Exploring SW Ga

This past weekend was a 3-day weekend and an opportunity to get out and explore my new home. As the temperature started to increase Monday, my officemate and I headed out to explore the Kolomoki Mounds Historical Park. This state historical site has Indian mounds that were excavated. Although the excavations did not prove to be insightful to the anthropologists, according to the information plaques, the mounds allowed the anthropologists to learn or speculate about the Indian people's lives and society.


Most of the mounds were rather small and we wouldn't have even known they were there if there hadn't been an information telling us so. However one mound was large and with a steep set of stairs going up to the top. According to the information plaque that was where the tribal leader's hut was located.


After checking out the tall mound, we continued on a trail into the woods. The trails were littered w/ leaves and comprised of beautiful barren trees, sporting their winter best. I fell in love with the beech tree. The serpentine trunk reminded me of a dinosaur or large reptile with its smooth bark and strength.


There were a few deep ravines and small streams running through the park, in addition to two lakes. In the protected areas of the lakes lily pads had congregated. In other alcoves of the lake, cypress trees were present. One can rent paddle boats at the park and there was discussion to returning to explore the drowned cypress area in the future.


After visiting the park we headed to White Oak Pastures, a family farm that produces organic grain fed beef, chicken, goats, and sheep, in addition to organic free range eggs. They are focused on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and local food.

White Oak Pastures is a multigenerational family farm that cooperates with nature to produce artisan products that are healthy, safe, nutritious and delicious. Care is given to ensure that all of our production practices are economically practical, ecologically sustainable, and that our animals are always humanely treated. We never falter in our determination to conduct our business in an honorable manner, for the sake of our animals, our land, and the people who eat our products.

We were lucky enough to receive a tour from the owner, Will Harris III, which included the on site beef and chicken processing plants, a rarity for small scale organic meat farms. He also drove us around the farm, educating us about the various environmental practices the farm utilizes, answering our myriad of questions, and describing the journey the family has taken since it was established in 1866. It was a wonderful experience and although I brought my camera with me, I did not take one picture, as I was too involved in taking in the experience!