The Georgia-Alabama Land Trust Anneewakee Forest Preserve is a 185-acre forest in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The forest consists primarily of mature oak hickory trees. Anneewakee Creek flows through a quarter mile of the Preserve, and maple, elm, and beech trees dominate along the creek. The property is zoned low density residential in an area experiencing a high volume of suburban growth. Protecting the forest will preserve habitat, expand recreational opportunities, provide relief from the heat island effect of urban development, and promote watershed functions in the Greater Atlanta region.

Georgia-Alabama Land Trust will protect the forest long-term as a wildlife sanctuary, with passive walking trails for the public. Bird species afforded habitat include Kirtlands warbler, Bald Eagle, Swainson’s warbler, tufted titmouse, red-bellied woodpecker, red-shouldered hawk and scarlet tanager. The forest is also being considered as part of a master trail plan for Douglas County. Public trails in the Anneewakee forest will promote outdoor recreation opportunities for nearby neighborhoods and urban areas.

Total Credits Issued: 17,196

• 2023: 17,196 credits issued

Total Credits Sold: 4,290

• 2023: 1,100 credits sold
• 2024: 3,190 credits sold

Total Credits Retired: 4,290

• 2023: 1,100 credits retired
• 2024: 3,190 credits retired

Total Credits Cancelled: 0

Total Credits Available for Purchase: 12,906

Co-Benefits

Forest preservation projects not only reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but provide ecosystem services or co-benefits that can be quantified. The co-benefits from this project represent a savings (avoided costs) of $85,582 per year, and $3,423,291 over 40 years.

• Rain interception (stormwater management) – 21,390.50 m3/year, $55,949 per year
• Air quality – 4.8 tons/year, $11,587 per year
• Energy – cooling (electricity) – 221,815 kWh/year, $16,836 per year
• Energy – heating (natural gas) – 116,557 kBtu/year, $1,211 per year

Social Impacts

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action and global partnership among all countries, representing key benchmarks for creating a better world and environment for everyone. Well-designed and managed urban forests make significant contributions to the environmental sustainability, economic viability and livability of cities.

The main SDGs for this project are described below, with more detailed information in the Project Design Document.

A resilient forest will ameliorate against the urban challenges, such as heat island effect and poor air quality. Walking trails throughout Anneewakee Forest will provide a place for exercise, grounding and connecting with nature.

The forest will slow the flow of stormwater, filter it, and provide a stable environment for aquatic plants and animals.

This project protects a mature forest that promotes biodiversity and wildlife habitat and increases ecosystem function.