The next time you’re marveling at the ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs or standing in awe of the place known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon," you might want to whisper a simple “thank you" to President Jimmy Carter.

Jimmy Carter’s legacy includes working to eradicate tropical diseases in Africa, South America and Asia and to end conflicts in places like Syria, Israel and Sudan. But the late former president’s efforts also live on in the wild places of his native Georgia that he worked as governor and president to protect.

Former President Jimmy Carter is being taken on his final trip to Georgia after thousands of mourners paid their final respects to the 39th president and his state funeral service was held at Washington’s National Cathedral.