Natural & Cultural Resources

Natural Resources

Wildlife abounds in Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation! We employ ecologically sound management strategies that foster diverse, long-term sustainable ecosystems to protect nearly 10,000 acres of park lands including its forest, lakes, ponds, streams, and meadows

We manage our parks toward a healthy balance, by providing habitats for a variety of plants, birds, and animals which leads to cleaner parks, increased biodiversity of the urban forest and adjacent meadows, and better water quality in park waterways.

According to the Atlanta Regional Commission Inventory of Parks and Greenspace, Gwinnett County boasts 6.01 percent of the total land acreage in the county protected for greenspace (20 acres of greenspace per 1,000 residents).

The National Park Service and the Forest Service has designated 50 miles of trails at Harbins Park, Little Mulberry Park, McDaniel Farm Park, and Settles Bridge Park as National Recreation Trails! This designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreation opportunities on public lands in local parks across the nation.

Comprehensive Waterfowl Management Plan

This is a long term, multi-faceted to "Keep Gwinnett's Wildlife Wild!" and increase the health of the ecosystem in Gwinnett County’s parks. The plan calls for increased public awareness with a voluntary approach to stop feeding the waterfowl, assessing and reducing the quantity of invasive plants and animals, and replanting habitat areas with native species.

The plan was developed to maintain a healthy biodiversity of plants and animals within Gwinnett County Parks, especially in the lakes, rivers and wetland areas
The goals are to reduce the number of non-native waterfowl in the parks but also to increase public awareness of not feeding wildlife
The plan uses a variety of methods including signage, focused plantings at the water’s edge and waterfowl round-ups where wildlife is trapped and relocated
The plan was developed with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Wildlife Resources Division and the Gwinnett County Board of Health


Through partnerships with local companies, nonprofit organizations, and Scouts, we’re creating attractive habitats and providing the right foods, the correct type of cover, and creating the space and refuge native waterfowl need to thrive. Through these volunteer efforts, native plant material has been re-established and protective wildlife habitats are formed. The ultimate goal is to have parks that enable visitors to enjoy and understand the delicate balance of nature.

Lake Management & Fishing

Several parks feature fishing lakes and fishing piers for all ages to enjoy! The lakes abound with a variety of fish including largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. To curb aquatic vegetation, sterile grass carp have been introduced throughout park lakes. Only manually powered watercraft are allowed on the lakes with the exception of Tribble Mill Park, where battery powered motors are allowed.

All lakes within the Gwinnett County parks system follow current Georgia Department of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations. The following Gwinnett County park locations offer fishing lakes: Tribble Mill Park's Lake Ozora and Lake Chandler, Lenora Park, Little Mulberry Park's Lake Miller, Rhodes Jordan Park, Club Drive Park, and Collins Hill Park.

Geocaching

Geocaching is welcome at Alexander Park, Deshong Park, Freeman's Mill Park, Harbins Park, Jones Bridge Park, LIttle Mulberry Park, McDaniel Farm Park, Ronald Reagan Park, Sweetwater Park, Tribble Mill Park, and Yellow River Park.

In order to protect and preserve vital ecological areas and process geocaching requests efficiently, please complete the permit application. Any geocache placed by individuals or organized groups in a Gwinnett County Park must have an approved permit prior to placement.