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The Nature Conservancy Receives $25,000 Grant From The UPS Foundation to Support Conservation in Georgia

Funds will be used to support on-going volunteer program

Atlanta— May 25, 2006— The Nature Conservancy in Georgia recently received a $25,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The grant will be used to provide training and resources for volunteer land stewards and conservationists who help protect and maintain vital habitats throughout Georgia.

Dedicated to the protection of Georgia’s native wildlife and natural areas, The Nature Conservancy relies on volunteers to carry out on-the-ground conservation activities essential to safeguarding Georgia’s vast biological diversity. From removing non-native invasive species to restoring native longleaf pine forests to helping with prescribed burns, the continuing efforts of volunteers enable The Nature Conservancy staff to more effectively focus its resources and manpower on protecting natural areas throughout Georgia. In turn, volunteers are able to take part in activities that will benefit future generations of Georgians, while they learn about the environment in which they live and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

"The UPS Foundation has been a loyal supporter of The Nature Conservancy since 1977, and for the past 15 years, they have supported Georgia’s volunteer program," said Tavia McCuean, vice president and state director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. "We are grateful for their continued support, which enables us to provide our volunteers with the training and resources necessary to have a lasting impact as effective stewards of Georgia’s natural areas."

Specifically, The UPS Foundation grant will support volunteers from the National Civilian Community Corp (a program of Americorps) and Alternative College Spring Break program, who work side-by-side with Nature Conservancy staff at Conservancy sites throughout Georgia, such as Moody Forest Natural Area and Broxton Rocks Preserve. The grant will also support weekend work parties at The Nature Conservancy’s Georgia preserves where volunteers assist with conservation efforts ranging from monitoring threatened species to removing non-native invasive plants and maintaining hiking trails.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its support clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified literacy, hunger, and volunteerism as its focus areas.

In 2005, The UPS Foundation distributed $43.8 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as The Nature Conservancy and provide support for building stronger communities.

"Giving back to the communities is an important part of UPS’s culture that’s embraced by our employees through volunteerism, making donations and sharing their intellectual capital," said Evern Cooper Epps, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS corporate relations. "Together with nonprofit partners such as The Nature Conservancy, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need."

Volunteer Opportunities
Several weekend work parties are scheduled at Nature Conservancy preserves from May through November 2006. Participants can choose from an array of opportunities, including monitoring gopher tortoises at Williams Bluffs and Charles Harrold preserves, or removing invasive species at Reed Branch Wet Meadow Preserve, or helping to maintain hiking trails at Marshall Forest.

All who are interested in learning about Georgia’s environment while supporting on-going efforts to safeguard Georgia’s native lands and wildlife for future generations are invited to participate.

For more information about the work parties and other volunteer opportunities, please call (404) 873-6946 or click here.