James E. McGuffey Nature Center Trails Restoration Project
The paved trail meanders through a woodlands area of pines and hardwoods and an overgrowth of privet and other invasive species. The unpaved trails are located on the other side of a spring fed pond and have older hardwoods and some native azaleas. Non-native shrubs and trees surround the Nature Center courtyard and entry area.
The Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers, some of whom are also members of Georgia Native Plant Society, started the project in late 2014. Volunteers have cleared large areas of privet, bramble, and dead pines along the paved trail and entry areas. Plans are to begin planting native plants in this area in Fall of 2015 and 2016. The overall goal of the project is to restore all the trails to a more natural habitat where native plants and wildlife can thrive. After clearing and containing the invasive plants, a diverse collection of plants will be added to the trail areas. The courtyard area will be re-designed to eliminate storm water runoff.
Driving Directions To James E. McGuffey Nature Center
Take I-85 south to Exit 41 (Moreland/Hwy. 29); turn right off the ramp. Go past Waffle House to the first road on the left, Pine Road. Take Pine Road for approximately 1 mile over the railroad tracks. Turn left into the Coweta County Fairgrounds Entrance. Follow the road past the Horse Arena to the first right. Turn to enter the Nature Center; parking is just past the center gate.
From Columbus:
Take I-85 north to Exit 41 (Moreland/Hwy. 29); turn left off the ramp. Go past Waffle House to the first road on the left, Pine Road. Take Pine Road for approximately 1 mile over the railroad tracks. Turn left into the Coweta County Fairgrounds Entrance; Follow the road past the Horse Arena to the first right. Turn to enter the Nature Center; parking is just past the center gate.
You can view a Google Map of the area here.
News & Events
Fern Glen Creation
The MGEV's of Coweta County have continued to work on removal of invasive species and on identification of the native plants at the site. These plants have been GPS'd to our trail map by the county engineers. Work continues on the water management educational area....