Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc. 

History of the Nature Center:

​

In 1973, a group of motivated citizens joined forces to form the Northeast Georgia Nature Center Inc. with the goal of providing environmental protection and education for the region. They found a spot at the confluence of Sandy Creek and the North Oconee River, land that once was a brickyard and then a farm and at that time was an unofficial dump at the end of the Old Commerce Road. Those 11 founding members successfully built and operated the Nature Center for several years.

 

In 1981 the facilities and property were donated to the people of Athens-Clarke County and the non-profit’s name changed to Sandy Creek Nature Center Inc.

 

After 50 years, Sandy Creek Nature Center is thriving! The Nature Center is a gem in Athens-Clarke County, a haven for wildlife with 225 acres of protected land, featuring more than 6 miles of hiking trails, an Education and Visitor Center with educational exhibits and the area’s only Planetarium, an ADA accessible boardwalk, and an outdoor Nature Playscape, serving thousands of school children and visitors each year.

 

Thank you to the founders who had the vision to create a Nature Center in Athens, Georgia: Charles Aguar, Ben Chappell, Walt Cook, Mahalah Harrison, Dan Hope, Al Ike, Suzanne Lindsay, Robert Saveland, Don Scott, Alma Walker, Mary Lamar West.

​

Celebrating Together:

​

We have planned an exciting year of events to celebrate this special place. 

 

Please join us:

​

50th Anniversary Calendar of Events

​

Please join us by supporting by making a tangible contribution to the future of Sandy Creek Nature Center:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​