About (the former) Bartram Forest

On September 25, 1969, Governor Lester Maddox signed an Executive Order transferring the property from the Department of Public Health to the Forestry Commission. Today it is used for timber production and Environmental Education. Students come from all around the state to learn about succession and conservation. There are many hiking and biking trails for recreational use as well. Bartram forest is maintained by prescribed burnings.

The first great naturalists in colonial America were John Bartram (1699-1777) and his son William Bartram (1739-1823). Together and separately they traveled throughout the eastern parts of America documenting native plants with drawings and written descriptions.   In his book Travels (1791) William Bartram describes crossing the Oconee River and traveling across what is now the southern part of Baldwin County, Georgia. In these travels he crossed the land of Baldwin State Forest. In deciding what to name the educational component of the Baldwin State Forest it was decided by the Georgia Forestry Commission to honor the works and history of these pioneer naturalists with hopes of continuing their spirit of exploration, learning, and sharing with others (Note:  This para is From Georgia Forestry Commission website)