From left are Christine Ambrose and Wilson Baker, naturalists and volunteers at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve; Katherine Russell, Southeast Regional Manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network; and Margaret Tyson, lead volunteer at the preserve.

CAIRO — The ecologically significant Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve in Grady County was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network on Feb. 15. Katherine Russell, Southeast Regional Manager of the OGFN, conveyed the distinction to lead volunteer and Grady County resident Margaret Tyson. After the forest was formally welcomed into the network, visitors were invited to hike through the preserve and observe the thousands of trout lilies in bloom.

The rare trout lilies of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve provided the impetus to save this beautiful, biodiverse bottomland forest, according to a press release from the Old-Growth Forest Network. The Preserve is a 140-acre conservation area owned by Grady County through many generous private donations, including the previous owners, Flint River Timber Company, and a grant from the Georgia Land Conservation Program.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Preserve volunteers and naturalists Wilson Baker and Christine Ambrose. Around 40 people were in attendance.

Wolf Creek was established in 2009 through the efforts of volunteers from the Magnolia Chapter (Tallahassee) of the Florida Native Plant Society, including some Georgians. The Grady County Board of Commissioners willingly accepted ownership to support the preservation of this unique forest. It is destined to remain forever undisturbed from human development, protecting many acres of forest, swamp, and creek, and literally tens of millions of beautiful yellow trout lilies and thousands of maroon spotted trillium, the OGFN said.

“This forest harbors the largest extent of these trout lilies known anywhere in the world, and is certainly a jewel of south Georgia!” the press release said.

Also to be seen are mature oaks and other hardwoods, rare orchids, thickets of saw palmetto, mussels in the creek, and other sorts of wildlife. Several trails meander through the preserve, and visitors are welcome to explore the forest at their own pace.

Wolf Creek is open to the public during the trout lily bloom season, which will last until mid-March, every afternoon when there is not inclement weather. Those planning a visit to the forest, which is located on Wolf Creek Road off of Highway 84 between Cairo and Whigham, are invited to check the Preserve’s Facebook page for daily updates on conditions and opening hours.

Outside of the bloom season, the Preserve is open for hikes or tours only by reservation. Admission is free though donations are welcome.

The Preserve is located on land traditionally under the stewardship of the Mvskoke (Muscogee) and Hitchiti peoples.

Wolf Creek joins 15 other Georgia forests in the Old-Growth Forest Network, including Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve in Hall County, Fernbank Forest in DeKalb County, and a portion of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Union County. Wolf Creek is the first forest to be recognized by OGFN in south Georgia.

Several privately-owned forests throughout the state are also honored by the Network.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, the Old-Growth Forest Network currently includes 233 forests across 36 states. OGFN also recognizes exceptional forest advocates, educates about the extraordinary ecological benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. To learn more, please visit their website at http://www.oldgrowthforest.net.

Russell remarked, “Not only do old-growth forests harbor a tremendous amount of biodiversity, cleanse water and air, and store carbon, they are also places for people to find peace and meaning and fall in love with the intricate web of nature. I know that was the case for me growing up in south Georgia and visiting places like Wolf Creek with my family. It’s a pleasure to have Wolf Creek in our Network representing my home region!”

Russell added, “We could not grow the Network without the efforts of our volunteer county coordinators, who help us to identify old-growth forests in their home counties. We welcome new nominations and volunteers to help us in this impactful work across the country.”

Interested volunteers are welcome to contact OGFN through the website: www.oldgrowthforest.net.