McFarlane Nature Park

The first project of The Cobb Land Trust was the establishment of the
McFarlane Nature Park, an 11.5-acre site in east Cobb County.

History of McFarlane Nature Park
Founding Contributors
Horticulture at McFarlane
    The Perennial Border
    The Walnut Grove
    The Shade Garden
    The Pumphouse Garden
    The Nectar Garden
Boy Scout Projects
Rules for Park Use

Restoration of the original stable was completed in April 2011.

A community effort provided funding for restoration of the original stable which is part of the history of the property. Doug Frey, author of "Marietta: Gem City of Georgia", an architectural review of the city's homes, was the contractor.

History of McFarlane Nature Park

Florence McFarlane died in October 1990. She and her husband, William, had purchased the property in 1958. Both had their ashes scattered there when they died. During their lives, they boarded polo ponies and raised lineage dogs. In Florence's will, she stated that the property should be kept in a natural state and used as a neighborhood green space, maintaining the serenity of the property.

The Cobb Land Trust came to hold the lease in 1992 and became responsible for protecting the land which was named McFarlane Nature Park.

The property and home have connections to many family names well known in the development of the metro Atlanta area. The farm was the centerpiece of extensive agricultural acreage owned by the late Atlanta attorney Hughes Spalding Sr. The property adjoined farmland of noted attorney and Judge John A. Sibley.

Spalding commissioned the design of the house in about 1940 for his farm manager Floyd Spruill. The house has chimneys on either end made of stone from the Sope Creek quarry and a slate roof moved from the Spalding's home called Deerpark which stood where Piedmont Hospital now is in Midtown Atlanta.

Locally the property was called the Bean Farm, and by some it was called Little Egypt due to it's proximity to the Chattahoochee River.

After Florence's death, there were several years before legalities were resolved. During this time the house and property fell into a state of disrepair. Thousands of contributed dollars and hours were required to make the house habitable and the grounds attractive again. Neighbors and friends cut ivy off the house and repaired plumbing. Buildings were cleaned and painted. Overgrown plants were pruned or removed. Individuals and organizations have come forward to handle the task.

The local Chattahoochee Plantation Community Association donated funding for the initial expensive and extensive repairs required and has remained the primary contributing organization. Workdays were scheduled during which adjacent homeowners came to accomplish the work required. A slate sidewalk was uncovered leading to the front door.

The Chattahoochee Plantation Women's Club has been a major supporter of the park, providing funds for the construction of a permanent restroom facility, and most recently adopting McFarlane as their charity in both 2009 and 2010, raising funds for the restoration of the original stable where park history will be displayed for visitors.

Boy Scouts from local Boy Scout Troops cut paths through the woods to neighboring residential areas and built pedestrian entrances and benches. They have continued to contribute to the park through Eagle Scout projects to enhance the property.