Expanding Sugar Creek Hollow to Protect Water, Wildlife, and Wild Spaces

Murray County, GA

A Once-in-a-Generation Conservation Opportunity

Sugar Creek Hollow is a rare example of an intact Blue Ridge mountain ecosystem. The preserve features mixed pine-hardwood forests, rich mesic hardwoods, oak woodlands, successional forests, and perennial streams. Sugar Creek, the preserve’s namesake, is a rocky stream with pools and small waterfalls that supports diverse aquatic species, including darters, shiners, and, potentially, native Brook Trout. Nearly 80% of the preserve is classified as a “Highest Priority Area” under the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS), with an additional 15% designated as “High Priority,” reflecting its critical role in regional biodiversity and watershed protection.

Land conservation plays a critical role in protecting sensitive habitats and safeguarding freshwater resources across Georgia and the Southeast. When forests, streams, and open landscapes are permanently conserved, they continue to provide essential ecosystem services that support both people and wildlife. Forested lands filter air, sequester carbon, and help moderate climate impacts, while healthy soils reduce erosion and protect water quality in downstream rivers and reservoirs. Once natural landscapes are converted to development, these ecological functions are largely lost and difficult—if not impossible—to restore.

“Sugar Creek Hollow represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard a large, intact Blue Ridge ecosystem,” said Chris Doane, President & CEO of the Southern Conservation Trust. “By permanently protecting this land, we are ensuring clean water, resilient forests, and thriving wildlife for generations to come, while also providing a space where people can connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation firsthand.”

Strategic Location and Connectivity

Located in southeastern Murray County, west of Ellijay along Hwy 76, Sugar Creek Hollow sits within a rural region with minimal development. The preserve shares a portion of its northern boundary with the Chattahoochee National Forest and is part of a larger network of state, federal, and privately protected lands known for their ecological significance. Nearby conserved areas include the Coosawattee Wildlife Management Area, Fort Mountain State Park, and Carters Lake Recreation Area.

This strategic location enhances regional connectivity for wildlife and supports the movement of species between protected lands, a critical factor for long-term ecological resilience. By securing this corridor, SCT prevents potential residential development that would fragment habitat, compromise water quality, and limit future public access.

History and Stewardship

The original 353-acre tract was gifted to SCT in December 2018, having remained free from development despite repeatedly changing hands over three decades. Timber harvesting affected roughly 35 acres in 2011–2012, but the land has naturally regenerated. Recreational use by neighbors has been allowed under waiver agreements, and occasional, limited hunting leases have been permitted.

The generosity of conservation-minded neighbors, Hawkins Farmstead, made it possible to consider the expansion of SCT’s preserve in early 2025, and the planning began.

With the 2025 acquisition of 241 additional acres across five parcels, SCT has consolidated access to the preserve, ensuring the entrance road and surrounding lands are permanently secured. This acquisition also enables expanded stewardship, including habitat restoration, invasive species management, and the opportunity for consideration of trail systems for low-impact public use.

Management and Future Plans

SCT’s management plan for Sugar Creek Hollow includes:

• Habitat monitoring and species inventories across both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
  
  
• Restoration efforts along streams and riparian corridors, including evaluating the potential for native Brook Trout reintroduction.
  
  
• Road and trail assessments and improvements to ensure safe, environmentally responsible access for staff and future program use.
  
  
• Public engagement strategies focused on future environmental education opportunities and citizen science initiatives once appropriate infrastructure is in place.

The preserve’s size, topography, and diverse habitats make it ideal for long-term research, low-impact recreation, and environmental education. SCT anticipates that Sugar Creek Hollow will serve as a model for integrated conservation efforts in the Blue Ridge region, demonstrating how ecological protection and public engagement can coexist.

The Broader Importance of Conservation

Georgia is growing rapidly, and lands once dominated by forests, wetlands, and family farms are increasingly threatened by development. Conservation is not merely about saving scenic landscapes—it protects clean water, healthy soils, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Once land is developed, it rarely returns to natural ecosystem functions.

SCT’s approach to conservation emphasizes strategic, data-based decisions that maximize ecological impact while prioritizing public access. By protecting Sugar Creek Hollow, the organization safeguards watersheds, maintains wildlife corridors, and provides long-term educational opportunities for the community. Growth and conservation are not mutually exclusive; strategic protection of critical lands enables communities to grow sustainably while preserving the natural systems that support life.

Community Support and Engagement

This expansion was made possible through strategic planning, collaboration with generous neighboring landowners, and careful stewardship. SCT continues to encourage community involvement and philanthropy as essential tools in protecting Georgia’s natural landscapes.

Learn More & Support SCT’s Mission

To help support ongoing conservation initiatives and ensure the protection of Georgia’s forests, streams, and wildlife, visit sctlandtrust.org to donate or learn more about Sugar Creek Hollow and other SCT projects.