Blue Heron Nature Preserve Master Plan

The Blue Heron Nature Preserve (BHNP) is a beautiful and valuable natural resource for the local community, offering a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, pond ecology, and meadows. To ensure that the preserve continues to thrive for future generations, BHNP updated its 2008 master plan to create a vision for the future of the preserve.

Much of the previous master plan had been implemented, and new land had been acquired, so it was necessary to update the plan to reflect these changes. To assist with this process, BHNP retained TSW to assist with the planning process and to create the master plan illustration and supporting documents.

The process for the Blue Heron Nature Preserve Master Plan included input from a variety of stakeholders. TSW met with multiple focus groups and a smaller steering committee, which included representatives from BHNP staff and volunteers, neighborhood residents, City of Atlanta staff (Parks and Recreation, Department of Watershed Management), a group of partners, and the Project and Facilities Committee.

After collecting input from all the stakeholders, TSW developed the design and planning recommendations based on the BHNP vision. These recommendations were organized by art, wildlife, habitat, and history categories. Recommendations ranged from entrance signage and art to trail connections to new buildings and areas for educational activities.

The updated Blue Heron Nature Preserve Master Plan sets a clear vision for the future of this precious natural resource. It will help to ensure the preserve continues to provide a place for people to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem. It will also help to preserve and protect the biodiversity of the area for future generations to enjoy. It is a long-term plan that will guide management decisions and inform capital improvement projects.