The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University has relocated the historic Oak Grove Schoolhouse to make way for a new educational greenhouse and expanded plant nursery facilities. The move marks a significant step in the Garden’s long-term vision to enhance environmental education, preserve native plant collections, and create an immersive visitor experience.
Originally built in the 1800s, the Oak Grove Schoolhouse, donated to Georgia Southern by Ms. Jan Anderson, has stood as a testament to rural Georgia's educational heritage. Its new home, at the edge of the South Woods, will transform the historic structure into a welcoming gateway entrance to this unique ecological preserve.
“The schoolhouse relocation is not just a logistical move—it’s symbolic of our deep commitment to honoring history while cultivating the future,” said Todd Beasley, Director of the Botanic Garden. “This project allows us to better utilize our space to educate the next generation about plants, sustainability, and the ecosystems that make our region special. We are a working garden first and foremost, but the move will allow us to balance and embrace components such as the schoolhouse, which is not original to our site.”
The South Woods, an integral part of the Garden, suffered damage during Hurricane Helene. Restoration plans are now being conceptualized, with an emphasis on enhancing the area’s natural biodiversity. The Garden will place special focus on its collection of native azaleas and other members of the Ericaceae plant family—such as sparkleberry, native blueberries, and the endangered Georgia Plume (Elliottia racemosa)—which are rapidly disappearing in Bulloch County due to the fast pace of habitat destruction.
In tandem, the upcoming educational greenhouse, funded by the Leadership and Community Engagement’s Sustainability Project Grant through student fees will increase propagation capacity for native and regionally-adapted plants.
This facility will serve as a living laboratory for Georgia Southern students and a resource for home gardeners and conservationists throughout the Southeast. “When you unpeel the layers, all STEAM careers begin with a connection to the outdoors and this facility will serve as a warm, welcoming, and safe introduction to nature.”
“The relocation and redevelopment project represents the Garden’s evolving role as a hub for environmental stewardship, historical preservation, and experiential learning,” Beasley said.
The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern invites the public to follow the progress of the schoolhouse move and future development projects through its website and social media channels.
