A new accessible pathway in the Dunson Native Flora Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA will allow more visitors to experience the beauty of the native plants and birds found within this section of the garden.
The new concrete path, made possible by the Riverview Foundation, will replace previous mulch paths, which were rustic, steep and narrow. The concrete path is 5 feet wide and ADA accessible, allowing barrier-free access to the garden.
“Dunson is a very special garden,” said the garden’s director of horticulture, Jason Young. “It is a unique representation of our natural areas, and providing ADA access to this garden gives visitors a chance to experience a beautiful forest in an accessible setting.”
The new pathway was constructed over where previous paths existed, and special care was taken to reduce the impacts on the existing plant life. The Dunson Garden is unique as it is set in a lower area of the State Botanical Garden, where soil accumulates due to water flow, creating a rich environment for plant life.
This garden includes many different species of trillium, native azaleas and spring ephemerals such as Virginia bluebells, bloodroots and trout lilies.
Parts of the new concrete path will have wider sections, allowing space to linger and take in the surroundings. Young said the Dunson garden is a popular spot for birdwatching. The State Botanical Garden is an Audubon-designated important birding area.
“Our goal as the State Botanical Garden is to create an accessible environment for people of all ages to experience nature,” said Jenny Cruse-Sanders, director of the State Botanical Garden. “We are grateful to the Riverview Foundation for their support in expanding accessibility at the garden.”
The Riverview Foundation is a long-standing supporter of the State Botanical Garden and has funded other accessibility projects at the garden, including the wetland boardwalk and a concrete ADA-accessible pathway to the Middle Oconee River. The foundation supports habitat and wildlife conservation as well as parks and greenways.
“The Riverview Foundation is keenly interested in improving the connection of people to nature,” said the foundation’s executive director, Bruz Clark. “The State Botanical Garden has been the recipient of Riverview funding to establish the new ADA walkway, along with improvements to the Orange and White Trail, including the construction of the new wooden boardwalk along the banks of the Middle Oconee River.
“Both projects improve accessibility and exposure to the natural environment that are good for the mind, body and spirit.”
For more information about the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, visit botgarden.uga.edu.
