The short version
- The Conservation Fund has acquired Jimmy Carter's family farm in southwest Georgia to ensure its permanent protection and eventual public access for outdoor recreation.
- The property will be transferred to the state natural resources department in 2028, significantly expanding the Lanahassee Creek wildlife management area to nearly 7,000 acres.
- Restoration efforts on the land focus on longleaf pine forests and habitats for endangered species such as gopher tortoises and rare freshwater mussels.
A nonprofit conservation organization has completed the acquisition of the family farm belonging to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, securing the future of the southwest Georgia property that played a central role in shaping his environmental values. The Conservation Fund announced the purchase on Monday, outlining a plan to open the approximately 2,458-acre site to the public for activities such as hunting and fishing as early as 2027. This transaction marks a significant step in preserving the landscape where Carter spent much of his life, ensuring that the land remains protected from development while becoming accessible to visitors.
The strategic vision for the property involves its eventual integration into Georgia’s state-managed natural resources portfolio. Officials stated that the Conservation Fund intends to transfer ownership of the farm to the state’s natural resources department in 2028. Once this transition is complete, the land will become part of the Lanahassee Creek wildlife management area. This expansion will nearly triple the size of the existing management area, bringing its total acreage to close to 7,000 acres. The move represents a substantial addition to the state’s protected lands in the region.
The acquisition underscores the deep connection between Carter’s personal history and his professional achievements in environmental policy. During his presidency, which began in 1977, Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, a landmark legislation that protected more than 104 million acres of public land. This remains the largest single expansion of protected public lands in United States history. Additionally, he established 39 national park system units, including sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta.
Conservationists note that Carter’s commitment to land preservation was rooted in his upbringing on this specific property. He worked alongside his father, Earl, in agricultural operations that included growing peanuts, corn, and sugarcane. Beyond farming duties, Carter frequently explored the surrounding woods and fished in the property’s pond. These experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for the natural environment, which he maintained even after leaving office. The farm served as a retreat where he and his late wife, Rosalynn, spent time walking and hunting throughout their lives.
The Conservation Fund highlighted specific ecological initiatives undertaken by Carter in his later years to restore the local ecosystem. He requested that a stand of mature longleaf pine trees be preserved on the property. Furthermore, he directed the replanting of much of the farm with young longleaf pines. This effort aims to restore the native forest cover that once dominated the region. The restoration is critical for supporting biodiversity, particularly for species such as the gopher tortoise, which conservationists are working hard to prevent from becoming endangered.
The ecological significance of the land extends beyond its tree cover. Creeks adjacent to the farm provide habitat for rare freshwater mussels, adding another layer of environmental importance to the site. The preservation of these waterways and the surrounding forest ensures that the property continues to serve as a healthy habitat for wildlife. Stacy Funderburke, vice president of the Conservation Fund’s central southeast region, emphasized that the land shaped Carter’s legacy long before he enacted federal conservation measures. The organization expressed honor in helping to maintain the site as a resource for both wildlife and future generations.
Family members have welcomed the decision to protect the farm. Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson, stated that the property was always more than just agricultural land to his family; it was a treasured home. He expressed gratitude to the Conservation Fund and others involved in ensuring the land is protected for future generations. The acquisition distinguishes this working farm from Carter’s boyhood home, which is currently maintained by the National Park Service and preserves the house where he lived as a child.
Jimmy Carter, a Democrat who defeated incumbent Republican Gerald Ford to win the presidency, served one term before losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980. After his time in office, he dedicated himself to humanitarian work, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in conflict resolution and human rights. A devout Baptist, Carter died at the age of 100 in December 2024, following the death of his wife Rosalynn earlier that year. The preservation of his family farm stands as a final testament to his enduring commitment to conservation and public service.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Jimmy Carter’s Georgia farm to open to the public: ‘This land shaped him and his legacy’
