This walk is full, now taking wait list.

Connally Nature Park was almost lost to a development project but through efforts of concerned neighbors and several local environmental organizations, the City of East Point was able to acquire the property which is today a unique park because it hosts a very rare stand of ancient white oak trees, one of which is the Atlanta Champion.

The Oaks date back to the early 1700’s. Some believe the trees were saved to shade slave cabins. In any case, many generations valued these trees, for shade, for beauty, possibly for food, choosing not to cut them for almost 300 years!

Early Americans knew that white oaks had several special qualities–they live a very long time, up to
800 years by some estimates, their spreading branches that seldom fail make white oaks the perfect long-term investment shade tree–likely found at the center of many a “shady grove” in the South before air-conditioning.

The City of Savannah’s revered Live Oaks–vision the great arching branches draped with Spanish Moss–are cousins to our White Oaks in Atlanta, perhaps the “king” tree of our Piedmont region.  In addition to long life, the acorns of these trees have less bitter tannins, and are highly desired by wildlife and can even be a high quality food for people. Worldwide, people have been eating acorns far longer than wheat, and some are rediscovering the food value of the acorn. After preparing in a way that removes most of the tannins, acorns can be made into a nutrient-rich, gluten-free flour for muffins, pancakes etc.; they can be boiled or prepared as soups, Koreans make a traditional jelly, and the mildest acorns can be pretty good (I’ve tried them) just roasted in their shells in a campfire.

Join us in a special Eco-A visit to see these awesome trees — our walk will be fairly short on natural trails, approx. 1/2- 1 mile total.

To register (RSVP) click HERE

 Details and directions will be sent to registered participants.

A donation of $15 or more helps sustain our programs.

above photo: White Oak at Connally Nature Park © Kathryn Kolb, 2015