NOTE: Preregistration is required. Please email Hal Massie at:
Field Trip Leaders: Hal Massie, Rich Reaves, Bruce Roberts
Description: Reed Branch Wet Meadow is a Nature Conservancy Preserve that protects the only natural population of Federally Endangered green pitcher plant, Sarracenia oreophila, in Georgia. It is also the last example in Georgia of a low mountain bog. Besides pitcher plants, Reed Branch is host to numerous plants normally associated with the coastal plain, such as colic root (Aletris farinosa) ten-angled pipewort (Eriocaulon decangulare), and sundew (Drosera sp.), among others. If we are lucky, we will find a beautiful, if ghostly, orchid – ragged fringed orchid, Platanthera lacera. Other plants we expect to see include milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), sneezeweed (Helenium flexuosum), narrow-leaf mountainmint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium), and helmet skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia). The preserve encompasses 8 acres, with the green pitcher plants concentrated into about 1 acre of the property.
Location & Directions: Meet at the Reed Branch Wet Meadow Preserve on Mull Road. Reed Branch is between Hiawassee and the North Carolina state line. Take US 76 to Hiawassee from either the west or east. In Hiawassee, turn north on GA 75 and go approximately 3 miles to Mull Rd., which will be on the left. If you see a sign that says ‘Welcome to North Carolina’, you have gone too far. Almost immediately after turning left onto Mull Road, there will be a parking area on the left just behind a gate.
Meet At: The parking area for the Reed Branch.
Bathroom Facilities: None
Walking Difficulty: This will be a very easy walk. The preserve is only slightly sloped toward Lake Chatuge. The upper portion of the Preserve may require that we walk through a very narrow trail in dense vegetation. It will be important to stay in single file and be careful where you step. Reed Branch is not open to the public and we have special permission for this trip. This is a very sensitive area – please follow the guidance of the trip leaders and obey all restrictions.
Bring: Lunch, snacks, & water. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes appropriate for a “bog”. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes in the temperature and your activity level. You may wish to bring binoculars, hand lens, notebook, and camera.
Contact: Hal Massie, , 478-550-1062; Rich Reaves, , 770-827-5186