DS Smith, a leading global provider of sustainable, fiber-based corrugated packaging today announced its charitable foundation has donated $1 million to The Nature Conservancy to fund three conservation projects globally in the United Kingdom, Croatia and the United States. Included in the donation, $150,000 has been earmarked to support the Prater’s Mill Dam channel realignment project in Dalton, Ga. designed to reconnect the waters of Appalachian rivers. 

A key goal of The Nature Conservancy is to reconnect over 10,000 miles of Appalachian rivers by 2030 to improve freshwater habitats and bolster the resilience of human communities. The Prater’s Mill Dam project in Georgia aims to realign the channel and restore the in-channel and stream bank essential for river connection. Ecological benefits of this project include improved water quality, reduces sedimentation and protection of rare, native aquatic species such as the trispot darter. 

“Reconnecting and restoring waterways is one of our top priorities at The Nature Conservancy in Georgia,” said Monica Thornton, the state’s executive director. “With this generous donation from DS Smith, we will be able to explore new solutions which support both the ecological health of Coahulla Creek and the rich history of Whitfield County.”

“We are thrilled that the DS Smith Charitable Foundation is making this commitment to The Nature Conservancy to support its mission,” said Ryan Rogers, Director, Corporate Affairs, DS Smith North America. “In the U.S., DS Smith is collaborating with several conservation groups to engage our employees in environmental stewardship and propel our Now and Next sustainability strategy. Supporting this project in Georgia represents the company’s continuing legacy of leading the way in sustainability through its operations and community support.” 

In addition to the project in the U.S., DS Smith’s donation will support a project to protect and restore the Mreznica, Tounjcica and Rjecina rivers in Croatia and a third project in Norwich, U.K. focused on creating a landscape plan that will enhance aquatic and terrestrial habitats in the area.