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Autry Mill leaders outline history, attractions and funding need to the Johns Creek parks committee
Summary
Autry Mill Nature Preserve leaders told the Johns Creek Parks & Recreation committee about the preserve's history, exhibits and programs, and said summer camps and special events are their main revenue sources while requesting city help with marketing and partnerships.
Autry Mill Nature Preserve’s executive director, Liza Hayes, and board president Mary Jo Malani briefed the Johns Creek Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee on Feb. 19 about the preserve’s history, current programs and financial pressures.
“My name is Liza Hayes. I’m the executive director at Autry Mill Nature Preserve,” Hayes said as she opened the presentation and described the preserve’s origins, historical structures and ongoing conservation work. Malani, the Otter Veil board president, described the Green Country Store, the farm museum and preserved artifacts that underpin the site’s historical exhibits.
The presenters emphasized the preserve’s educational and recreational offerings: a redeveloped butterfly and pollinator garden, a 1.3-mile loop of new trails, animal programs with Nigerian dwarf goats and a new amphitheater intended to host ticketed events. Hayes said summer camps provide the largest share of income, with rentals and ticketed events contributing additional revenue.
Malani and Hayes said staffing and pay pressure have strained operations. “In order to keep our wonderful group of employees, we need to make sure that we pay them appropriately or we’re going to lose them,” Malani said, explaining why the preserve is pursuing diversified programming and new fundraising ideas, including a gala and expanded Spooky Mill fundraising in October.
Committee members pressed for concrete steps the city could take. Staff noted existing policy allows city channels to promote partner organizations when partners supply content; committee members proposed a focused marketing project and membership drives to increase visibility and earned revenue. Hayes welcomed assistance and said Autry Mill is preparing events (including an Earth Day food-truck day and an amphitheater concert series) to attract broader audiences.
The committee agreed to explore targeted support from parks staff and communications channels to boost Autry Mill’s outreach and acknowledged the preserve’s role as a unique Johns Creek cultural and environmental asset.
