The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens, on the east bank of the Middle Oconee River, developed from a University of Georgia proposal in 1967 into a 323-acre public garden, conservation site, and educational center. Strong state backing and private support fueled its growth through the 1970s, and in 1984 the Georgia General Assembly formally designated it the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, helping expand state funding. Its grounds now combine large natural areas with cultivated gardens, specialty collections, and the Alice H. Richards Children's Garden. Beyond display gardening, it serves Georgia through research, public programs, conservation work, and habitat restoration initiatives.