Marshall Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marshall Forest Preserve |
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Marshall Forest
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 Marshall Forest Preserve
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Location | Floyd County, Georgia |
| Nearest city | Rome |
| Area | 311 acres (126 ha) |
| Established | 1976 |
| Governing body | The Nature Conservancy |
| Designated: | 1966 |
Marshall Forest is a very special place located in Floyd County, Georgia. It's about 5 miles (8 km) outside the city of Rome. This forest is one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Northwest Georgia. This means it has very old trees that have never been cut down. In fact, Marshall Forest is known as the only untouched forest within the city limits of any city in the USA!
The forest covers about 311 acres (126 hectares). The trees in Marshall Forest grow at different heights, from about 600 to 900 feet (183 to 274 meters) above sea level. More than 300 types of plants and 55 different tree species live here. Many animals that are native to the area also call Marshall Forest their home.
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A Look Back in Time
Marshall Forest has a rich history. Long ago, this 311-acre area was part of the Cherokee Nation. In 1880, the Marshall family bought the land. It stayed in their family for many years.
Later, a special person named Maclean Marshall, who loved nature and helped others, made sure the land was protected. On October 12, 1966, he helped get Marshall Forest recognized as a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a nationally important natural area that is protected. Marshall Forest was the very first National Natural Landmark in the state of Georgia!
In 1976, about 100 acres (40 hectares) of the forest and 120 acres (49 hectares) of fields were given to The Nature Conservancy. This is a group that works to protect important natural places. In 1985, another 70 acres (28 hectares) were added to the forest. Today, only about 75 to 100 acres (30 to 40 hectares) of the original forest remain untouched by logging.
Plants and Animals of Marshall Forest
Marshall Forest is bursting with life! It supports more than 300 different kinds of plants. One very important plant found here is the endangered Large-flowered Skullcap. Marshall Forest has the biggest group of these rare flowers in Georgia and the second biggest in the entire United States! You can also find several types of mushrooms growing in the forest.
The forest is home to 55 different tree species. These include pine-oak trees, chestnut oaks, and many different kinds of hardwoods.
Many animals that are native to the area live in the forest. You might find frogs, salamanders, and even at least six different kinds of snakes. Dozens of different types of birds also make their homes among the trees.
Exploring the Forest
If you want to visit Marshall Forest, there are five self-guided walking trails. Most of these trails are on the southwest side of the forest. As you walk, you'll find helpful signs that tell you about the plants. There are also twenty "stop-and-observe" stations with signs in both Braille and English.
One special trail is called the Big Pine Braille Trail. It's designed especially for people who are visually impaired. The trails are not perfectly smooth or cleared, which allows the natural plants to grow right up to the pathway. To visit Marshall Forest, you need to make an appointment with The Nature Conservancy.
Protecting Marshall Forest
Marshall Forest is looked after by two main groups: the Friends of Marshall Forest and the Georgia Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy, which started across the country in 1951, has been helping manage Marshall Forest for many years. Volunteers also play a big part! They help with important tasks like marking the forest boundaries and removing plants that don't belong there and could harm the native species.
