Get your Scouting On at Chattahoochee Nature Center
By Mark Gialanella, Education Programs Supervisor
The Chattahoochee Nature Center has a long history of being part of scouting activities in the Atlanta area. From offering badge programs for Cub and Girl Scout programs to offering in-depth merit badge programs for Boy Scouts, CNC has unique resources for scouts to learn and earn badges. While earning badges may be the first opportunity that comes to mind within the long-standing relationship CNC has with scouting, many other opportunities exist to be involved with scouting at CNC.
Scouts can also consider CNC as a place to complete volunteer projects for a Girl Scout Gold Award or a Boy Scout Eagle Scout project. Some examples of projects that have been completed at CNC include a firewood rack, a bee hotel for helping resident pollinators, new benches on the grounds, audio, and video projects, and informative tours and displays. All projects are guided by CNC staff members collaborating directly with the scout to achieve their goals.
In addition, one of the hallmarks of scouting programming is CNC’s merit badge program and scout nights. We offer Merit badge programs including Canoeing, Mammal Study, Nature, and Environmental Science. Our certified merit badge counselors are comprised of some of our talented staff naturalists who look forward to working with your scouts on these in-depth programs. Our scout nights are also great opportunities to experience CNC at night and participate in nighttime activities such as night hikes, nocturnal animal demos, and a campfire. Our Will Alexander Memorial Scholarship program for Cub Scouts funds our annual Webelos Campout, which takes place every fall. Troops who qualify may also receive scholarships toward badge programs.
Atlanta area scouts have been very involved with CNC and the nature center is very grateful for scouts’ participation in the opportunities CNC offers. There is always something happening at CNC for scouts to be a part of, from badge programs to volunteer projects, or achieving an Eagle or Gold award through a project on our grounds. CNC is proud to be part of developing youth through scouting. We look forward to continuing our relationship with scouting and being a resource for scouts to connect with nature.
Please visit the CNC website for more information on scouting opportunities.
>> Wind-Powered Art
And lastly, stop by our “nature frames” as you head toward the Kingfisher and Beaver Pond intersection – these frames remind us that it’s all about perspective. What may be beautiful to you may be different from what someone else finds “frame worthy”. Slow down and take time to appreciate the beauty all around you, for inspiration is everywhere.
Enjoy summer canoe trips until CNC’s fall canoe trips begin in September. On these trips, our skilled naturalists will guide you on a 2.5-hour journey exploring our scenic wetlands that are unique to metro Atlanta. Throughout this leisurely tour, you will learn interesting facts about the Chattahoochee River and the plants and wildlife that call the river their home. In addition, you will learn what makes the wetland ecosystem so unique and why having a healthy river is so important for all Georgia residents. Not only does the experience give visitors breathtaking views of nature, but it will provide you with the skills that you need to paddle on Beaver Pond, on the Chattahoochee River, and any other areas that you may choose to explore.
One of our most popular canoe experiences is “Family Canoe Day”. This introduction to canoeing takes place at Beaver Pond so it is the best option for young children, first-time paddlers, or adults who need a refresher on the sport. CNC’s canoe guides spend time going providing instruction on paddling techniques and equipment. Admission to CNC is included when you register for a Family Canoe Day, so we recommend that you bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the nature center grounds afterward. The Chattahoochee Nature has a wide variety of activities that you can enjoy as a family so we suggest making a day of it! There are over 127 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands for you to explore. It is also a great place to spot some of Georgia’s local wildlife. If you and your family are hoping to add some extra excitement to your day, you can soar through the air on the Soaring Eagle zipline. For the zipline experience, you must reserve your spot in advance at https://cncziplines.com/.
Maybe instead of a family fun day, you’re looking for a chance to unwind and spend some time with someone special. For this type of experience, “Date Night on the River” is the best option for you. Before you begin this romantic evening, we encourage guests to bring a picnic dinner. You must be at least 21 years old to register for a date night. What better way to reconnect with one another, than to be paddling your way through picturesque views, listening to the sounds of the river, and helping each other along this journey. If you are looking for a chance to see the river on a Friday evening complete with a beautiful sunset but would prefer to bring a friend or family member, you can feel free to register for this event also.
Spring officially arrived with the vernal equinox. It is often seen as a time of renewal as the seasons change and the landscape begins to turn green all around you. Trees show off their new bright green leaves, plants emerge from the ground, and buds begin to form. All of these things are triggered by longer days and warmer temperatures. Spring Break happens right around the start of spring and is a week off from school responsibilities. Families feel like they can officially kick off the season and recharge for the remaining few months of the school year.
Along with visiting the grounds, 
All of us at the CNC want to thank you for helping keep our admissions process safe by making a reservation prior to your visit. We appreciate your patience as we have worked to learn the reservation system, and your feedback has helped us to make improvements over time. 
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