The Nature Conservancy is leading an effort to establish the South River Forest Park to preserve and restore 3,500 acres of forest cover and green space in south metro Atlanta. At the same time, there is an acute shortage of affordable housing in this part of Atlanta, which is predominantly lower income and African American. This exploratory discussion addresses land use and demographic changes in the south river “vision area” since 1960, factors contributing to the South River Forest concept, and considerations of how best to integrate affordable housing into this preservation and restoration