About the Nonprofit
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The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center of today was built under the leadership and vision of the board, talented staff, and local government officials. Identified as a potential nature preserve by Fulton County in 1972 but not purchased, advocates stepped up when zoning threatened the property in 1987. This grassroots effort saved the woodland's unique environment and the site of the old "Autrey" grist mill. It also prevented the demolition of the historic buildings on the property. The vital help of generous public and private supporters and the indispensable work of volunteers were key to the organization's success and still are to this day.
The founders of Autrey Mill established a tax-deductible 501 (c)3 nonprofit association and signed their first lease with Fulton County, to operate in September 1988.
Upon the incorporation of the City of Johns Creek in 2006, Autrey Mill officially became a city park and preserve. This created a unique partnership with the City of Johns Creek and the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association.
Autrey Mill's purpose is to be a destination that inspires exploration, appreciation, and preservation of the natural environment and wildlife. The Association is a proud steward of the preserve, and historic buildings, and provides all the environmental, heritage, and event programming offered to the community. As of May 2023, Autrey Mill opened the first Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic in the city of Johns Creek. Taking in orphaned, injured, and abused wild animals and saving their lives. This endeavor serves the suffering animals all over metro Atlanta as we network with the Georgia Wildlife Network. As of May, the clinic has taken in 48 animals in distress, injured, or abandoned.
Following the conservation efforts with the clinic, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve hosts 2 annual creek clean-ups each year, the Sals Creek Clean-up at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve site and the Johns Creek Clean-up at a different section of the Johns Creek Each year. This year Autrey Mill Nature Preserve has added a 3rd Clean-up at the Rivermont Golf Club. Each creek that is chosen for a clean-up is a tributary of the Chattahoochee River where the greater Atlanta Metro region gets its drinking water.