Trails around the wetland include a boardwalk, wildlife observation decks, and a picnic area. About Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary
The 56-acre site was donated to SCT by the Sams family in 1997. The natural oasis is home to deer, beavers, turtles and over 142 documented species of birds — the third-highest bird population on record in Fayette County. Trails along the wetland areas include two observation platforms overlooking open water and wetland habitat, a small boardwalk, a wildlife observation blind overlooking the northernmost wetland, and a picnic area on the southern lake. A Few Things To Look For:
While enjoying your walk at Sams it is likely you will see numerous songbird species, great blue herons, great egrets, wood ducks, mallard ducks, turtles, Canada geese, belted kingfishers, as well as the occasional muskrat or beaver! Remember, Sams Lake is a Georgia Audubon Certified Bird Sanctuary and pets are not allowed. Please enjoy any of our other nature preserve for the perfect location to walk your dogs. Partnerships
Sams Lake is the perfect spot for birders to enjoy and is a Georgia Audubon Certified Bird Sanctuary. The Southern Conservation Trust is partnered with the Georgia Audubon Society to build a Chimney Swift tower in 2019. This partnership also made way for a joint grant to remove invasive aquatic species that is ongoing as of 2022. Property History
The land was donated to the Trust by the Ferrol and Helen Sams family of Fayetteville. In 2001, the City of Atlanta agreed to restore a wetland habitat at the site as required mitigation for the wetlands disturbed by construction of the fifth runway at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Along with the initial water control structures, a large portion of the property was dammed by beavers! This beaver dam created a large lake and wetland that provides ample habitat for numerous wildlife species. Our Public Nature Areas
The Southern Conservation Trust operates six public nature areas located in Fayette County, GA. Our public nature areas allow the community to experience greenspace and learn about the environment. Our public nature areas are open from sunrise to sunset every day.
