked to climate resilience and traditional land stewardship. The McIntosh S.E.E.D. organisation, based in McIntosh County, Georgia, is dedicated to promoting sustainable forestry and achieving racial justice.
Evan Smith, The Conservation Fund's senior vice president of Conservation Ventures, underscores the importance of this work. He states that the loss of forests contributes to climate change and reduces the land's ability to respond and adapt to climate change.
At the heart of McIntosh S.E.E.D. is a commitment to uplifting families and communities. This commitment stems from the organisation's founders, who were inspired by their ancestors who instilled in them an innate desire to be of service to others. Junetta O'Neal, owner of the BoMax Ranch and Retreat in Crawfordville, Georgia, is one such enrollee in McIntosh S.E.E.D.'s Sustainable Forest & Land Retention program.
O'Neal, along with 20 other landowners, visited McIntosh S.E.E.D.'s Community Forest in Long County, Georgia, last December to participate in a forestry workshop. During their visit, they were reminded of the importance of young people understanding and caring for their families' land for future generations.
The workshop also highlighted the intersectionality of race, environment, and community, a factor that The Conservation Fund recognises in its partnership with McIntosh S.E.E.D. The organisation's grassroots programs are designed to strengthen local communities and educate landowners on responsible land management.
Addressing injustice in Black and Brown communities is key in the South, as these populations are uniquely susceptible to displacement and impact due to climate change. McIntosh S.E.E.D. aims to amplify the voices of Black and Brown landowners in the conservation movement through educational workshops and community-centric programming.
The organisation is not alone in its efforts. It is one of many organisations across the US South that The Conservation Fund is working with, in partnership with Apple, to promote sustainable forestry, achieve racial justice, and establish climate resilience.
Peterson, a key figure in McIntosh S.E.E.D., emphasises the importance of passing knowledge on to future generations to retain the land and continue the legacy of her ancestors who worked in the pulpwood business. This legacy is not just about land ownership, but about preserving the cultural heritage of these communities.
The work of McIntosh S.E.E.D. in McIntosh County is indicative of several Southern BIPOC communities that the organisation is working to preserve. The organisation is developing a shared strategy for BIPOC land retention and improved climate change practices that can be scaled throughout the region. This pioneering effort in Black land ownership and climate resilience serves as a beacon of hope for many communities in the American South.
