2023 is a perfect year to become acquainted with McFarlane Nature Park, an 11.2-acre passive Park near Paper Mill and Johnson Ferry Roads. This privately-owned public park is celebrating its 30th year of serving the community with a series of small events that are available free to everyone.
On a 29-degree morning in March, 17 visitors heard the Bluebird Guy Jim Bearden speak in the back pasture, with a backdrop of a pair of bluebirds flitting in and out of the box he had installed for them.
In April, on a Plein Air Painting Day at McFarlane, 12 artists arrayed themselves around the park and brought 50 paintings to offer for sale to visitors. Many of the artists are members of the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance, and sever al are recognized local artists.
On Earth Day, April 22, the group Body & Brain opened their event that included a Tai Chi class, Earth Meditation, a Nature Walk, Stretching, Body & Brain Games, and a Tai Chi performance, followed by a bring your own picnic lunch.
Cobb County Arborist Dave Griffin will Walk N Talk with visitors on May 20, meeting at the council seating area at 11 a.m. Griffin also serves on the task force that manages the Park and is familiar with the Piedmont Native Tree Collection there which includes at least one specimen of every tree native to the Piedmont area of Georgia.
On June 12, University of Georgia Pollinator expert Becky Griffin will talk about the insects on which we all depend. This talk begins at 10 a.m. and will be child friendly. Becky runs the annual UGA Pollinator Census.
McFarlane Nature Park features gardens of native plants installed and maintained by a team of Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County who have been active in the park since 1993. Three large pastures and a woodland with walking paths provide the peace and serenity requested in the will of Florence McFarlane who left the property to serve as a passive community space.
A caretaker resides in the 1941 farmhouse on the property. Owned originally by the late prominent Atlanta attorney, Hughes Spalding, Sr., the house was constructed as the centerpiece for Spalding’s extensive agricultural acreage, and adjoined farmland of noted Atlanta attorney and judge, John A. Sibley. In 1929, Hughes Spalding, Sr., succeeded his father, Jack Johnson Spalding, Sr. as senior partner in the prestigious law firm of King & Spalding established in 1885. About 1939-40, Hughes Spalding commissioned the design of the house for his farm manager, Mr. Floyd Spruill and Spruill’s family.
Noted Cuthbert, Georgia, architect, Henry Johnson Toombs (1896-1967), designed the house, garage, and immediate grounds. The exposed rafters and huge beams reveal quality construction. Architect Toombs is best known for his work for President Franklin Roosevelt at Warm Springs, Georgia, and Hyde Park, New York. Among Toombs’ com mercial designs are the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank, along with four in other states; Lenox Square; and Rich’s Store for Homes. Traditional quality and insistence upon sur rounding green space are Toombs’ signature.
McFarlane Nature Park, at 280 Farm Rd SE, is open dawn to dusk daily.