December Monthly Meeting

Event Date: 
Thursday, December 1, 2016 - 6:30pm to 9:00pm

 

ATHENS – Vice chair of the Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission and National Park Service retiree will discuss Beech Haven – a hidden ecological sanctuary in the heart of Athens, GA at the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society’s next monthly meeting.

Nat Kuykendall, the vice chair of the Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission, will trace the fascinating history of the Beech Haven property, discuss on-going efforts to protect the site, and Beech Haven’s exciting potential as part of the Athens-Clarke County Greenway Network when the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society holds its next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at Sandy Creek Nature Center. To date Athens-Clarke County has acquired more than 100 acres of “Beech Haven”, the Rowland family's historic rustic retreat along the Middle Oconee River. Beech Haven is now surrounded by suburban and commercial development, but remains a secluded natural sanctuary. The site has a long history as an important social and religious gathering place in Athens and, with new public ownership, may once again be a cultural and recreational hub for the community. Kuykendall will discuss in detail the history and the ecological significance of Beech Haven as well as current conservation efforts.