The Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary is located entirely within the City of Clarkston. It is 18.5 acres of park land located off E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, approximately ½ mile north of the Clarkston central business district.
In 2002, Clarkston City Council designated this area as a Greenspace. Therefore, it can only be used for wetland protection and passive outdoor recreational activities. These include hiking, running, jogging, biking, and walking. Then, in 2004, the Council used Greenspace Program funding to buy 2.84 more acres. The area was then established as a Bird Sanctuary in order to protect local wildlife.
In 2015, the City began a three year process of redeveloping this valuable green space. Through resident input the “Friendship Forest Master Plan” was created and the City exercised its powers under the Urban Redevelopment Law in 2017, in order to obtain funding to implement the “Master Plan.” Improvement included new restrooms, a pavilion, interpretive signage, boardwalks, parking lot/lighting and enhancements to the wetlands area. Renovations are completed so Come Enjoy Nature.
Friendship Forest is a tranquil, quiet place to walk, look for birds and other wildlife, and to just relax and enjoy the beautiful nature Clarkston has to offer
To view the Friendship Forest Master Plan, click here.