At Blue Heron Nature Preserve, we believe that protecting nature in the heart of the city is one of the most powerful ways we can support our community, our ecosystems, and future generations.
Our conservation plan outlines the steps we will take to study, support, and manage the native plants and animals of our urban greenspace, as well as the natural resources that sustain them.
We invite you to join us on this conservation journey. Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient landscape for all.
In this first phase of our conservation plan, we will study and actively work to increase the diversity and success of native plants and animals at Blue Heron.
This includes:
- Surveying and mapping plant and animal species throughout the Preserve.
- Tracking wildlife using cameras, audio loggers, and scientific surveys.
- Removing invasive species and planting more native plants.
- Sharing our results through educational materials and experiences, such as workshops, seminars, and digital learning content.
Why it matters:
This foundational work gives us the ability to measure and manage the health of our ecosystems over time. By continuing these practices each year, we can track how our conservation efforts are working, gain long-term insights, and continuously improve the way we care for the Preserve.
We know that conservation is stronger when we work together. That’s why we’re building new partnerships with local neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and environmental groups.
In the second pillar of this plan, we will:
- Launch a local watershed collective to unite nearby partners in shared conservation goals.
- Create customized conservation strategies for businesses, multi-family units, and homeowners within the watershed.
- Develop community-driven projects that protect native habitats and improve water quality.
Why it matters:
Nature connects us all. By collaborating across property lines and throughout the watershed, we can expand our impact beyond the Preserve and protect the greater environment we all depend on.
Urban development often fragments natural spaces and blocks critical wildlife movement. Our goal is to prevent this fragmentation by supporting safe, connected pathways for animals to for animals to access the food resources, water, and shelter that they need to survive and reproduce.
To support the necessary movement of wildlife, we will:
- Identify and modify barriers to wildlife movement within the Preserve—such as roads, dams, and other structures—to allow species to travel more freely.
- Explicitly plan for wildlife corridor connectivity in all conservation efforts, including partner projects within the Mill Creek Watershed.
- Explore opportunities to connect with and protect other nearby green spaces.
Why it matters:
Wildlife corridors help prevent isolation of animal populations, supporting healthier genetics, stronger species resilience, and the long-term survival of urban wildlife.
We are committed to improving the essential services nature provides to humans—cleaner water, carbon storage, sediment retention, and habitat provision for native species.
In this final pillar of the conservation plan, we will:
- Restore wetlands along Mill Creek to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and support wetland wildlife.
- Stabilize streambanks and reduce erosion along Nancy Creek.
- Carefully monitor soil, water, and plant health to measure the success of these efforts.
- Design thoughtful trail improvements to protect sensitive areas while keeping the Preserve accessible for visitors.
Why it matters:
While nearby urban developments benefit from improved soil stabilization and reduced flooding, these restoration efforts are just as critical for wildlife: they sustain habitats for countless plants and animals.
This work also plays a key role in improving water quality for Atlanta. The streams that flow through Blue Heron feed into the Chattahoochee River—a primary drinking water source for Atlanta and many other communities in Georgia—and continue all the way to the coast, supporting recreation, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems along the way.
By restoring these vital systems, we strengthen the foundation of our local environment, protect regional water supplies, and contribute to the health of communities near and far.
Join Us
Our work depends on community support. You can help protect Atlanta’s native ecosystems by:
- Volunteering at a restoration workday
- Donating to fund native plants, equipment, and research
- Partnering with us as a neighbor, business, or community group
- Spreading the word about our conservation efforts
Together, we can create a thriving urban refuge for wildlife—and for all of us.
Want to read the more detailed version of the plan?
Download the technical document here:
About the Author
This conservation plan was developed by Dr. Maura Patricia Dudley, an urban ecologist with The Amphibian Foundation and an Adjunct Instructor of Biology at Oglethorpe University. Dr. Dudley holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Georgia, a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame.
Her research focuses on urban ecology, freshwater systems, and the restoration of native habitats. With over a decade of experience in ecological research, education, and community-based conservation, Dr. Dudley brings both scientific rigor and a deep commitment to urban land stewardship. She has a long history with Blue Heron Nature Preserve, including past work as an education specialist and current service as a member of the Board of Directors.