In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we have been recognizing our volunteers and all of the great work that they do at CNC. Today we wanted to highlight the Unity Garden volunteers.
The Unity Garden provides a necessary service in its production and donation of fresh, healthy produce to members of our surrounding community through North Fulton Community Charities. The Unity Garden has supplied over 10 tons of produce since it began! In this article, Jacqueline McRae, Grounds Manager and Horticulturalist provide some insight into what being a Unity Garden volunteer is all about and how it benefits our community.
Big smiles as a longtime volunteer exclaimed “I just harvested my first ever cabbages!”.
This group of volunteers treasures their time working in the Unity Garden. They unanimously agree that nobody should go hungry and they are more than happy to give up a couple of hours a week to help with weeding, planting, and harvesting.
When asked why they volunteer with us they gave a million good reasons, including but not limited to:
“This is where I get my gardening fix”
“I needed to get out”
“I can’t wait to see the phenomenal summer harvest”
“The celebrity status when I arrive at the Foodbank with the produce we grew”.
One volunteer who was a former teacher shared that it is rewarding to see the visiting children get excited about the vegetable garden and to see their faces when they learn where the food is going. Opportunity abounds for learning and teaching as well as for getting dirt under your fingernails, which may not be possible at home.
These volunteers are proud of the super fresh food that is picked in the morning and on a dinner table by evening. Camaraderie is high on the list of reasons to be cheerful about volunteering, even in the hot summers and cold winter months.
We would like to thank the Unity Garden volunteers including those new to gardening and the seasoned gardeners for keeping the Unity Garden productive, tidy, educational, fun, and weed-free. The volunteers share a true sense of purpose and for some in retirement, a renewed sense of belonging to a meaningful and dedicated group.
New ADA accessible Boardwalk River Trail, ramp, and canoe launch
There is greater access to the river for populations with varying abilities on our new and improved River Boardwalk Trail which includes a new ADA accessible boardwalk and ramp as well as a canoe launch that is open for all to enjoy! We asked Rick Hirsekorn, Board Trustee and Project Manager, and Alicia Thompson, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement to fill us in on how accessibility is improved on the boardwalk, ramp, and canoe launch.
On the north side of Willeo Road, beginning at the Ben Brady Pavilion and proceeding towards the Pedestrian Bridge, the ramped slopes between 1:20 (5%) and 1:12 (8.33%) and have level 5‘ wide landings at no more than 30’ ramp run intervals. The remainder of the ramp leading up to the bridge is less than a 1:20 (5%) slope, so no need for any landings!
On the south side of Willeo Road, the ramp section immediately south of the Pedestrian Bridge (between the Pedestrian Bridge and the overlook platform) is greater than 1:20 (5%) slope but less than 30’ in length, and the Overlook Platform serves as a landing. From the Overlook Platform down to the boardwalk, the slope is less than 1:20 (5%), so there is no need for any landings.
Our supplementary ramp adjacent to and south of the Ben Brady Pavilion is NOT ADA-compliant, due to the slope of the concrete entrance ramp, and is to be utilized when not accessing the ramp from the Ben Brady Pavilion. The ADA-accessible concrete ramp from the area adjacent to the drinking fountain up to the pavilion is the beginning of our ADA-accessible path. One then enters the ramp to the bridge at the corner of the Ben Brady Pavilion and the pathway is then ADA-accessible all the way up to and across the bridge and then down to the boardwalk. The boardwalk itself is less than 1:20 (5%) slope at any point and so is ADA-accessible in its entirety.
On the riverfront side of the River Boardwalk Trail, CNC hosts a private canoe launch where all CNC river adventures begin. The updated, ADA-inspired accessible canoe launch features a deck from which all guests access the river. A wide ramp with grab bars allows canoes to slide into the river without having guests walk in the wetland mud. Should a guest have mobility issues or use a wheelchair, the ramp includes a transfer bench. The bench is designed to allow for ease of movement from a seated position down into a canoe. Guests use the overhead grab bar and ease themselves across 3 low steps and down into a canoe.
To exit the river, a mechanical winch provides an easy way to pull guests with limited mobility up the ramp and back to the main deck. We can’t wait for you to explore the new River Boardwalk Trail!
Volunteers work hard to provide service to the community and help make a difference in society’s many challenges. CNC is especially grateful to our many volunteers who help keep us going all through the year. They do it all by creating programs, assisting visitors, wearing costumes, mailing envelopes, tending to campers, leading hikes, and growing healthy food. During National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, we want to celebrate and honor the volunteers that give their time and talents to CNC!
In this volunteer spotlight, we would like to focus on our volunteers in the education department. Christie Hill, Naturalist Manager at CNC gave rave reviews for her volunteers, Lauren and Anna.
Read on to find out Christie’s thoughts on her talented volunteers.
Lauren and Anna have been amazing additions to our Education Team this school year! I have continued to be impressed by their innovation and commitment to sustainability. These young environmentalists are not just thinking or talking about these weighty concepts, but their chosen lifestyles make them role models for their peers.
Lauren is thoughtful, determined, and takes on any project with quiet fervor. She has researched many areas of consumerism and choices we could be making in our daily lives. She is up to date on the current best practices in recycling and has given us a game plan for improving our methods.
Anna has her own sandwich-making business to support needy communities. She is passionate about marine ecology, enjoys researching the wildlife here, and builds on her knowledge of sustainability for the earth and oceans.
It has been a pleasure to have their ideas and hopeful spirits here, in sync with the values of the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Anna and Lauren have found their experiences as volunteers to be valuable and rewarding.
Find out how Lauren described her experience as a volunteer.
Spending every summer for the past decade at Camp Barney Medintz, an outdoor sleepaway camp in Cleveland, GA, provided me with many positive memories of nature. Free of phones and air conditioning, each summer I embarked on many adventures through the mountains – from creek hikes to a three-day hiking trip through the first stretch of the Appalachian trail to spending a full twenty-four hours alone on a campsite. These solidified my love of the outdoors. When I was thirteen, I had a counselor who came to every meal equipped with a metal bowl and cutlery, and she spent that entire summer spreading her passion for sustainability. Slowly but surely, the respect I had for her ignited my passion for the environment. I started to love nature not only for my memories of it but also for its tranquility and the safety it provided from the often-loud world; I started to question the overconsumption I had committed and the glutenous culture I had perpetuated; most importantly, I started a journey to save the environment, one small step at a time. Now, I am a senior in high school aspiring to further this mission through a career in Environmental Policy.
The logical first step for me was interning at CNC, so I could witness an organization that gets people to care about the environment. Interning at CNC has been my first time in a formal workplace, and I could not imagine a better first experience. I have experienced the workplace culture firsthand, introducing me to the inclusive, nature-focused environment the staff and volunteers create. I have learned about and interacted with the animals, plants, and ecosystems at CNC, while also exploring broader environmental concerns, like plastics, recycling, and pollution. Beyond this, I now understand the myriad of paths that brought the staff members and volunteers to CNC, their similar passions for the environment and educating others about it, and a variety of professional and life skills. This internship, which started as a method for cultivating my sustainability passion in a real-world setting, has equipped me with new knowledge and values that I know I will carry into my future pursuits. I am so grateful for the well-informed, kind people with whom I have had the privilege of interacting, and I cannot wait to learn even more throughout the rest of my internship.
Now we will learn more about Anna and what led her to become a volunteer here.
As a senior at North Springs High School, I am involved in the National Honors Society, National Spanish Honors Society, the Talented and Gifted program, the Environmental Awareness Club, and I am the president of the Sandwich Club. The Sandwich Club is an extension of the nonprofit The Sandwich Project in which people from the metro Atlanta area make sandwiches for those in need of hearty meals. I also enjoy being on the varsity swim and tennis team! All my life, I have been so interested in the natural world, and in recent years I have become interested in the concept of conservation and sustainability. The Chattahoochee Nature has been the perfect environment for me to explore my interests while also helping out with the nonprofit and giving back to the community! I get to learn about the different animals that we rehabilitate, work on programs for the scouts to learn about sustainability, and overall just be surrounded by people who focus on our local environment! It has been the best experience and I plan to continue learning about these topics at the University Of Georgia next year while I major in Environmental Economics and Management!
Thank you Lauren and Anna for giving so much to CNC and we cannot wait to celebrate your successes in life!
Join us in congratulating Wildlife Technician Jeremy Maneyapanda on passing the GA Department of Natural Resources Rehabilitation exam for raptors and reptiles.
Jeremy Maneyapanda joined the Chattahoochee Nature Center Wildlife Rehabilitation Department less than a year ago and he has been a wonderful addition to the team. He has had a love of animals since he was a kid and he has worked professionally in animal care and husbandry for many years.
Learn more about Jeremy and what led him to CNC!
What sparked your interest to work with animals?
Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to work with animals. I graduated from Cornell University in 1997 with a BS in Biological Sciences in Ecology and Systematics, under the guise of going to Vet school thereafter. However, 4 years of college took its toll, so I opted to get a job at the Buffalo Zoo as an animal keeper. It blossomed from there. Worked at Buffalo Zoo for 4 years, working with every species in the zoo. I moved to Georgia in 2001 and was Facility Manager at Kangaroo Conservation Center until 2012. They were an AZA-accredited zoological facility that operated as an attraction, farm, and exotic animal facility. Aquariums were always a passion of mine, so I moved into the professional aquarium industry in 2012 until my time started here.
Why did you become a volunteer at CNC?
While working in the aquarium industry, I started volunteering at local organizations, such as the Atlanta Humane Society, Children’s Hospital, and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory. However, my schedule changed and these places did not offer volunteer opportunities on weekends. One day while working for the aquarium business, we got a call from Henning and Kathryn regarding servicing a pump on the River system in the Discovery Center. In conducting this service, I was able to chat with Kathryn about what the Center does, its philosophy, and actually how similar this type of job was to my work experience. It only made perfect sense for me to then decide to volunteer here, as weekends were an option for me.
Was there a specific thing that made you want to go from volunteer to wildlife technician on staff?
Bluntly, the aquarium industry was not very personally fulfilling. It involved a lot of sales and certainly did have aspects of husbandry involved, but it took an emotional debt for sure. I had certainly missed working hands-on with exotic animals and their care. In volunteering, Kathryn happened to mention in passing the opening for Wildlife Technician, and I casually responded that if another opening ever occurred, to let me know. About a week later, she sent a text asking me to submit a resume.
Can you share some of the requirements for becoming a licensed raptor and reptile rehabilitator?
First and foremost, any wildlife rehabilitator must get the proper licensing and permits from the Georgia State Department of Natural Resources. This process is a great primer for making sure that someone would understand the nuances of wildlife care and rehabilitation. Furthermore, it is the law to get such permits. There are a lot of very caring, philanthropic people who really want to help wildlife, but in situations like this, there are too many details, requirements, and technicalities that most people cannot accommodate. Luckily, CNC has an outstanding, state-of-the-art facility ideal for rehabilitating and caring for these animals. In addition to the extensive credentials and experience of the staff, the contacts, consulting professionals, and facility capabilities make this rehabilitation best prepared for success in that task. We are always learning and honing our skills to be better at what we do!
What are some of the challenges of being a licensed rehabilitator?
It is certainly a lot of hard, subjective work. I think a lot of people have a misconception that our job is a lot of playing with animals. I often tell people, we usually do not see healthy animals to start. We get in wildlife in need of rehabilitation. From injury, trauma, natural events, or even human involvement. And unfortunately, we don’t speak their language and they don’t speak English! They don’t celebrate holidays or birthdays or weekends, and if a problem arises, we need to act, no matter what time, day, or condition. Wild animals, by nature, hide their injuries and illnesses to not be targeted by predators. So this is where the subjective, analytical, problem solving aspect of our job comes into play. We must figure out what’s wrong, calculate a plan for recovery, enact it, monitor it, adjust as needed, and monitor as we go. Our job is to try to help them recover fully, so that they may released to the wild, and then continue their bloodlines by reproducing. Sadly, this is not always successful. As we see animals in their worst state, some animals require us to humanly release them from their injuries and suffering. Some, we try our best to rehab, but our efforts aren’t enough. It is an, unfortunately, a requirement of our job that we are prepared for any situation, and any outcome.
What do you look forward to when you come to work each day?
I am very lucky to have two great colleagues to learn from and work with, Kathryn and Dawn. I learn from them every single day. I’m pretty sure we bounce thousands of questions and scenarios off each other every day in order to come up with a good consensus on the dilemma at hand. However, probably the greatest thing for me to experience as a rehabilitator is the actual release of animals. I’ve spent the past 25 years caring for animals in captivity. Trying to make their lives as best they can be in captive care. But, it wasn’t until coming here that I discovered the enormous final step in this care; in releasing a healthy animal back to its home. The sense of joy and well-being that comes from this is quite astounding. Animals will always be held in captivity, oftentimes out of necessity. And we will always do them right by providing the best care possible. But, in the event, the animal is rehabilitated, and then released to thrive, breed, and return to nature, I get an immense fulfillment from that.
What would you tell someone that has a love for animals and is interested in rehabilitation?
Certainly, get your foot in the door working with exotics and animals care and their medicine. This may be through formal education, volunteering at a facility or vet clinic, or even just self-involved education like reading. This is the greatest way to actually experience the ups and downs of what this path is like, and whether or not it’s a realistic fit for you.
Camp Kingfisher’s premier adventure-based camp for rising 8th and 9th graders
After a 2 year break, the Camp Kingfisher Travel Program is BACK!
The Travel Program is Camp Kingfisher’s premier adventure-based camp for rising 8th and 9th graders. Day trips are packed with fun, personal challenges, and learning to support a team of peers. Travel Program Campers will have fun exploring some of the natural wonders in Georgia and surrounding states, some sample trips include hiking in North Georgia, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and urban biking.
Each 2-week session will be packed full of both water and land adventures.
Hear from teens that participated in the Travel Program and are now part of the High School Leadership in Training Program.
As a teen you often get a voice in how you spend your summers, why did you choose the travel program?
“I had many friends way back when we were campers who had done Travel Program, and they all talked about how amazing it was. Also, just the idea of doing camp and traveling at the same time was very appealing.” – Addison
“I love the environment at Camp and meeting new people. Travel Program is so different and special because we go on a different adventure everyday.” – Kate
What was your most memorable experience at the Travel Program?
“The camping trip for sure. Everyone had become friends with each other by that point and it was so amazing experiencing MY first time camping with a bunch of people who had become my best friends. I still have pictures to this day from TP in general.” – Addison
“The most memorable thing I experienced during Travel Program was caving. I will always remember suiting up and going in for the first time and climbing along the cave.” – Kate
Tell us about your favorite trip- which could be different than your most memorable experience.
“I don’t remember exactly which trip it was but we went to this HUGE water hole, that had these waterfalls and ginormous rock walls going so so high up. It was one of the first trips we went on and it was my favorite because that’s when everyone started becoming friends, not just like a group of people traveling together.” – Addison
“My favorite trip was when we biked along the Belt Line. I loved that we had a picnic and the bus rides to and from were always so much fun.” – Kate
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during your time in this program?
“I learned A LOT of social skills that I didn’t have before, because you would be thrown into a group of people that you’d have to stick with whether you know them or not. It really gives you an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and socialize with loads of different people.” – Addison
“I have learned and tried so many new things from Travel Program. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone but it was totally worth it!” – Kate
Why would you recommend this program to others?
“Well for starters it’s fun, but it also kind of gives you the feel for what your LIT years may be like, in the sense that you’re older and are with a bunch of people your age that you need to bond with. I feel that Travel Program was super beneficial in my maturing and skill sets that are SO IMPORTANT for being a LIT.” – Addison
“I recommend Travel for anybody interested because it made my summer ten times more fun and adventurous!” – Kate
Any advice for new teens coming into the travel program?
“Go out of your comfort zone, and make friends with EVERYONE. The experience is so so much better when you share it with everyone in the group opposed to just a few friends.” – Addison
“My best advice for upcoming teens into the Travel Program is to be yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things!” – Kate
Here at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, we are fortunate to have an amazing team of volunteers and staff that are focused on CNC’s mission to connect people with nature. One volunteer group that is not often heard about but is very active behind the scenes is the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the Board of Trustees at CNC is to advise, govern, and oversee policy and direction always with the mission in mind. Clarence Jackson has been on the Board of Trustees since 2016. He has served as Vice-Chair and currently serves as the Chair leading the 30-member volunteer team made up of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and individuals.
Clarence works at Cox Enterprises, a privately held global conglomerate, and is the Senior Director Sustainable Supply Chain and Business Operations. The roots were put down many years ago that led him to CNC to join the Board of Trustees and serve as the Chair. We recently spent time getting to know Clarence better regarding his background, what drives him, and what he sees in the future for CNC.
What is your background and how did it lead to becoming part of the Board of Trustees at CNC?
I joined Cox Enterprises working at the Atlanta Journal Constitution in 2011 and immediately began to find ways to be involved with environmental sustainability issues and to give back by participating in Habitat for Humanity builds, EarthShare, and other events where Cox gives. I joined the Environmental Council at Cox and was part of a group of people that gave advice and opinions on what Cox was doing from a social and environmental governance standpoint.
As my involvement in environmental issues and giving back was noticed, people began to ask, “What are you doing formally?” and “Are you on any boards?”. I started thinking about giving back at a higher level and more strategically to a specific organization.
Through a process of evaluating organizations with open spots, it was the onsite tour of CNC that sealed the deal. I learned about the amazing programs and saw firsthand how CNC connects people with nature every day. They aligned with the values of Cox Enterprises, the AJC and most importantly the priorities in my life were in line with CNC’s mission. I felt like I could add a lot of value and support to the organization through my strengths in management, leadership, and organizational change.
How long have you been on the Board of Trustees at CNC?
I joined the Board of Trustees in September 2016 and was Vice President from October 2018 to October 2020. I became the Chair of the Board of Trustees in October 2020 and when it expires in 2022 the current Vice-Chair, Nick Diluzio will become the chair.
It can be stressful and challenging, but I am always willing to take on more. I will always choose to lean in and support the organization or drive change. A perfect example was during COVID. Initially, our primary goal was to make sure everyone, including kids, staff, and visitors, were both physically and mentally safe. The first step was deciding to shut down for an extended period, but the challenges and decisions that continue to be a part of doing business during a pandemic are still impacting CNC.
Working through hard times will always make you stronger and I have gotten much more out of my time volunteering on the Board of Trustees than I have put in. I am grateful for the diversity of the people on the board as well as the staff and the community that CNC serves. I am a better contributor and director at Cox because of my experiences at CNC.
What does being part of the Chattahoochee Nature Center mean to you?
I grew up in a rural part of Dayton, Ohio and while I got to experience being outside, I went to the City of Dayton schools where most teachers and students were African American and did not get to experience nature past concrete sidewalks and streets. CNC’s partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and the scholarships available to Title 1 schools really hit home. I wanted to be part of something that connected kids that would never normally see the river, walk in the woods, or see a snake up close with nature.
One of the long-term goals for Cox Enterprises is to positively impact 34 million people by 2034. It makes me want to help CNC positively impact as many people as they can. Through the visitors to CNC as well as the business that CNC may work within the community. Throughout the Capital Campaign construction project, we have made sure to have a diverse group of contractors that include minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. CNC can positively impact people by connecting them with nature through exploring trails, getting on the river, and the health benefits of spending time outside. I want everyone to have that opportunity because I know how much better it makes me and my family feel.
What do you hope to accomplish as the Chair of the Board of Trustees?
The biggest strength that I bring to the board is in business operations and strategy. I can support the board and Natasha as the CEO/President through the Capital Campaign, transitions, safety issues, operations, and truly be a partner with her. I come to CNC events and meetings as often as I can to support her and the CNC staff.
How does your position at Cox Enterprises help you as a Board of Trustees member?
My position at Cox focuses on sustainability and business operations focusing on environmental and social governance. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present population without compromising the ability of future populations to meet its needs.
How can Cox be more sustainable in their purchasing and become more environmentally sustainable? A change leader will drive teams to integrate fieldwork and operations to change the way we do things. We help supply teams to focus on environmental sustainability, responsible sourcing, and diversity in everything that is purchased.
Many of those same principles can apply to operations at CNC. Environmental and social governance is just as important to a non-profit as it is to a large corporation. Cox’s goal to positively impact 34 million people by 2034 became even more important after social issues and equity was brought to the front in the last few years. Through my work on the Board of Trustees, I can be part of impacting people positively.
Tell us about the recent construction on the CNC grounds and the plans for the next phase of the Capital Campaign.
Five years ago, I remember sitting in a meeting and discussing the need for a bridge over Willeo Road. A bridge was needed for safety and accessibility. It was a dream, but how would CNC get there?
We are close to completing Phase I of the construction and the new bridge and River Boardwalk Trail will open in mid-March. It was exciting to see the bridge installed, but I was even more excited and got chills watching the curved ramps leading up to the bridge and down to the boardwalk take shape. The ramps make the River Boardwalk Trail and wetlands truly accessible to everyone. The ability to connect people with nature will grow exponentially!
The next phase of the capital campaign is ambitious, but once people see what CNC can accomplish they will be inspired. We were able to finish raising the money for Phase 1 during COVID with the help of foundations, state funds, and the tenacity of hard-working people that would not take “No” for an answer. That same tenacity will be brought to the fundraising for Phase 2.
The ribbon-cutting in March will be much sweeter knowing how hard everyone worked!
In honor of Black History Month do you have a black naturalist or environmental activist that has inspired you?
There is not one specific person, but people that are educating on environmental issues in communities in Atlanta that may not have had the opportunity to learn why we need to reduce our carbon footprint or plastic consumption. Many times, those communities are not affluent and many times they are minority communities. They are not in a place where they can think about large global issues and how it directly affects their communities.
CNC allows kids in those communities to learn about their watershed, how they can affect their watershed, and how the watershed affects them. Through educational or volunteer opportunities they can link it back to their community. They will be more likely to pick up a piece of trash or not dump oil down a storm drain.
It is important to educate and influence all people no matter where they live to enjoy nature and be led to do things differently or maybe even choose a career in environmental sciences.
What are your favorite ways to spend time outside and connect with nature?
I love to get outside and connect with nature by taking walks with the family and our dogs. We also love to spend time at the river and walk in the woods. There is a peaceful feeling and calmness that overcomes you when you hear squirrels rustling in the leaves, see herons on the river, hear a woodpecker, or even be lucky enough to see a beaver swimming.
I can’t wait to see families and kids of all ages on the new River Boardwalk enjoying being outside and laughing. If you ever have a bad day, just come to CNC and walk around you will see amazement at all things big and small in the eyes of the kids.
I am sure you love all the events at CNC, but do you have a favorite can’t miss event during the year?
One of my favorite events is Corporate EcoChallenge. We all work hard, and it is a chance to get outside and spend time with workmates. It also brings out my competitive side. We are all working together to win. Cox Enterprises won the last Corporate EcoChallenge in 2019 and we are hopeful it will return this year.
I also enjoy any event that is at night at the Ben Brady Pavilion and l am looking forward to events on the River Boardwalk. The lights, music, fresh air make the evening feel magical.
Thank you, Clarence, for taking the time to share your background and your level of commitment to CNC. Sustainability, social governance, and equity are keystones to your career and how you live. You live a life that models how to leave the world better for future generations. We are lucky to have you as a member of the Board of Trustees and a supporter of the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the mission to connect people with nature. Keep your eyes open and you might find Clarence at the next event making a difference for everyone.
Imagine children ambling over the marsh and swamp, past mud holes and Great Blue Herons, among the cattails and the water lilies, and out to the river. No other venue on the Chattahoochee River provides this special vantage point to observe and learn about our natural world.
Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge on Tuesday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge — funded through the generous financial support of the Board of Trustees, CNC staff, individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities — will forever change CNC and how people connect with nature. After nearly forty years of use and the treading of hundreds of thousands of exploring feet, CNC’s 2,000-foot river boardwalk has been restored using state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable materials. One of the most exciting elements of the project is the pedestrian bridge over Willeo Road, which includes ADA-accessible ramps. For the first time, the CNC main campus will connect directly to the River Boardwalk Trail and allow visitors a safe, uninterrupted experience exploring the riverside campus instead of crossing Willeo Road at a crosswalk.
“It’s a game-changer for CNC and the entire community,” said Clarence Jackson, CNC board chair “The River Boardwalk [Trail] and Connection Bridge will provide a conduit for the community to discover the ecology of our area more intimately while fostering a greater understanding of and connection with nature. We are proud to open this space where our community can safely gather to create lasting memories with family and friends. The learning possibilities are endless, and it makes me proud that our supporters were committed to this endeavor. The River Boardwalk Trail offers beautiful vistas of the Chattahoochee River and the surrounding wetlands and will include a ‘River House’ gathering area for enhanced educational and event programming. An improved canoe launch will allow greater access to the river for populations with varying abilities.”
The River Boardwalk Trail will offer the perfect setting for exploration and quiet reflection along the river and the perfect backdrop for intimate receptions or events in a safe, outdoor space.
The River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge was completed through Phase I of CNC’s “Bridging.Teaching.Inspiring.” capital campaign.
The public is invited to attend the Community Grand Opening Day on Sunday, March 20, 2022. This event is generously sponsored by Fulton County and includes free admission for all.
FUN FACTS
>> For almost 50 years, CNC has promoted stewardship of Georgia’s natural resources and provided outdoor recreation opportunities to more than 3 million visitors.
>> CNC’s 127-acre campus is vital to the region serving as the connecting point and gathering spot for community organizations, improving the community’s overall health and well-being, linking individuals to various outdoor recreation opportunities, and, most importantly, educating thousands of students and visitors about the importance of Georgia’s natural resources.
>> CNC is often referred to as a “gateway” to a life-long connection to the outdoors. We provide safe and unique experiences that give individuals the confidence to continue to more robust recreation adventures.
>> CNC‘s campus serves as a critical watershed to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). The nationally certified staff of naturalists provide interpretation and environmental education to further the stewardship of this precious natural resource.
The Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes this year have been some of the best so far since beginning the Enchanted Woodland Trail. The trail this year included some of the most diverse and unique designs that we’ve ever had, which made the competition very stiff.
The results are in and… First place went to house number 28, by Sally Mullikin and son Nick Gellerstedt (age 11), CNC members
Second place went to house number 23, by Holly Kirk and daughter Tori (age 5), CNC Members
Third place went to house number 36, by Katterina Nangle
People’s Choice Award (voted on by CNC visitors at our Enchanted Woodland Wonders event) went to house number 26, Phillip Turner and his 4 granddaughters, CNC Members
First place Winner: House 28
The first-place winners, Sally and Nick, wanted to repurpose broken, used stringed instruments as their fairy houses. Sally makes and repairs stringed instruments, so using the broken cello and violin as their structure is a great use of a beautiful instrument that is used in a different way.
Sally took a tiny, broken child-sized cello to form the main structure of her build. Nick, Sally’s son, took and repurposed a violin for his creation. Both houses are connected to each other with a little bridge. Sally and Nick’s vision was the idea that these broken instruments had been abandoned outside and they were reclaimed by nature. You can discover more details about House 28 here.
Second place: House 23
“We built a hospital for fairies and familiars. When a fairy or an animal friend is injured where do they go? Our hospital of course! The doctors here treat a wide range of patients, including fairies, gnomes, birds, mice, and others. When the hospital is full or if you find an injured animal, we contact Animal Help Now at ahnow.org. Should a patient need a life flight, we have a range of flying animals participating in EARS (Emergency Aerial Rescue Service).”- Holly K.
Third place: House 36
“The fairy princess of the forest will be enthroned in the coming spring. The evil fairies of the forest have other plans and have threatened her life and want to enthrone their own princess. In this scene, we’ll see what the fairies have done to save the life of their future queen. They have frozen the princess by putting her into a deep sleep until next spring. She is being hidden away in an enchanted tree house which is being protected by the fairy guards and small animals of the forest.” – Katterina N.
People’s Choice Award
“Four little sisters dreamed of creating a fairy house complete with the fairy princesses’ little squirrel. And the visitors need to help feed the pet squirrel! Hard work and creative ideas for #26 Fairy House Lane by the sisters.” -Phillip and Debi Turner and their 4 granddaughters: Tinley, Vida, Declan, and Ellis
Don’t forget you can visit the Enchanted Woodland Trail daily through February 28th! Included with general admission and free to CNC Members. Purchase admission tickets in advance to secure a date and time for your visit. Members may also make advanced reservations. Spots are timed and limited, however, we may be able to accommodate walk-ups based on daily visitation. Watch this video to get a glimpse of some of the amazing fairy and gnome houses you can expect to find on the Enchanted Woodland Trail. This is the perfect time to get out in nature and immerse yourself in an enchanting experience that you don’t want to miss!
An important anniversary for Chattahoochee Nature Center is approaching: two years of lifesaving partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. CNC Special Events Director Tamara Kinmon said that LifeSouth blood drives are near and dear to her heart, and that hosting them at CNC gives the community the opportunity to donate. CNC’s dedication and continued partnership has impacted countless lives throughout the community, and they look forward to their upcoming February blood drive.
CNC hosted its first blood drive with LifeSouth in April 2020. “I reached out to LifeSouth back in 2019 to start the process and ended up with wonderful people to speak with, and so it began with one phone call and email,” said Tamara. Since then, the CNC has hosted eight blood drives and collected 327 units of blood for patients in local hospitals.
“Working with LifeSouth has been so smooth and effortless,” Tamara said. “Each person has been very kind and helpful. I always have the materials, flyers and links to the online portal in a timely manner. When the staff arrive to our site; they are always accommodating and extremely nice to our donors and staff.”
Tamara said that when COVID-19 began, she was looking for a way to encourage her community to give back. “I wanted a way that the community could feel like they were a part of something bigger, a way to help others, she said. “And this was it! Our community heard the call and has been participating ever since.”
Since that first blood drive, participation in CNC’s drives has only increased. “Our drives are growing each time, and to know that we are saving lives brings a sense of joy back into the world that we’re living in,” said Tamara. “It has been such a pleasure partnering with LifeSouth and we will continue to do so in the future.”
The community is invited to stop by the next CNC blood drive on Friday, February 4 and be a part of saving lives. The drive will be held between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM. All donors will receive an e-gift card, recognition item and a complimentary cholesterol screening.
Many blood drives have been cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19. This has caused a significant drop in donations. At CNC we host quarterly blood drives which provide you with many opportunities to donate. Sign up today to help those in need! To learn more about blood donation, visit lifesouth.org or call toll-free 888-795-2707.
How does the wildlife handle the cold and what can you do to help
It’s COLD outside!
We have all bundled up in our coats these past few days, but what about the wildlife out there?
What do they do?
Thankfully, Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Wildlife Director Kathryn Dudeck, has the answers. CNC has dozens of injured or rehabilitated wildlife – from owls to eagles, opossums to beaver – on its 127-acres to care for.
How do raptors stay warm in cold weather?
“Because the vast majority of our permanent residents would naturally reside in Georgia this time of year, few additional actions are required.
“Raptor feathers weigh more than the entire bird skeleton so you will often see the birds fluffy in cold weather. They can control each feather individually so they raise their feathers to trap the warm body heat, creating an insulated ‘parka’ for themselves. This is why down jackets are so popular with people! We also ensure they have access to fresh water at all times, so this means we regularly break the ice in their water pans or provide fresh water.”
How is CNC caring for its wildlife?
“We are feeding the raptors on the high end of their required food ranges and monitoring their weights regularly to ensure they are at or above each individual’s average winter weight. We have data on many of our birds dating back more than 15 years so we are able to look at their historical weights and corresponding weather that occurred then. Our resident birds typically fast on Sundays, but in exceptionally cold temperatures we provide half-rations that day to ensure they are receiving enough calories.
“The only birds that need a bit more help are our glove-trained Merlin and Broad-winged Hawk. Merlins are a small falcon that winter in South Georgia and Florida, and Broad-winged Hawks winter in Central and South America. We already have radiant heat panels in both of these birds’ enclosures that turn on when the temperature is below 40 degrees, and the Broad-winged Hawk’s enclosure is sheeted every fall to create a windbreak. If temperatures are expected to drop below 25°F, these two birds are brought inside each evening.
That’s the raptors. What about mammals?
“The education opossums have lots of blankets in their outside enclosures, but we bring them inside whenever the low is below is 40°F. When we go out to get them, they are snuggled in their blankets and toasty warm, but we want to make sure they stay that way. Opossums are frequent victims of frostbite on their ears, tails, and feet — the areas of their bodies with no fur.
The beaver is absolutely loving the cold weather and will even go for a swim if there are ice crystals on the surface of the pond. Because she came from Virginia, she is a bit more weathered to the cold, and she has a dense layer of fat. In fact, beavers store fat in their tails to use as a reserve in cold weather. However, CNC’s resident beaver does have a heater in her inside enclosure, and she can move towards it or away from it as she likes.”
What can people do to help wildlife in winter?
Fresh Water – It’s just as important in cold weather as hot weather; purchase a heated birdbath or use an extension cord and submersible aquarium heater; place a shallow pan, like a potted plant saucer on the ground for the rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks
Bird Feeders – Be sure to clean out before every filling and offer a variety of feed
Native Plants & Trees – These provide food and shelter from winter winds, so hold off on pruning unless necessary for safety; However, trim out non-native berries and fruits such as from Nandina (heavenly bamboo) that are toxic and sometimes fatal to our songbirds
Small Brush Piles – Provide hiding places and homes for small animals
Nest Boxes –In winter, they are used for roosting to stay warm
Stay warm and spring will be here before we know it! We invite you to visit CNC and explore the Wildlife Walk and see how the resident birds and beaver are handling the chilly weather!