Shoal Creek Sanctuary

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Shoal Creek Sanctuary

Shoal Creek Sanctuary is 240 acres of land on the Eastside of Athens, Georgia as a practical model for pesticide-free, community-driven conservation.

05/18/2026

Reminder for Wednesday's Hike & Pull at Shoal Creek Sanctuary

Join us from 4:15–6:15 PM at 275 Blue Heron Drive

Help remove invasive plants and work on small projects around the sanctuary.

Bring gloves and a water bottle if you have them. Kids and dogs welcome.

05/15/2026

Here are some photos of volunteers and plants from the last few weeks at Shoal Creek Sanctuary.

The first photo is Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly W**d. Conservation matters because we are watching the balance of nature change in real time at the Sanctuary. This native milkweed is blooming beautifully behind the deer fence, but without enough pollinators, it may not produce seeds. We’ve seen far fewer bumblebees this season, reminding us that the choices we make in our yards and neighborhoods affect wildlife, water, and the health of our community.

Small changes—like reducing pesticide use and planting native species—can make a real difference.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers for the time and energy you’ve given over the past few weeks. From pulling invasive plants to helping prepare for the 50 Sanctuary Gardens planned for Spring and Fall 2026, your work is helping restore habitat and create a healthier future for our community.

**d

04/23/2026

from one piece of earth to another, happy Earth Day.

04/20/2026

Earth Day Hike & Pull — Wednesday

Join us at Shoal Creek Sanctuary for a simple way to give back this Earth Day. We’ll spend a couple hours removing invasive plants and caring for the land together.

4:15–6:15 PM
275 Blue Heron Drive (park past the mailbox)

04/15/2026

Artists, photographers, poets, and creatives of Athens: join us for a restorative, immersive event in one of the most beautiful places in Athens, Shoal Creek Sanctuary.

I am so excited to welcome you into this space and build community together. Practice your art by taking photos, sketching, writing, meditating, or gathering inspiration from light, texture, and shape.

We will be joined by naturalist and native plant expert Issac Ostrom to help illuminate the flora and fauna we experience.

We will be taking a short hike over rough terrain to view the floodplain, pond, and forest. Since this is a nature sanctuary, we ask you practice Leave No Trace principles except when it comes to invasive plants. These can be harvested as materials for your work :)

Please note that RSVPs are required for this intimate event, and can be found in the link in our bio.

04/13/2026

Spiderweb Bridge is officially open! 🕷️🕸️🏅

Yesterday, the community came out to Shoal Creek Sanctuary to celebrate this huge accomplishment completely led by volunteers. We send all our love to our bridge-building team led by Bill Rettig! You’ve changed our community for the better and shown the power of what happens when people engage in our community with care 💖

04/11/2026

Big thanks to everyone who joined us for Hike & Pull Wednesdays this week

We were lucky to have two ALDR service groups from UGA out at Shoal Creek Sanctuary
Your time and energy make a difference here—we’re grateful for it.

Also don’t forget—join us tomorrow for something special:

Spiderweb Bridge Grand Opening
Sunday, April 12
1:30–3:30 PM
275 Blue Heron Drive, Athens, GA 30605.

Please park on the right after the mailbox or as directed by our volunteers. Carpool if you can.

We’ll be celebrating the new 57-foot suspension bridge, hearing from community voices about the environment, and recognizing the volunteers who make this place what it is.

After the ribbon cutting, stick around to see native gardens, invasive species removal efforts, and areas of the sanctuary coming back to life.

Come out, bring a friend, and be part of it.

LandRestoration

04/06/2026

Big thanks to the ALDR service group from UGA for coming out to Shoal Creek Sanctuary again on Wednesday.

They planted some Asclepias tuberosa (milkweed) seeds—an important native plant that produces bright orange flowers and serves as a host for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

We appreciate your time —hope to see you back again soon.

03/26/2026

Big thanks to the ALDR service group from UGA for coming out to Shoal Creek Sanctuary yesterday.

We appreciate your time and effort—hope to see you back again soon.

03/12/2026

Wednesday Hike & Pull

Every Wednesday a small group meets at Shoal Creek Sanctuary to help remove invasive plants and work on small projects around the sanctuary.

You’re welcome to join us anytime:
4:15–6:15 PM
275 Blue Heron Drive (park past the mailbox)

03/02/2026

this is what community looks like ❤️
thank you everyone for coming out to First Sundays in the Sanctuary! Check out GivePulse for more opportunities.

Mark your calendars for April 5 :)

Address

275 Blue Heron Drive
Athens, GA
30605

Website

http://shoalcreeksanctuary.org/

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