Hampton Preserve Will Launch Restoration Project

The Southern Conservation Trust and QTS Data Centres will begin a 10-year effort to restore 132 acres of the Towaliga Preserve.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Data Centers

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pine seedling emerging from forest soil, representing the Towaliga Preserve ecological restoration project. — The Southern Conservation Trust and QTS Data Centres have announced a 10-year project to restore 132 acres of the Towaliga Preserve in Hampton, Georgia. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Starting in fall 2026, the Southern Conservation Trust will initiate a multi-year restoration project at the 403-acre Towaliga Preserve in Hampton. The project, funded by QTS Data Centres, focuses on improving forest health and river watershed quality across 132 acres of the property.

Why it matters

This long-term initiative aims to boost native plant diversity and wildlife habitats in the area. By addressing past harvesting impacts and invasive species, the project seeks to ensure the ecological health of the Towaliga River corridor.

The project spans 132 acres and encompasses 1.5 miles of the Towaliga River. Initial phase efforts have already resulted in the planting of 12,140 native trees.

The players

Southern Conservation Trust

This organization manages the Towaliga Preserve and oversees regional conservation efforts.

QTS Data Centres

This company provides data center infrastructure and is currently funding the restoration project.

The details

The restoration plan involves thinning and mulching across 77 acres of early-successional forest while conducting invasive species management on 52 acres of mature timber. Work also includes the removal of old barbed-wire fencing to restore the natural integrity of the preserve's ecosystem.

72 acres of the property were harvested in 2015.
The partnership between the trust and QTS Data Centres began in 2023.
Contractors will begin thinning and invasive management in fall 2026.
Targeted removal of invasive vegetation is planned for 2027.
Native tree planting is scheduled for winter 2027-28.

The Tech Race

Corporate-sponsored environmental restoration is becoming a standard feature for large-scale data center operators looking to balance land development with ecological mandates. This initiative mirrors a broader trend of private sector firms investing in regional land management to mitigate the long-term impact of facility growth.

Residents near the Towaliga Preserve may notice increased contractor activity and equipment on-site starting in late 2026. This project aims to enhance the recreational and environmental value of the local land for the surrounding community.

The takeaway

Large-scale restoration projects require a decade-long commitment to show measurable improvements in forest health and biodiversity. Residents and stakeholders can track the progress of these environmental interventions as they evolve through distinct, multi-year phases.