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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 |
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Camp Meeting Rock
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Why You Should Visit
Camp Meeting Rock is an expanse of granitic flatrock in western Georgia and one of the largest rock formations of its type found in the Southeast. The preserve, while covering only a small area of the overall rock surface, protects several endemic species of plants (species that grow in no other habitat). Nestled in vernal pools are the endangered black-spored quillwort which is found in less than 10 locations around the world, and the threatened pool sprite. These pools are completely dry for most of the year, yet these delicate plants are surprisingly hardy, and exist in a state of dormancy until the rains come again. Conservation of granitic flatrock is a concern because many of these habitats have been damages by quarrying operations, dumping and vehicular traffic.
Location
Heard County, near Franklin
Size
128 acres
Conditions
Granite flat rock
How to Prepare for Your Visit
The Nature Conservancy recommends that visitors familiarize themselves beforehand with the physical appearance of protected plants, in order to avoid damaging them. Access to the preserve is across private land, and visitors are required to get access permission from the landowner before they go. This is done through The Nature Conservancy by calling Michelle Cable at (404) 253-7213 or mcable@tnc.org prior to your visit.
What to See: Plants
Some of the plants found here include the endangered black-spored quillwort, threatened pool sprite, and rare longleaf sunflower. Other species endemic to granite outcrops are the stonecrop plant and the state-threatened dwarf granite stonecrop, also known as puck orpine.
What to See: Animals
Strange spiders and insects abound on granite outcrops, some of them found only at this site.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Camp Meeting Rock occupies a lofty position as one of the largest and most important Piedmont granitic flatrocks. While granite outcrops extend from Virginia to Alabama, 90% of them are found here in Georgia.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Conservancy monitors the pool sprite and quillwort populations to assess their health. Protection efforts include donations of 30 acres of land to our preserve, plus conservation easements. An additional 81 acres was recently purchased.
