Nature’s Classroom

Sam Leaf, Outreach and Partnership Coordinator

In 2024, CNC’s environmental education programs will reach over 40,000 participants. This month, we will visit many schools and organizations, and many students will come out to CNC for field trips.

CNC will head out on the road to visit Champions Place, an organization that empowers young adults with physical challenges to reach their potential for independence and belonging. CNC naturalists bring an outreach program to residents and will introduce three of our resident animal ambassadors for up-close encounters, explore the importance of these animals to our local habitat, and educate on how our actions can help their well-being. Back in November 2023, Champions Place visited CNC to participate in a Canoemobile experience, where young adults, including those in wheelchairs, enjoyed a paddling experience on the Chattahoochee River.

Our next highlight is the Cultural Experience Project: a partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, City of Atlanta, and Atlanta’s most notable cultural venues. CNC has participated in this important initiative for 17 years, which grants a field trip to every APS student free of charge. Between November and February, a total of 4,000 students from 53 APS schools will experience an interpretive hike from one of our talented naturalists using our forest trails, wetlands, and river boardwalk.

We are also proud to partner with Georgia Forestry Foundation. Through this partnership, CNC naturalists provide free outreach programming focused on the importance of sustainable forestry programs and forestry careers to 3rd graders in Cobb County Schools. 

Finally, this month, we reflect on our partnership with the Fulton County Community Services Program, which you can read about here.

CNC is grateful to the many partners and supporters who help us share nature with students across metro Atlanta!