Information

Vision Statement | Mission Statement | Goals | Planning Your Visit

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (formerly South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve) is located in the Medlock Park neighborhood of DeKalb County. The entrance is located at the intersection of Wood Trail Lane and Pine Bluff Road. The 28-acre nature preserve opened in 1995 under the management of South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc., (SPCNP) a non-profit, neighborhood organization with the goal of preserving natural spaces in the South Peachtree Creek watershed. SPCNP Inc. maintains the property for the protection of wildlife and the enjoyment of our neighbors and other visitors.

Vision Statement

The vision of South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc. is to create and preserve a healthy ecosystem which supports a diversity of wildlife and plants, and which provides a model setting for both community enhancement and education.

Mission Statement

The mission of South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc. is to preserve and promote Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (CSNP), and its native wildlife and plants for the enjoyment and education of the community.

Goals

1. Create permanent protection and community ownership of Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve.
2. Develop a plan for future organizational growth including membership expansion and publicity.
3. Provide public education programs and special events with volunteer support to raise community awareness and appreciation of the preserve.
4. Engage in an active fund-raising program.

Classes from local schools including Medlock Elementary School, Shamrock Middle School, Druid Hills High School, Arbor Montessori School, and Clairmont Elementary School have visited the preserve and have benefited from our educational programs.

Besides the pond and wetlands, the preserve includes emerging pine forest, wooded uplands containing mature trees, and low shrub meadow in the floodplain bordering South Peachtree Creek. There is a good mix of native species and non-native species that provides cover for nesting birds and young animals. These diverse habitats are home to beavers, foxes, turtles, snakes, frogs, rabbits, and dozens of species of birds. To date, 166 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified, including wood ducks, pileated woodpeckers, and sand-hill cranes.

Six species of frogs were identified in the pond area in an informal study conducted by Emory University students in 1999. The species included bullfrogs, chorus frogs, spring peepers, leopard frogs, gray frogs, and green frogs. Every spring, the calling of frogs during courtship and mating is one of the prime attractions to the preserve.

Please come visit what we like to call this “Oasis in Suburbia”

Planning Your Visit

You are invited to come and enjoy the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, but you should follow these rules:

1. The Nature Preserve Hours are from Dawn to Dusk
2. Fires, camping, alcohol, drugs, and weapons are all STRICTLY PROHIBITED. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

Please help us continue to maintain and protect this 28-acre wildlife sanctuary by:

1. Picking up litter and placing all garbage in the trash cans provided.
2. Keeping all dogs and other pets leashed at all times.
3. Avoiding shouting or making a loud noise that might disturb wildlife.
4. Supervising all children and setting an example for them by staying on the trails.
5. Remembering the importance of respecting this natural setting by leaving all trees and plants alone (no picking, pruning, or defacing of any kind).
6. Participating in our monthly volunteer workdays.

Please contact us at: if you would like to hold a special event or program at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve.

SPCNP, Inc. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

©2005 Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Last modified: Apr 08, 2009