Georgia

Reed Branch Wet Meadow Preserve

This meadow contains the only known population in Georgia of the endangered green pitcherplant.

Consisting of 5 acres in Towns County on the banks of Lake Chatuge near the Tennessee/Georgia border, Reed Branch Wet Meadow preserve is the last example of a low mountain seepage bog community in Georgia. The site is dominated by shrubs and herbs growing in shallow, acidic soil over bedrock. Water flowing over the rock often saturates the soil, seeping out of the ground. This mountain seep community is unique because it is home to a large number of plant species typical of the Coastal Plains that are usually not found in north Georgia like sundews, colicroot, and meadow-beauties.

In addition to providing habitat for rare moths, Reed Branch Wet Meadow contains the only known population in Georgia of the federally endangered green pitcherplant. Over 1,400 pitcherplant clumps grow in a single acre of the site’s boggy habitat. Stewardship staff monitors the pitcherplant population, and volunteer work parties help control non-native invasive species like kudzu, Chinese privet, and multiflora rose. Because the mountain seep community is extremely sensitive, individuals are encouraged to join guided group tours, rather than visiting singly.

Animals At Risk
  • Rare moths
Plants at Risk
  • Federally endangered evergreen pitcher plant
Ecosystems at Risk
  • Mountain seep community
Contact Information

Due to the sensitivity of the area, individual visits are not encouraged. However, The Nature Conservancy offers guided tours of the preserve. For more information, call Preeya Philipp at (404) 253-7216 or email pphilip@tnc.org

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!

Read our guidelines on posting comments

Read More

Close Encounters with Nature

Nature Matters

Donate to The Nature Conservancy

When you donate today, you’ll help The Nature Conservancy protect the most vital habitats on Earth.

Explore Related Content

Get Outside and Volunteer
Get Your Kids Outside Too!