76: Non-Descript

H I A W A S E E,  G A

At the intersection of Georgia state highway 75 and Mull Road in Hiawassee is a seemingly non-descript field akin to most others along similar country roads.  It’s a triangle-shaped five acres with two sides cornered in by barbed wire and the shore of Lake Chatuge as the third.  But when viewed more scientifically, and with deeper understanding, this little slice of land is quite special and a botanists’ delight.  

It’s known as a mountain seepage bog, a rare geology where thin soil sits atop bedrock.  In such bogs, water seeps from underground oozing over the rock saturating the thin soil.  Sprouting from this moist habitat are several rare plants not normally found in the mountains of Georgia including the federally-endangered bug eating, horn shaped green pitcher plant.  

Scientists at The Nature Conservancy recognized the uniqueness of this property.  In the 1990’s they acquired and began protecting this non-descript field which is now known as the Reed Branch Wet Meadow.  Public visits are discouraged and only one small faded, weed-covered sign acknowledges it; nonetheless, while in the area visiting friends recently I stopped at this meadow three times in three days… and hopped the fence twice.

Three different visits brought three different perspectives – first as a drive-by during the heat of day followed by hoppier visits over the next two mornings.  Knowing of the sensitive nature of the plants even during the dormancy of late fall, I did my best to stay on the barely-visible short path leading around the edge of the property.  Though a mere five acres, a peacefulness was found in this meadow; albeit broken occasionally by passing cars.  Mixed in was a melodious stream of Carolina wren song.  The tiny camouflaged birds darted frequently into thickets when my steps got too close for their liking.  Their earthy colors blending with the autumn tones rendered them only visible while on the move.  

Lake Chatuge is a dammed impoundment built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the early ‘40s.  Essentially, lakes built by the TVA were dual-purposed to control flooding and generate electricity.  Nearby Hiawassee was especially susceptible to flooding prior to the creation of Lake Chatuge and is now a thriving community.  Though certainly well-purposed, I also wonder just how much of this unique mountain seepage meadow was drowned by Lake Chatuge and TVA’s mission?

In-between second and third visits, I side-tripped to Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest peak) and hiked its mostly-paved trail leading to a gaudy visitor tower.  It was crowded with too many heavy-breathing, maskless people.  Nonetheless, being an avid collector of places, notching the peach state’s pinnacle amid a heightened COVID risk was still worth it.  

The 4,784 foot apex is only eight miles from Reed Branch Wet Meadow emphasizing just how diverse this state is.  From the Spanish moss of its coastal plain, to its thriving metropolis in the foothills, to its nearly mile-high mountains and their moist seepage bogs, Georgia has a vast array of habitats.  More than a hundred, in fact, making it the sixth most-diverse state in America.  

Being late fall, green pitcher plants at Reed Branch Wet Meadow were dormant and hidden, of course.  And at first glance, this property is also hiding it’s true worth.  With a keen eye though you see beyond the ordinary and the wonderment of this simple field is revealed.  

On my final visit, just before hopping the fence and heading home, I hear a distant pack of coyotes break into howl drowning out the traffic noise.  It’s another reminder, like the hidden uniqueness of a bog, that nature is tucked in among the everyday life we too often stay solely attuned to.  

Read more about Reed Branch Wet Meadow here