Water connects us all, and at Blue Heron Nature Preserve, we are committed to protecting the health of the Nancy Creek and Mill Creek watersheds—two vital waterways that flow through our forests, wetlands, and floodplains before joining the Chattahoochee River, Atlanta’s primary source of drinking water.
A Living, Breathing Watershed
As an urban nature preserve, Blue Heron plays a critical role in shielding these creeks from the pressures of urbanization. Mill Creek, which winds through much of the Preserve before joining Nancy Creek, is a lifeline for biodiversity, supporting healthy wetlands that act as natural filters for our watershed. Wetlands absorb floodwaters, trap pollutants, and provide refuge for countless species, from amphibians and fish to birds and pollinators.
The Nancy Creek floodplain also serves as a natural water management system, slowing and absorbing heavy rains that could otherwise lead to erosion and poor water quality downstream. If you’ve ever walked the Woodland Loop, you may have noticed how it floods after storms—this is the floodplain at work, holding and filtering water before it continues its journey to the Chattahoochee.
Protecting Water Quality Through Stewardship
Our commitment to clean water goes beyond conservation. As an active member of Georgia’s Adopt-A-Stream program, we conduct regular E. coli testing to monitor water quality and ensure our waterways remain safe for the wildlife and people who depend on them. The work we do at the Preserve—removing invasive species, restoring native plant habitats, and practicing organic land care—keeps pollutants out of the watershed and helps improve water and soil health naturally.
Your Support Keeps Our Waters Clean
What’s the biggest action you can take to protect our waterways? Cleaning up after your dog! Waste from warm blooded animals leads directly to higher bacteria levels, and all waste that doesn’t get collected eventually runs off into our water source.
The health of our watershed doesn’t just affect Blue Heron—it affects all of Atlanta. Clean creeks today mean safer drinking water tomorrow. By supporting our work, you help protect fragile wetlands, ensure water quality, and preserve the natural systems that keep our city’s water clean.
🌿 Join us in protecting Atlanta’s water. Donate and volunteer with us today.
