Welcome The 330 acres designated as Thompson Mills Forest were deeded to the University of Georgia in 1980 by Lenox T. Thornton, of Braselton, Georgia. The forest was named in honor of the Thompson Mills community, a prominent agricultural center at the turn of the century. Mr. Thornton donated the land to: * provide teaching and research opportunities to the students and researchers in dendrology, ecology, silviculture and forest biology. * establish an arboretum of native and exotic trees * provide Georgia citizens and visitors an opportunity to study and enjoy the abundant plants of the refion Through the efforts of Dr. Claud Brown, founder of the Thompson Mills Forest, the Georgia State Legislature designated Thompson Mills as the State's official arboretum in 1991. see map. THOMPSON MILLS FOREST & ARBORETUM SPECIES ESTABLISHMENT AND SURVIVAL INFORMATION (ANGIOSPERMS) - pdf THOMPSON MILLS FOREST & ARBORETUM SPECIES ESTABLISHMENT AND SURVIVAL INFORMATION (GYMNOSPERMS) - pdf What is PDF? You'll need to download the free software here. Features The Eva Thompson Thornton Memorial Garden The Eva Thompson Thornton Memorial Garden lies at the entrance to the Forest. It is named in memory of Lenox T. Thornton's mother, who encouraged his appreciation of trees and nature. The garden includes more than 100 species of native and ornamental trees. The Eva Thompson Thornton Garden brochure introduces visitors to several of the garden's interesting plants.

Lenox Thompson Thornton Eva Thompson Thornton Dr. Claud Brown

Native Tree Collection Since 1980 more than 100 species have been added to the 80 native species already present in the forest. Currently the collection includes 90 percent of the native trees of Georgia. Click here for the native tree trail walk.

Pinetum The pinetum has one of the most varied and valuable collections of gymnosperms in North America. It includes all the native conifers of Georgia and more than 100 species of gymnosperms from 27 countries. The collection is valuable for students and researchers in fields franging from dendrology to tissue culture and ecology. Granite Outcrop The 8 acre granite outcrop occupies one of the forest's ridge tops. The outcrop supports a host of unique and interesting plants including several rare and threatened plants. Trails Several miles of pedestrian only trails provide easy walking and access to the Native Tree Collection and the Pinetum. Plant lists are available for the trails and arboretum