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		The Nature Conservancy in Georgia Georgia Home Contact Places We Protect Field Trips & Events Press Releases Volunteer Ways of Giving Landmarks Publications How We Work

Animals At Risk Blue shiner Coosa moccasinshell Fine-lined pocketbook Southern pigtoe Ecosystems at Risk Shortleaf pine communities Mountain laurel forest Hemlock forest Contact Information North Georgia Conservation Office 125 Redbud Road, NE Suite 2 Calhoun, GA 30701 (706) 879-6027

Flowing west out of Chattahoochee National Forest, then through farmland before joining the Conasauga River, Holly Creek is the most biologically diverse tributary to one of the richest watersheds in the country. Covering 257 acres in Murray County, the preserve is bordered on three sides by the national forest and provides a crucial buffer for both Holly Creek and Dill Creek, an important tributary that runs through the preserve. Tibbs Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail, opens the forested site to visitors.

Holly Creek is home to more than 25 fish species, including the federally threatened blue shiner. It also provides critical habitat for freshwater mussels, including the healthiest known populations of Alabama and Coosa moccasinshells. The Conservancy acquired the land in 2005 to protect the stream’s diverse aquatic life and will manage it in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service as part of the national forest. With partners, we are developing a management plan that will include activities like prescribed burns and forest management to restore and preserve the habitat.

Nature picture credits (left to right): (left) Snow-capped treetops © Nate Thomas; (right) Autumn in Holly Creek © Nate Thomas.