Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (formerly South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserve) is located in the Medlock Park neighborhood of DeKalb County. The entrance is located at the intersection of Wood Trail Lane and Pine Bluff Road. The 28-acre nature preserve opened in 1995 under the management of South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc., (SPCNP) a non-profit, neighborhood organization with the goal of preserving natural spaces in the South Peachtree Creek watershed. SPCNP Inc. maintains the property for the protection of wildlife and the enjoyment of our neighbors and other visitors.

Vision Statement
The vision of South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc. is to create and preserve a healthy ecosystem which supports a diversity of wildlife and plants, and which provides a model setting for both community enhancement and education.

Mission Statement
The mission of South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc. is to preserve and promote Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (CSNP), and its native wildlife and plants for the enjoyment and education of the community.

Goals

1. Create permanent protection and community ownership of Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve.
2. Develop a plan for future organizational growth including membership expansion and publicity.
3. Provide public education programs and special events with volunteer support to raise community awareness and appreciation of the preserve.
4. Engage in an active fund-raising program.

Besides the pond and wetlands, the preserve includes emerging pine forest, wooded uplands containing mature trees, and low shrub meadow in the floodplain bordering South Peachtree Creek. There is a good mix of native species and non-native species that provides cover for nesting birds and young animals. These diverse habitats are home to beavers, foxes, turtles, snakes, frogs, rabbits, and dozens of species of birds. To date, 166 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified, including wood ducks, pileated woodpeckers, and sand-hill cranes.

Six species of frogs were identified in the pond area in an informal study conducted by Emory University students in 1999. The species included bullfrogs, chorus frogs, spring peepers, leopard frogs, gray frogs, and green frogs. Every spring, the calling of frogs during courtship and mating is one of the prime attractions to the preserve.

Please come visit what we like to call this “Oasis in Suburbia.”