After decades of work, the City of Atlanta has officially secured nine acres bordering the Chattahoochee River in Riverside, creating Atlanta’s newest natural oasis — Lower Paul Park.
Any chance to get away from the bustle of the city is exciting, but the folks in Riverside know this park represents something more — staunch determination and an unwavering vision from residents.
Summer vacation is right around the corner and kids are excited to take their three-month break from school. The Alpharetta and Roswell areas are perfect for children’s summertime activities with multiple camps set on the calendar. Kids of all ages with different interests can look forward to fun-filled opportunities in the coming months.
“The ballet that takes place with getting people on the river is amazing to watch,” said Nantahala Outdoor Center president Colin McBeath about the daily spectacle that unfolds on the NOC campus during peak season. “It’s not just about getting people wet, it’s giving them an experience, it’s educating them about the local environment. We like to think we’re the five-star experience for rafting.”
Marietta is a town in and the county seat of Washington County, Georgia, United States. It has a very affordable cost of living and a low unemployment rate, making it a great place to live. In addition, this community has an abundance of resources and opportunities within its boundaries, including beautiful outdoor spaces, numerous parks and restaurants, great schools, museums, and theatres. There is no shortage of options for both adults and children regarding things to do in Marietta.
Summertime is quickly approaching and it’s time to start making summer camp plans. Parents know that kids need to stay busy and preschool camp is the perfect way to expose young kids to new interests and further develop socialization skills. Fortunately, the Atlanta area offers many summer camps geared for the younger set.
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.
A view of the Chattahoochee River from the new Boardwalk Trail at the Chattahoochee Nature Center
“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.
Oxbow Animal Health has announced the recipients of its 2021 KINDSWELL Rescue Grants. The eleven recipient organizations will receive funding and donations totaling nearly $50,000 for a variety of projects and programs that benefit the welfare of small animals throughout the United States and Canada.
I love Atlanta but hate the traffic. When I want to explore Georgia around Atlanta and not have to deal with horns and crazy people cutting me off, there are amazing smaller cities nearby. Here are a few of my favorites, chosen because they have fewer crowds and less traffic and include a mix of activities and attractions that appeal to many ages and tastes.
A partnership led by the state Department of Natural Resources has been awarded nearly $780,000 to sample, grow and save 14 imperiled plant species. The federal grant will also boost capacity to preserve the plants at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, while spreading that expertise and support to others in the nationally recognized Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, according to a press release.
A partnership led by the state Department of Natural Resources has been awarded nearly $780,000 to sample, grow and save 14 imperiled plant species. The federal grant will also boost capacity to preserve the plants at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, while spreading that expertise and support to others in the nationally recognized Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance.
Photo by Kelly Jordan
