Hello and welcome to the very first Little Creek Farm Conservancy blog post!  Although remaining closed to visitors due to the coronavirus, there are still a lot of things going on to make Little Creek Horse Farm and Park even better than ever.

PROJECTS GALORE

Over the last few months, several projects were completed while the Farm was on lockdown, improving the Park, as well as increasing safety for horses and people.

COLLABORATION WITH ATLANTA AUDUBON

At the beginning of the year, LCFC was awarded an Atlanta  Audubon Grant for the improvement of an underutilized portion of the meadow behind the barn.  The grant provides funds for a vendor to convert the area to Audubon’s specifications for sanctuary certification and to maintain the property for twelve months.  Recently, the vendor cleared it of invasive plants (as seen in the photo on the left) and, to foster a diverse wildlife population, has begun installing a variety of native plants such as lil blue and brooms head.  

LIGHTING

Additional outdoor lighting installed in pastures and parking areas provides additional safety when turning the horses out and bringing them in as the days grow shorter.  Visitors will appreciate the improved safety in the parking lot, as well.

PADDOCK RENOVATION 

Paddock safety was increased by the replacement of existing fence boards with stronger, more horse safe, material, removal of unneeded paddocks, and increased size of others.  Thanks to a dedicated donation from an LCFC member, the Conservancy was able to hire a contractor to make this project happen. The contractors, barn staff and volunteers turned out over several days to help with both demolition and construction, as well as ensuring the pasture was free of any leftover screws or other potentially damaging objects.

BARN IMPROVEMENTS

To increase efficiency, Dekalb County staff are making changes in horse handling and feeding procedures, along with increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols to ensure that everyone who comes to the barn is as protected as possible from the coronavirus.  

USAGE SCHEDULE

Currently, owners and designated riders are allowed to use their horses on a controlled schedule, including limited riding lessons.  Of course, we all hope it won’t be too long before the barn is once again open to the public so we can enjoy events such as pony rides, HorseFest, and the Holiday Bazaar and Quadrille performance.  We’ll be sure to let you know when we reopen!

CREEKSIDE TRAIL

Of course, Little Creek Horse Farm and Park is more than the horses.  As you may be aware, there is a wonderful walking trail along Orion Drive, beginning where the far pasture ends and continuing along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek to Valley Brook Road.  Not only has the trail been cleared for safer strolling, but an additional area near the trail is being developed as an Audubon Certified wildlife area.  Having a diverse riparian setting in an urban environment provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife such as deer, possums, egrets, owls, hawks, and other animals, as well as nurturing native plants.  We hope you enjoy using the trail and its picnic area, which is open every day from dawn to dusk.

Click here to learn more about the Farm and Park, make a donation, and become a member.

See you soon!