Q: I saw the article a few weeks ago about the “Monkey Massacre” at Autrey Mill. Can you tell me more about the park?
A: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center was created in 1988 by community advocates to save the area from development in Johns Creek.
The preserve is on 46 acres of scenic woodlands and features over two miles of walking trails. The paths are hilly, not
steep, easy to walk and wind past a creek.
Walking sticks are available and helpful because there are quite a few tree roots that you could trip on.
There are numerous Eagle Scout projects you will see in the park and throughout the trails.
“It’s quite fun seeing all the projects in the preserve. They really are all over the place,” said Lauren McDaniel, operations manager for Autrey Mill.
There are cell phone tours along the way for you to learn more about each marker.
On a recent Sunday, families were walking their dogs and showing children the numerous learning opportunities. At one location on the “Forest Trail,” there’s a sign that says “Make noise” with pots hanging for children to hit.
Don’t expect to walk by that without covering your ears.
There’s an “Historical Goal Mine” used by the Native Cherokees during the Georgia Gold Rush in 1822-1849.
You will also find an “I-Spy” location, where children can look for a coyote, a white-tailed deer, a red-tailed hawk, a raccoon and a great horned owl (note: they’re not real).
The visitor center has live animal exhibits. Next to the center is a heritage village with a general store, mill and church, a farm museum and a replica native American dwellings. There is also an old out house, but the door is locked.
During the summer there are camps for children, which “emphasized re-connecting children with and history, and giving kids a break from competitive activities and ever-present technology,” according to an Autrey Mills brochure.
The camps are divided by age groups from 5 to 14 years old.
The park is located at 9770 Autrey Mill Road, off of Old Alabama Road, in Johns Creek. For more information, go to www.autreymill.org.
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