Charles H. Wharton papers, 1946-2003

Summary

Creator:
Wharton, Charles H.
Date:
1946-2003
Extent:
23 box(es)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Charles H. Wharton papers, UA16-008, University of Georgia Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The Charles H. Wharton papers are comprised primarily of Dr. Wharton's correspondence, journals, notes, sketches, maps, articles, and publications relating to his investigations and research of a wide range of natural history topics together with a concentration on health and nutrition research. He is best known for his pioneering work The Natural Environments of Georgia.

Biographical / historical:

Charles H. Wharton was an ecologist who served as a research associate at the University of Georgia's Institute of Ecology from 1981 until his death in 2003. Prior to his UGA career, he spent 20 years researching and teaching at Georgia State University. His best known work is The Natural Environments of Georgia, published in 1978. In the 1960s and '70s, Wharton successfully led the fight against channelization of the Alcovy River. His efforts not only saved the Alcovy but also led to changes in federal policies concerning channelization nationwide.

In 1966, Wharton developed the Georgia Natural Areas Council, which conducted the most comprehensive survey of Georgia's natural areas and identified places worthy of preservation such as Ossabaw Island, Panola Mountain, Sprewell Bluff, Pumpkinvine Creek, and Talking Rock Creek — all of which were eventually preserved. Later in his life, as chair of the Preservation 2000 Council, Wharton helped protect more than 103,000 acres of natural habitats. In 1992, the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) named Wharton Conservationist of the Year.

For more than 40 years, Dr. Wharton made his home in the Georgia mountains on a 129-acre unique tract of land at the headwaters of the Tallulah River. There, he studied and wrote about the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians. Upon his death, Wharton left his land to the GWF to manage. In doing so, the GWF established the Wharton Conservation Center to protect the land and make it available for education and research projects.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Charles H. Wharton papers, UA16-008, University of Georgia Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.