An ecological and cultural study of the Chattahoochee River Valley established plans for the Chattahoochee RiverLands, a 100-mile linear park that winds through the heart of metro Atlanta and allows visitors to experience the iconic Chattahoochee River. In 2023, Georgia’s Trust for Public Land (TPL) purchased an 8.6-acre site that will serve as the first of 25 regional trailheads for the park. To help determine ecological restoration opportunities for this vital access point, TPL turned to an integrated design team led by SCAPE.
As ecological consultants on the SCAPE team, Biohabitats identified restoration opportunities for the initial trailhead site. After performing a rapid site assessment and reviewing existing data, Biohabitats provided recommendations on invasive species management, native upland forest and meadow plantings, habitat improvement, and wetland enhancement opportunities to help craft the masterplan concept. The final design connects the site to existing trails along the river and features a small picnic/entertainment pavilion and personal watercraft access.
Biohabitats also identified potential permit considerations, cost estimates, and a proposed schedule. Once fully developed, TPL intends to donate the site to Cobb County Parks and Recreation to manage for public use.
TAGS
Owner: Trust for Public Land - Georgia
Bioregion: Southeast Atlantic
Collaborators: SCAPE, Sherwood Design Engineers