Clairmont Heights Civic Association

I am writing to invite you to become involved with Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, a 501(c)3 organization and Medlock neighborhood treasure.

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.

Some of you have lived in the neighborhood for many years and perhaps enjoy taking a walk along the boardwalk, bird watching, or participating in monthly volunteer workdays or our annual Harvest Festival. Thank you for your continued support.

For those of you who are new neighbors and not familiar with the preserve, please come visit from dawn to dusk. The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is a totally volunteer-run organization that receives no funding from DeKalb County and is dependent on individual donations and grants. This has its benefits, but one drawback is that we do not have "staff" or even enough volunteers to help continue to maintain and monitor the preserve on a regular basis.

As you probably know, those who do not appreciate its value or beauty can sometimes misuse this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. There has been vandalism in the past few years, including graffiti on the decks, stolen signs and an ongoing problem with litter. We have worked hard to resolve these issues, and our Board members take on monthly grounds duty to help deter these activities, but we need your help as well.

As neighbors of Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, we ask that you please report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 911 and help us on an ongoing basis by picking up litter and reminding visitors to keep their dogs leashed and observe the trail rules on the posted signs.

Your help and support is crucial to the continued protection and preservation of the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve. The alternative is an empty lot where litter accumulates, invasive plants overrun the native species and dangerous and unlawful activities become routine.

Again, you can help by reporting suspicious activity to the police, by volunteering for our monthly workdays or events, and by making a tax-deductible contribution to: South Peachtree Creek Nature Preserves, Inc., P.O. Box 33247, Decatur, GA 30033

For more information, please go to www.cshepherdpreserve.org or contact us by leaving a message at 678-951-0105, or by email at information@cshepherdpreserve.org

Sincerely,
Chris Beck, President