Preserving Potts Mountain: Robert Keller Shares a Vision of Sustainability

At the June 5th meeting of the Rotary Club of Big Canoe, Dr. Robert Keller—CEO of the Atlantic Coast Conservancy—spoke passionately about the vision for the Potts Mountain Property, a 1,400-acre stretch of permanently protected land in Pickens County, just across Steve Tate Hwy from Big Canoe. Hosted at Cousins Hall in the Big Canoe Chapel, the talk shed light on a range of forward-thinking environmental initiatives tied to this unique conservation site.

The property was acquired in 2024 for just over $2 million, entirely through private funding. Keller clarified some misconceptions surrounding the property, noting that the goals are not to commercialize or develop the land, but rather to preserve it, steward it, and use it to model sustainability in action. The Atlantic Coast Conservancy (ACC) has successfully conserved over 100,000 acres of land across the Southeastern United States through conservation easements and fee simple donations.

Potts Mountain in Pickens County, GA, derives its name from Young Potts, an early settler who, in 1836, purchased 160 acres in an area then known as Wolfscratch. Potts expanded his holdings over time, aiming to maintain privacy and prevent encroachment by other settlers. The Potts family established a homestead on the mountain, and in 1843, the first burial occurred with the death of Young Potts' infant child. Young Potts himself was interred there upon his death in 1856. The family cemetery remains a historical site, reflecting the early pioneer life in the area.

Among the standout programs discussed was Wolfscratch Firewood, a project that harvests hardwoods—like oak and hickory—from the property in a sustainable manner. Instead of traditional logging, the wood is often reclaimed from natural forest cycles, and is kiln-dried on-site using solar-powered technology, ensuring clean-burning, ready-to-use firewood with minimal environmental impact.

Another topic that sparked interest was agrivoltaics—the emerging practice of combining solar energy production with agricultural use, where solar panels are thoughtfully integrated with agriculture. In some cases, livestock such as cattle can graze beneath solar arrays, benefiting from the shade and cooler temperatures, while clean energy continues to be generated above. Additionally, Keller explained how Potts Mountain is exploring this concept to both generate clean energy and support plant and pollinator health. This directly ties into the potential for beekeeping on the property—an initiative aligned with the conservancy’s broader goal of fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Perhaps the most touching portion of the talk centered on the Potts Family Cemetery, which has been preserved as part of the land’s protected status. Keller introduced the concept of natural burial, an increasingly sought-after alternative to traditional embalming and vault-based interments. Natural burials at Potts allow individuals to be laid to rest with minimal environmental disturbance, using biodegradable materials and returning fully to the earth. This practice supports land conservation while offering families a more meaningful, ecological farewell. Certified by the Green Burial Council, this site offers environmentally friendly burial options.

In all, Keller's presentation reminded attendees that conservation is not about locking land away—it's about managing it wisely, using it gently, and leaving it better for generations to come.

The Rotary Club of Big Canoe extends its sincere thanks to Robert Keller for sharing his time, insight, and transparency. His thoughtful presentation helped clarify the vision for Potts Mountain and reinforced the importance of conservation efforts rooted in community trust and stewardship.

Atlantic Coast Conservancy Main Office

80 South Main Street
Jasper, Georgia 30143

info@atlanticcoastconservancy.org

(706) 273-9173