The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Draining 8,460 square miles of Georgia, the Flint River is part of the larger Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin, which flows through Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The river is first visible at the mouth of a concrete culvert south of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, flowing southwest to merge with the Chattahoochee River in the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Much of the Conservancy’s work is focused on the lower Flint River Basin, which spans 27 counties in southwest Georgia and drains the upper Flint River and four creeks: the Ichawaynochaway, Kinchafoonee, Muckalee, and Spring.

The Flint’s high quality water from natural springs hosts a center of biodiversity. Four federally protected freshwater mussel species inhabit the river: the shiny-rayed pocketbook, oval pigtoe, gulf moccasin shell, and purple blank climber. The water is also home to fish like the endangered Alabama shad, bluestripe shiner, shoal bass, and healthy populations of striped bass. Major tributaries like Chickasawhatchee Creek host migratory birds and imperiled species like bald eagles and wood storks. In combination with the upper part of the Apalachicola basin, the lower Flint basin is home to the highest density of reptile and amphibian life in the United States, such as gopher tortoises.

While the Flint is one of the most ecologically rich river systems in Georgia, it is also one of the most threatened. Intense pumping for irrigation and lack of rain have resulted in historic low water levels, which gravely imperil the system’s diverse aquatic life. The Conservancy is working with partners to help farmers identify ways to conserve water and install cutting-edge irrigation technology. This new technology resulted in an average water savings of 17 percent for demonstration projects in the 2005 growing season, and the Conservancy hopes to eventually reduce water use by up to 25 percent.

Animals At Risk

• Tiger Salamander
• Southern Hognose snake

Plants at Risk

• Shoal’s spiderlily
• Clearwater butterwort
• Hooded pitcherplant
• Parrot pitcherplant
• Relict Trillium

Ecosystems at Risk

• Cool water refuges for striped bass

Contact Information

David Reckford, Flint River Basin Program Director

Flint River Basin Program
65 11th Ave. NE
Cairo, GA 39828
(229) 377-1607x102

 

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

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

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter, Great Places

Message Title *

Your Comment *

Submit

Read our guidelines on posting comments