REVEALING THE CREEK
Long before there was Peachtree Street, we had Peachtree Creek
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he South Fork of Peachtree Creek, flowing from Tucker westward to I-85 at GA 400, played a major role in the
history and development of the region. For generations, Native American communities gathered on its sandy banks. Where the South and North Forks of Peachtree Creek converge near today’s intersection of Lindbergh Drive and Piedmont Road, beaver and otter swam and migrating birds took shelter.
Atlanta’s exponential growth overshadowed that rich past and threatened the creek’s future. The streams and tributaries that comprise the South Fork became inaccessible and hidden from view. They were paved over, forced into concrete culverts, and blocked by highways and buildings. Litter mingled with kudzu and privet to clog and choke the natural flow of water while surging storm water eroded the streambed and flooded neighborhoods downstream.
Now, through the work of South Fork Conservancy, the creek’s natural habitats and original beauty are being restored. The biodiversity of native flora and fauna is on the rise, and the people along the creek’s banks are reconnecting with nature and each other. In the midst of urban Atlanta, Peachtree Creek continues to be there for us—a gift of nature waiting to be revealed for the enjoyment and benefit of us all.
OUR MISSION
CONSERVE: Conserve and improve Peachtree Creek’s wetlands and natural habitats. RESTORE: Save the creek from further degradation and future environmental threats and restore it to health. CONNECT: Link parks, nature preserves, and smaller green spaces along the creek with simple linear trails to provide easy public access to the natural environment and encourage low-impact outdoor physical activity.
BY THE NUMBERS:
Coordinated 2,000+ Volunteer Hours
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Developed 4 significant trail segments
National Urban Wildlife Partnerships Recruited more than 2,000 supporters
Long-term expansion could connect more than 33 miles of trails
TRAIL BLAZING South Fork Conservancy is the only organization inside Atlanta’s perimeter developing trails along this historic waterway while preserving the natural environment.
Cheshire Farm Trail (1.5 mile round-trip) Visitors can stroll under the GA 400 ramp soaring high above, gaze at the creek from three beautiful bridges, and walk among old-growth and newly planted native trees. This trail is named for the Cheshire family who settled the area in the nineteenth century.
Meadow Loop Trail (1 mile round-trip) This sunny trail meanders through 3.5 acres of butterfly-friendly plants along the creek’s North Fork and features Midtown Atlanta skyline views. The trail leads visitors along the creek to a clearing where native species are thriving.
Confluence Trail (1.5 mile round-trip) Native Americans gathered where the South and North Forks meet. Peachtree Creek officially starts at the confluence of these two streams. Today, visitors regularly see deer, otter, and a beaver family raising its kits beneath GA 400.
Zonolite Park (1 mile round-trip) Once an industrial brownfield, this area has been restored to a native meadow and wetland with a trail system. This greenspace is part of a wildlife corridor that includes Morningside Nature Preserve and Herbert Taylor-Daniel Johnson Park. Visitors particularly enjoy the low sandy banks and up-close views of the creek.
Over $4 Million secured for creeks & trails
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PATH 400 CONNECTOR TRAIL
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PHASE 1: BELTLINE TO EMORY
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SOUTH FORK PEACHTREE CREEK
PEACHTREE CREEK REVEALING THE CREEK: $2,000,000 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
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The first phase of the South Fork trail system is to connect Buckhead, Atlanta’s upscale business and residential center, with Emory University’s campus and beyond. This connectivity to greenspace will enrich the lives of community members, enhance the livability of Atlanta, and add to the city’s character. To bring this vision to life, South Fork Conservancy is launching a $2 million capital campaign. Our campaign will raise the necessary funds to improve, connect, and complete our four current trail segments.
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CELEBRATING OUR SUCCESSES
Recent studies show that trails offer a multitude of benefits including increased local spending by trail users, deepened community pride and connection, and the priceless opportunity for children to play outdoors. Through the dedicated work of urban planners, environmental engineers, and landscape architects, South Fork Conservancy has created a strategic vision to bring these benefits to the creek. We have built critical neighborhood support, recruited more than 2,000 donors and volunteers, and coordinated investments of more than $4 million. By connecting neighborhoods, increasing access to the creek, and providing greenspace, South Fork Conservancy trails make a positive impact both as a recreational amenity and as a force for increasing property values.
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PROJECTS
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Confluence Trail Bridge...................................................................................$950,000 The heart of our trail system is the Confluence Trail Bridge that invites all Atlantans to cross the North Fork of Peachtree Creek from the PATH400 trail, the Atlanta BeltLine, or the sidewalks of Buckhead. This bridge is designed to be a gateway which will allow thousands of community members access to miles of urban creekside trails.
Confluence Bridge Trailhead.......................................................................... $125,000 The intersection of three trails—the PATH400/Atlanta BeltLine Connector Trail, the Confluence Trail, and the Meadow Loop Trail—will form a natural meeting place for community members. Visitors will be welcomed by interpretive signs and impressive creek views.
Creek Walk Connector.....................................................................................$650,000
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A broad paved path running under Interstate 85 and GA 400 will establish a formal connection between the Meadow Loop Trail and the Confluence Trail via the proposed new Confluence Trail Bridge.
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Meadow Loop Renovation...............................................................................$90,000 After serving as a construction staging area for the Creek Walk Connector we will return the Meadow Loop Trail to its natural splendor with a new, low-impact trail on one side and a restored meadow on the other.
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Crosswalk at Lindbergh...................................................................................$85,000 This crosswalk will allow trail visitors a safer route across Lindbergh Drive while walking from the Cheshire Farm Trail to the Meadow Loop Trail.
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Cheshire Bridge Trailhead............................................................................... $100,000 The entrance to the Cheshire Farm Trail at Cheshire Bridge Road will form an inviting and attractive entrance to South Fork Conservancy’s trail system.
The campaign's success will also build momentum for future trails along South Fork. If we work together, we will create more than a trail; we will create a place where urban children catch their first frogs or see their first blue herons and where Atlantans will slow down and reconnect with themselves and the natural landscape. PLEASE HELP US BRIDGE THE SOUTH FORK’S HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL GAP SO THIS URBAN GREENSPACE CAN BECOME A PLACE WE ALL CAN EXPLORE AND ENJOY.
RESTORING NATIVE HABITATS Butterflies, songbirds, and even deer call the South Fork home. Our trails are designed to improve wildlife habitats by removing invasive plants and planting native species. Through thousands of volunteer hours we’ve removed acres of English ivy, kudzu, and privet that once choked the landscape. Once the wild tangle of underbrush was removed, we worked with Trees Atlanta and local garden clubs to plant over 1,500 native trees and 500 butterfly-friendly plants. Our efforts have restored several miles of creek banks, creating a home where native plants and animals can thrive. Learn more and find out how you can help at: southforkconservancy.org.
We want to give children of all ages a place to get outside and see the natural world. ~Bob Kerr, Chairman, South Fork Conservancy
SOUTH FORK CONSERVANCY Kimberly Estep, Executive Director Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5433 Atlanta, GA 31107
(770) 954-6108 Kimberly@ SouthForkConservancy.org southforkconservancy.org
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS South Fork Conservancy has proven itself as a mentor and a model to other like-minded organizations, sharing our expertise on creating connectivity and greenspace through public and private partnerships. Our success with established organizations led to our selection as one of only seventeen Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnerships by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service nationwide.
garden clubs LOCAL SCHOOLS
neighborhood associations