.Nature. Community. Preservation
In the face of potential demolition by the city, we have been given a new opportunity to preserve and protect the historic Forty Oaks farmhouse for future generations.
🍂 Thankful for Progress! 🍁
A heartfelt thank you to the Clarkston City Council for voting to cancel the demolition of the historic Forty Oaks farmhouse and giving us the opportunity to pursue preservation solutions. Special thanks to Beverly Burks and City of Clarkston, GA for their support. This decision is a meaningful step forward for our community’s history and natural spaces. We’re excited to continue working together to bring new life to Forty Oaks as a valuable asset for everyone in Clarkston! 🏡💚
FOFO's Mission:
Nature,Community, Preservation
Friends of Forty Oaks (FOFO) is dedicated to the protection and revitalization of Forty Oaks Nature Preserve—a peaceful green space where native plants, wildlife, and community gardens thrive in the heart of Clarkston. Our mission is to restore and enhance the natural habitat, making the preserve a vibrant place for education, recreation, and connection with nature.
Within the preserve stands the historic Forty Oaks farmhouse, a structure that, despite years of neglect, remains a meaningful link to Clarkston’s past. We envision restoring the farmhouse into a useful space for the community—serving as a hub for environmental education, public programs, and gatherings that strengthen our connection to both nature and history.
Forty Oaks:
A Clarkston Legacy
The 130 year-old farmhouse belonged to the Sutton family for nearly 90 years. Ed Sutton was active in his community as the mayor of Clarkston, a newspaper editor, organized labor advocate, local volunteer, chicken breeder, brother in the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and teacher who organized Clarkston's first public school.
Mrs. Sutton and her daughter Hazel were also active in civil service. Mrs. Sutton served as the 5th District family finance chairperson and was president of the first women's auxiliary to a labor union. Hazel was president of The Clarkston Woman's Club, member of The Women's Business Council, and award-winning youth opportunity advocate.
In 1972, Hazel and her siblings generously donated the 10.5- acre estate to Dekalb County, GA. Years later, the property was transferred to the City of Clarkston in 2017.
The Nature Preserve: A Community Greenspace
The Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, located on a 10.5-acre tract of land, was established with the goal of conserving the area's natural environment and providing a peaceful, public green space for the community. Over the years, the preserve has been home to various conservation efforts, including reforestation and the protection of native plant species. Several groups collaborated on projects to restore the land, improve water quality in the nearby stream, and enhance wildlife habitats. The preserve became a vital part of the local ecosystem, offering walking trails, educational opportunities, and a tranquil space for residents to connect with nature. Although some areas have since become overgrown, the potential for revitalizing the preserve remains, with opportunities to restore the landscape and reintroduce conservation programs.
