This spring, on Friday afternoons, a cohort of students from the University of Georgia, along with their professor, would depart campus, traversing Broad Street to the Beech Haven site, prepared to evaluate its historical grounds.

Beech Haven, initially exceeding 200 acres, was acquired by the Rowland family in 1912. The family and their descendants constructed numerous additional buildings and gardens, including residences, a retreat for Presbyterian ministers, pathways, bridges, and more. UGA College of Environment and Design professor Cari Goetcheus, a specialist in historic preservation and particularly in historical landscapes, has been examining the property since 2012, contributing to the exploration of the land’s history and how it has been utilized by previous generations.

“It’s been incredibly enlightening to witness and experience how each individual from these families has interacted with the same location in diverse manners,” Goetcheus remarked. “It reinforces the idea that places significantly influence individuals, which is why I am committed to preserving them.”

Over the past 120 years, Beech Haven has undergone substantial transformation. Recently, Athens-Clarke County has acquired six parcels within the location, and the county’s 2020 SPLOST initiative sanctioned the development of a comprehensive plan for a public green space. To assist in shaping that plan, Goetcheus and her students are evaluating the property’s historic features.

“Research conducted by UGA regarding flora and fauna will aid the user group developing the master plan,” stated Alex Bond, Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Assistant Director.

Lucy Rowland, a relative who possesses land adjacent to the Athens-Clarke County-owned property, mentioned that UGA students have had a longstanding connection to the area, studying and appreciating the picturesque, wooded environment. Landscape architecture students even resided in the summer home for a duration during spring and fall semesters.

“It was beneficial, as the students were learning from individuals who were familiar with the family and the property,” Rowland expressed. “The measurements [that Goetcheus’ students are taking] are vital for assessing a piece of land and understanding how it was utilized.”

Besides aiding the county’s planning endeavors, the practical experiences of UGA students facilitate the acquisition of essential skills that enhance their academic education.

“I’m relishing the experience of learning how to conserve history and present it to the public in an understandable manner,” shared McKenna White, a Double Dawg student partaking in the course. “There are aspects in Athens that students remain unaware of. I passed by [this property] frequently without knowing its significance. Suddenly, we find ourselves back here, and it’s stunning.”

Goetcheus’ research represents one of many partnerships between UGA faculty and Athens-Clarke County’s Leisure Services Department. UGA researchers investigate topics ranging from urban coyotes to zoo animals to water quality. While the research subjects vary, Bond highlighted that studies conducted in Athens can provide insight for daily county management, steer future initiatives, or establish a foundation for securing future funding.

These initiatives bolster faculty scholarship and aid in preparing students for careers and life beyond academia. For Goetcheus’ students, their experiences at Beech Haven are crucial to their success in historic preservation courses and their professional futures.

“It’s absolutely vital to their comprehension of place and time,” Goetcheus remarked. “They can read about it and observe it on maps, but until they traverse that steep terrain, they cannot grasp the emotional bond a family has to the land.”

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