The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Georgia
Camp Meeting Rock Preserve
Camp Meeting Rock includes 110 acres of granite flatrock in Heard County, near Franklin in western Georgia. While such outcrops occur from Virginia to Alabama, 90% of them are in Georgia, and this site is one of the largest in the southeast, although the preserve covers only a small portion of the overall rock surface. Conservation of the habitat is a priority because similar areas have been damaged by quarrying, dumping, and vehicular traffic.
Several plant species found in no other habitat thrive in the preserve, including the endangered black-spored quillwort, which is found in less than 10 locations worldwide. The rock’s vernal pools are also home to the threatened pool sprite. Because the pools are dry most of the year, these hardy plants remain dormant until the rains fall. Camp Meeting Rock is also home to the rare longleaf flower, the stonecrop plant, and the state-threatened dwarf granite stonecrop (alternately called puck opine). A number of spider and insect species inhabit the site, some of them found nowhere else in the world.
Animals at Risk
- Spiders and insects found only at this site
Plants at Risk
- Endangered black-spored quillwort
- Threatened pool sprite
- Rare longleaf sunflower
Ecosystems at Risk
- Piedmont granite outcrop
Contact Information
Access to the preserve requires crossing private land, therefore permission is required to visit this preserve. Please contact Preeya Philipp at (404) 253-7216 or pphilipp@tnc.org to plan your visit.
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
* Required Fields
Read More
We need to act now, before it's too late. Watch the Video, Take Action
We're addressing Latin America's most pressing conservation issues. Read the Story
