Amerson River Park Educational Garden

A patch of barren land has become a thriving educational garden and monarch waystation at Amerson River Park in Macon, one of the most popular spots for outdoor recreation and environmental education in the area. Volunteers from the Fringed Campion chapter saw an opportunity in the land adjacent to the Great Lawn and playground for a native garden to help pollinators. With the permission of Macon-Bibb County, the Native Plant Garden and Monarch Waystation was installed in 2023. Much volunteer labor was poured into rehabilitating the depleted and compacted soil before planting could begin. Removal of invasive, exotic plants near the Garden area is a critical task to improve the surrounding habitat as well. With native plant donations from GNPS plant rescues, GNPS members and a variety of generous small nurseries, the garden is now a thriving pollinator habitat and an inviting centerpiece for environmental education. Volunteers meet once-twice per month, and more often for watering duties. For the latest updates on this garden, visit the Friends of the Native Plant Garden at Amerson River Park’s Facebook page.