Ohoopee Dunes
Why You Should Visit
The Ohoopee River dune system is unique to Georgia. The dunes are large oval structures, believed to have been formed by wind deposition of sand on the eastern and northern banks of rivers in south Georgia during the late Pleistocene Age (20,000 years ago). The Nature Conservancy's tract occupies only a small portion of the entire sandhill community, which stretches along the Ohoopee River for 35 miles and covers some 40,000 acres.
Location
Emanuel County, near Swainsboro
Size
267 acres
Conditions
Sand dunes
How to Prepare for Your Visit
The Nature Conservancy encourages visitors to explore the Ohoopee Dunes State Natural Area adjacent to the preserve, which harbors the same species and natural plant communities as those found on the preserve. For further details about visiting the site, please contact Michelle Cable at (404) 253-7213 or mcable@tnc.org.
What to See: Plants
Although plant communities are diverse, the nutrient-poor soil has given rise to stunted vegetation. The trees, mostly turkey oaks and other dwarfed oaks, are small and twisted. One tree six inches in diameter is estimated to be 138 years old. Rare evergreen shrubs such as rosemary and scarlet basil with their red and purple blossoms add both color and aroma to the landscape. The ground is carpeted with clumps of lichens and mosses. A spring, which trickles from the base of the sandhills in the preserve, is believed to have been a valuable water source for Native American groups camping here in earlier times.
What to See: Animals
The striking desert-like environment of the Ohoopee Dunes is home to several threatened and endangered plants and animals. These include the threatened Eastern indigo snake, the state-threatened gopher tortoise, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Some common reptiles include coachwhip snakes, rattlesnakes, fence lizards, and racerunners. Barn owls hunt in the area, and the cries of Chuck-will's widows carry clearly in the night air.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Ohoopee Dunes has long been considered an important natural area in Georgia, worthy of protection efforts by many organizations. The unique sand dune system is a center of biological diversity in the state.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Nature Conservancy leverages its involvement at Ohoopee Dunes to encourage protection and better management by other landowners. The Conservancy is currently involved in a major cross-organizational planning process to prioritize protection efforts at this site.
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