CNC Celebrates Prestigious Recognition of Retired Horticulture Curator
Henning von Schmeling Receives Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance’s Tom Patrick Award for Outstanding Contributions to Plant Conservation
Roswell, GA. – Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in the conservation and rehabilitation of native plants and wildlife surrounding the Chattahoochee River, metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia, is celebrating a prestigious award win for retired horticulture curator Henning von Schmeling. Von Schmeling, who spent 39 years as an integral part of the CNC team, is a founding member of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance (GPCA) and has been recognized by the organization with its 2025 Tom Patrick Award.
“Henning was a key member of our team and, during his time here, contributed to many of our successes, so it brings myself, our team and our entire organization such immense pride to see him recognized in this way,” said Natasha Rice, chief executive officer of Chattahoochee Nature Center. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Henning’s retirement than seeing him earn this incredibly prestigious award from our partners at the GPCA.”
The GPCA’s Tom Patrick Award was established in 2019, when Jenny Cruse-Sanders, director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, presented Tom Patrick with a lifetime achievement award. It was the first medal of its kind within the GPCA and has since been awarded to five individuals, including von Schmeling. The award was created to honor those who have shown exemplary dedication to the study, teaching and service of Georgia’s native flora. Von Schmeling played an instrumental role in the revitalization of rare and extinct plants, including the Alabama Leather Flower, which he began propagating and maintaining more than 25 years ago, increasing the species and replanting it back into the wild. He also saved the Georgia Rockcress from full extinction after discovering the plants were dropping their seeds in a habitat that was not sustainable for new growth. As the species dwindled down to one plant surviving in the wild, von Schmeling created three different eco types from three different populations in Georgia to revive the number of Georgia Rockcress plants.
As GPCA leadership presented the award to von Schmeling, Dr. Mincy Moffett, botanist at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said, “Henning was a rambling, adventurous, creative character who was a pillar of the early organization and a major resource throughout its growth and development. A hundred years ago, he would have been hopping off the back of a train in ‘nowheresville’ with Roland Harper!”
CNC has been a proud, founding member of GPCA since 1995. GPCA is comprised of more than 75 Georgia universities, botanical gardens, zoos, conservation agencies and more, who are committed to ecological land management, native plant conservation and the protection of rare and endangered plants. GPCA and CNC work together to support the rehabilitation of native Georgian plants, ensuring the ecosystem’s vitality for years to come.
“It has been an honor to work at Chattahoochee Nature Center and have an impact on protecting and preserving some of the rarest plants in Georgia. I hope my work will continue on so that these plants have a chance,” von Schmeling remarked. “Receiving the Tom Patrick Medal of Honor was unexpected, but I will cherish it and will continue working with rare plants in Germany.”
Von Schmeling’s journey with CNC began January 1, 1986, where he consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing knowledge, education and stewardship of the state’s native plants. After 39 remarkable years, he now resides in Germany with his family and is an active member of plant conservation efforts in Germany, educates his new community and is teaching young people about their responsibility to the health and prosperity of native plants.
Natasha Rice, chief executive officer of Chattahoochee Nature Center, said, “Thanks to the Parkers’ generous support, a new volunteer operations center will be constructed to ensure that the thousands of CNC volunteers receive the necessary resources to stay safe and healthy while working on projects in the greenhouses and the Unity Garden.”
Heading into its 50th year in 2026, CNC is utilizing the Growing Tomorrow’s Nature Enthusiast capital campaign to invest in its continued future as a leader in conservation, rehabilitation and education of wildlife within metro Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River. The investments from donors and members to this capital campaign will allow the nature center to implement improvements that will support the center for its next 50 years. These updates will better equip the nature center to expand its educational reach, granting an even greater impact on children and adults for years to come.
Emily Grosskamp, from Troop 13409 in Marietta, completed her project aimed at helping visitors to Chattahoochee Nature Center find their way on two specific trails and learn about Georgia Wildlife.
“We are thrilled to partner with scouts and are grateful for the time and creativity they put into their projects,” said Alicia Thompson, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement. “These projects not only benefit our visitors but also help foster a sense of stewardship among our community’s future leaders.”
With special thanks to Northside Hospital, take a deep, mindful breath at Sunset Sips after a busy day as you relax, unwind, and enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk with a pink and orange painted sky as your backdrop. Even if it should rain, a gorgeous rainbow may grace the skies.
Stop, look, and listen to the chirping of cicadas and the hooting of owls. Watch as the great blue heron glides over the river, or simply relax on the cool grass while one of many fantastic musicians plays under the pavilion. There’s something for everyone, from chill grooves to jazz to rock.
Your Place on the River provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Wildlife Department, where experts share insights into the behavior and care of the resident animals. Wander through the lush landscapes of the Horticulture Department and discover the secrets behind the vibrant flora that paints the center’s picturesque scenery. Journey through the educational initiatives with the Education Department, gaining a deeper understanding of impactful programs designed to connect people with nature. Oh, the places you’ll go!
ROSWELL, GA – The Chattahoochee Nature Center is proud to announce the long-awaited completion of the vulture aviary. The previous aviary was over 20 years old, and for the safety of the birds, including protection from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), they have been off exhibit since August 2022.
On an annual basis, CNC receives over 700 rehabilitation cases and 3,500 inquiries about wildlife. The on-site staff and department volunteers work tirelessly to help the injured animals and return them to the wild, if possible. They receive no federal or state funds for their work and cannot charge a fee for their services as wildlife rehabilitators. However, donations are gladly accepted.
ROSWELL, GA. – The Chattahoochee Nature Center, located in Roswell, Georgia, has engaged Atlanta muralist Thomas Turner to create a unique mural masterpiece at the Center. The mural will cascade down a multi-tier hillside staircase in the heart of the 127-acre campus and will serve as a backdrop for events hosted at the Center’s Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion. The desired intent for the staircase mural is to connect people with the Chattahoochee River watershed in an artistic, interpretive way while driving awareness toward our connection with the natural world.