Altama Plantation WMA was acquired by the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources in 2015. The property was a priority conservation acquisition due to is location in the lower Altamaha Conservation Corridor. The property is actively being managed by GA DNR with prescribed fire and other techniques to restore the upland Longleaf Pine wiregrass ecosystems and protect the extensive Tidal Hardwood forests.

This property not only has great ecological value but a long and storied history of human habitation and use as a working plantation starting in 1760's then as a recreation property starting in the early 1900's.

One of the previous owners Cator Woolford (founder of Equifax) had the property from the 1930's to 1940's. He installed many of the horticultural plantings including the formal garden down the hill from what is called the Playhouse.  

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Formal Garden / Pollinator Garden Plan

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This formal garden was neglected for around 10 years before GA DNR acquired the property. In fall of 2016 DNR staff (Eamonn Leonard) began a process to bring back this 1930's era garden. The original hedging of native yaupon holly and scattered Camellia japonica were still present if not overgrown and unruly. (see before pictures). Over several intensive work days with the help of two Student Conservation interns and many Coastal WildScapes member volunteers this garden started to take shape. 

The garden restoration drew the attention of the Georgia Chapter of the Colonial Dames society. They have as their chapter logo the Franklin Tree flower and wanted to donate a Franklin tree to be installed in the garden. DNR staff worked with the chapter and acquired a Franklin tree which was then planted in a ceremony on Feb. 22 2017.

In addition 6 Fringe trees donated to Coastal WildScapes were planted in the restored formal Garden in spring of 2017.

Before (October 2017)

During (November 2017)