Park offers families many paths to fun

I saw the article a few weeks ago about the “Monkey Massacre” at Autrey Mill. Can you tell me more about the park?

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center was created in 1988 by community advocates to save the area from development in Johns Creek.

The preserve is on 46 acres of scenic woodlands and features over 2 miles of walking trails.

The paths are hilly, not steep, easy to walk and wind past a creek.

Walking sticks are avail- able and helpful because the “Forest Trail,” there’s a there are quite a few tree sign that says “Make noise” roots that you could trip on. with pots hanging for chil-

There are numerous Eagle dren to hit.

Scout projects you will see Don’t expect to walk by in the park and throughout that without covering your the trails. ears.

“It’s quite fun seeing all There’s a “Historical Goal the projects in the preserve. Mine” used by the native They really are all over the Cherokees during the Geor- place,” said Lauren McDangia Gold Rush from 1822-49. iel, operations manager for You will also find an Autrey Mill. “I-Spy” location, where chil

There are cellphone tours dren can look for a coyote, along the way for you to a white-tailed deer, a redle a rn more about each tailed hawk, a raccoon and marker. a great horned owl (note:

On a recent Sunday, fami- They’re not real). lies were walking their dogs The visitor center has live and showing children the animal exhibits. Next to the numerous learning oppor- center is a heritage village tunities. At one location on with a general store, mill and church, a farm museum and replica Native American dwellings. There is also an old outhouse, but the door is locked.

During the summer there are camps for children, which “emphasized re-connecting children with history, and giving kids a break from competitive activities and ever-present technology,” according to an Autrey Mills brochure.

The camps are divided by age groups from 5 to 14. If you’re new in town or have questions about this special place we call home, ask us. E-mail your request to atlactualfact@gmail.com.

CONTRIBUTED BY KATHRYN KICKLITER Along Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s “Forest Trail,” there’s a sign that says “Make noise” with pots hanging for children to hit.