Tucked among the trails along Sope Creek, the historic paper mill ruins are one of the most recognizable and photographed locations in the park. Time, weather, and invasive vegetation continue to threaten the integrity of this Civil War-era structure, with plants and root systems growing directly within the mortar and masonry.

Funding for this project supports:

• Removal of vegetation growing within the structure
• Historic preservation and masonry stabilization
• Ongoing maintenance and monitoring
• Protection of cultural resources for future generations
  
  

Your support helps preserve an important piece of local history while protecting visitor access to this beloved destination.

At the Jones Bridge Unit, a failing pedestrian bridge crossing has become a growing safety and accessibility concern for visitors. Replacing this bridge is essential to maintaining safe trail connectivity and continued access throughout this popular park unit.

Funding for this project supports:

• Removal of the failing bridge structure
• Design and installation of a new pedestrian bridge
• Improved trail safety and accessibility
• Long-term durability and environmental resilience

As trail systems across the park continue to evolve and improve, projects like this help guarantee visitors a safe and enjoyable national park experience for years to come.

Located at park headquarters within the Island Ford Unit, the Wildlife Sanctuary provides critical habitat for birds, pollinators, and native wildlife while serving as an educational resource for visitors and volunteers. In partnership with Birds Georgia, this certified wildlife sanctuary requires ongoing care throughout the year to remain healthy and impactful.

Funding for this project supports:

• Native plant replacements and seasonal upkeep
• Gardening tools and supplies
• Volunteer workday staffing and coordination
• Habitat restoration and pollinator support

Monthly stewardship ensures this space continues to thrive as a peaceful habitat and hands-on conservation site for the community.



From pollinator habitat restoration and native plant stewardship to wildlife protection and river health initiatives, conservation funding helps preserve the natural resources that sustain Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Support in this area helps ensure these landscapes remain healthy, resilient, and accessible for future generations.

Education initiatives help foster deeper connections between people and the outdoors through National Park Service Ranger-led programs, community events, interpretive resources, volunteer engagement, and youth experiences in the park. Funding supports opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about ecology, history, conservation, and stewardship throughout CRNRA.

With more than 66 miles of trails across CRNRA, ongoing stewardship is essential to maintaining safe and enjoyable adventures in the park. Trail funding supports maintenance, rehabilitation, signage, erosion mitigation, and future trail enhancements that improve both the visitor experience and the protection of the natural resources that make our park great.

Long-term impact requires strong infrastructure, thoughtful planning, and the capacity to respond to the evolving needs of the park and its visitors. Funding in this area supports equipment, operational growth, volunteer coordination, project planning, park improvements, and the organizational resources needed to sustain meaningful conservation and community impact.