1. Fence 50 acres against deer.
Like many locations in Athens, Shoal Creek Sanctuary is overrun by deer. Without natural predators, they decimate the native flora by over-grazing.
In 2025 already, volunteers have put up fencing protecting 9 acres of land! We need your help to put up 41 more acres of fencing.
2. Plant 3,000 native plants.
Here, our Chief Biologist John Pickering checks on Asclepias incarnata, or swamp milkweed, seedlings that he started to plant once fencing has been put in place to protect them.
3. Tell our story.
Our mission is to improve biodiversity in Athens and protect it for future generations. This means we need every Athenian to help how they can, including planting native species in your garden, educating yourself about protecting biodiversity, as well as volunteering with Shoal Creek Sanctuary.
Something you can do right now is follow our Instagram for updates and reminders about volunteering with Shoal Creek Sanctuary.
Shoal Creek Sanctuary 