Conservation

in Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve

Elachee’s role in managing one of Georgia’s largest and most ecologically diverse green spaces, the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, is an invaluable resource for the region.

This constant vigil takes specialized expertise to assess and minimize risk from outside influences that can make thriving ecosystems vulnerable.

Ongoing conservation projects – from collecting research data on wildlife and plant communities, ensuring safety and accessibility among the 12.24 miles of public hiking trails, to monitoring water quality and habitat health – ensure the Nature Preserve is a healthy forest and wetland teeming with native ecosystems.

Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve Legally Protected

Elachee Named Trustee in Perpetuity

In 2001, The Chicopee woods Area Park Commission approved a conservation easement for the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, with Elachee Nature Science Center to serve as the Land Trust holding the easement.

Although designated as a scenic area, used by the public as well as visiting school and children’s groups and day camps, the land was not legally protected from development until the conservation easement was granted. Appointing Elachee as the trustee for the easement in perpetuity means that the Nature Center and the Park Commission will share responsibility for maintaining the Nature Preserve in its natural state.

A conservation easement is a legal document designed to preserve and protect the conservation values of a property. It also maintains the dominant woodland, scenic and natural character of the area, including land and water resources. This protection applies to plants, animals and their habitats, thus prohibiting development that would interfere with the property’s conservation value. However, hiking and educational activities are permitted.

The Nature Preserve is part of the Chicopee Woods Area Park, one of the largest park within a city limit (Gainesville, Georgia) east of the Mississippi River. This is a biologically diverse area with rolling topography and numerous forest types, streams and wetlands.

“This action culminated years of visionary work by the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission, Elachee and other community leaders who believe that preservation is the best use of this unique resource. It is a tremendous legacy to leave for future generations to enjoy.” – Andrea O. Timpone

Important Bird Area

The National Audubon Society has designated the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve as an Important Bird Area, recognizing it as an essential area for migrating and nesting birds.

National Old Growth Forest Network

Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve is part of the National Old Growth Forest Network, identified among the less than one percent of the eastern United States’ forests intact long enough to have developed Old Growth Forest characteristics.

Walnut Creek Suspension Bridge

The 140-foot Walnut Creek Suspension Walking Bridge crosses Walnut Creek along the Bridge and Lake Loop sections of the Chicopee Woods Hiking Trail system, making this part of the Nature Preserve even more accessible. This pedestrian walkway was made possible through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Recreation Trails Program.

Plants and Animals of Chicopee Woods

With volunteer and community partner help, Elachee has compiled the following resources of animals and plants found in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve.

Collaborating

for Sustainable Results

Committed volunteers and community partners have a rich history of joining with Elachee to help make the visitor experience once to remember.

Elachee enlists the help of area businesses and volunteer groups on select conservation projects for future sustainability and environmental stewardship within Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve.

Chicopee Woods invasive weed management is one example. The Elachee organization works to control exotic invasive plants, to restore and protect important wildlife habitats, enhance biodiversity, safeguard high priority (rare) plants and educate the public about the adverse impact of these unwanted plants.

- 8 Tips to be Garden-Smart, Plant-Wise CHECKLIST
- Invasive Plants CHECKLIST