Blog
Swap the Savings During the Annual SWAPtember Event
Swap the savings during the annual SWAPtember event at 22 metro Atlanta attractions! Show your Chattahoochee Nature Center membership card when you visit these participating Atlanta attractions between September 1-30, 2024, and receive $10 off a membership purchase and/or to receive admission discounts*. * Admission is optional based on organization, all participants offer membership discounts. […]
Nurturing Connections and Sustainability
Jacqueline McRae, Horticulture Manager | Helen Brose, Marketing Specialist Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Horticulture Department exemplifies unwavering commitment to the safeguarding and sustainability of the Chattahoochee River Watershed. We showcase our initiatives such as the Horticulture Symposium, seasonal native plant sales, active involvement in conservation projects, and a steadfast commitment to fostering a healthy community […]
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 […]
2024 CNC Event Calendar
Check out the events currently planned at the Chattahoochee Nature Center for 2024. All events are subject to change. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information and to plan your visit. Click here to download a PDF of the 2024 event calendar.
You’re invited to a wildlife baby shower and fundraiser
You’re invited to a wildlife baby shower happening Sunday, February 25, from 12-4PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from CNC’s wildlife technicians what to do should you find baby birds or other baby animals. Ticketing and member reservations will open on January 24. Did you know spring is the perfect time of year for […]
Connecting Los Niños with Nature
Sam Leaf, Outreach and Partnerships Specialist In May of this year, Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) was honored as a 2023 Fulton County Community Services Program (CSP) Partner, receiving recognition and funding for its contributions to essential community services. Community Services, a division of the Fulton County Department of Community Development, administers and coordinates the […]
Your Place on the River
Chattahoochee Nature Center invites you to explore its new podcast, Your Place on the River, presented by Carriage Kia. 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 […]
Empowering Environmental Stewardship
Natasha Rice, President/CEO, and David Miles, Senior Director of Resource Development As dedicated members of our Chattahoochee Nature Center family, you have played an integral role in our mission to connect people with nature. Your support has made a significant impact on CNC’s ability to inspire environmental stewardship and provide environmental education and recreation […]
Connecting with Nature through Art
Farah McIntyre, Member and Visitor Engagement Director, and Mark Gialanella, Education Programs Supervisor Chattahoochee Nature Center’s mission is to connect people with nature. However, it does not stop at encouraging people to go outside and walk around in nature; CNC also encourages people to connect with nature through art utilizing collaborations with multiple art-focused […]
What Exactly IS Guided Forest Bathing?
Kathryn Fidati, Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Unsurprisingly, I get many questions and a few comments when I share with people that I’m a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide: “What’s that? You’re a therapist? Why do that outside? I don’t really need therapy, thanks.” When I share that Forest Therapy is also […]
Connecting People with Nature at Chattahoochee Nature Center
North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 681Fabiola Clermont and Jeremy Maneyapanda from Chattahoochee Nature Center were the guests on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. They spoke with host John Ray on the numerous experiences and services they offer, their wildlife rescue and rehabilitation care, events and exhibits, their own journey to the CNC, and […]
Celebrating 30 Years of Adventure and Learning
Nestled within the serene 127-acre campus of Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), Camp Kingfisher has been an oasis of nature exploration, discovery, and joyful memories for three decades. Its mission: connecting kids with nature and each other. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Camp Kingfisher this year, we reflect upon the immeasurable impact this remarkable […]
A Legacy of Learning
Julia Burns is one of CNC’s longest-tenured volunteers, having served in various roles over the last 13 years. Upon hearing her gentle voice and seeing her warm smile, her role as a lifelong educator who loves children and nature becomes apparent. As a teacher for 42 years, she embraces the belief that “teachers do not […]
Sharing Nature Through the Master Naturalist Program
Christie Hill, Naturalist Manager, CIG I have had the pleasure of coordinating a program at CNC for adults seeking to further their education about nature; to master the art of being a naturalist! The Georgia Master Naturalist program at the University of Georgia explores natural history and environmental topics. This program is a hands-on […]
Shining Light on Summer Partnerships
Alicia Thompson, Senior Director of Learning and EngagementSam Leaf, Outreach and Partnerships Specialist Sometimes we call them our partners; often, we call them our friends. Chattahoochee Nature Center cherishes our community partnerships, which are always a highlight of our summer programming. CNC Learning and Engagement staff are winding down from a fantastic school year […]
It’s Not Just One Bottle
Chattahoochee Nature Center thrives with the support of volunteers. Many of our amazing volunteers are local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts working toward earning hours and achieving awards. One scout, Elizabeth Williams, approached CNC to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award and proposed a project to help collect trash that accumulates in CNC’s wetlands and […]
“I’m Nervous to Send My Child to Summer Camp!”
By Laura Viator, Camp Co-Director for Camp Kingfisher Camp can be a magical place where a child can explore their interests without the strict rules that often come during the school year. Every day becomes an adventure; games are sillier, days are longer, and the adults running the show get to tap into their […]
Celebrating Art and Nature at the Chattahoochee Nature Center
The mural was funded in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Department of Community Development. ROSWELL, GA – Chattahoochee Nature Center announces the completion of a new staircase mural by local artist Thomas Turner, titled The Flow. The mural installation was funded in part by the Fulton […]
The Web of Life
Each year hundreds of volunteers come out to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. They arrive early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to tend our Unity Garden, which produces 4 tons of fresh produce annually for the North Fulton Community Charities. They sign up monthly to guide guests on nature walks and remove invasive species from the grounds, […]
Belted Kingfisher Accepts Award
Greetings to all my adoring fans! As many of you may have heard, the year 2023 has been officially recognized as MY year! In December of 2022, the American Birding Association announced that the Belted Kingfisher is the official 2023 Bird of the Year. And I must say, it is about time! It is my […]
CNC Celebrates Three New Graduates
We live in an era of polarization and mistrust – and environmental challenges. The need for informed understanding and candid, empathetic dialogue is more pressing than ever before. Environmental issues can be particularly complex and potentially contentious. It takes collaboration and connection to find shared solutions. More than 20 years ago, an advisory committee came […]
Activate Your Learning
Mark Gialanella, Education Programs Supervisor Learning as an adult can be just as engaging and full of wonder as when learning as a child. It just takes looking through the lens of exploration and eagerness to experience new things, which activate the fascination for nature many of us had as children. When walking the grounds […]
Announcing the Winners of the 2022-2023 Enchanted Woodland Trail
The Enchanted Woodland Trail is one of the most beloved exhibits at CNC. Visitors and Members are always so delighted to see the variety of homes we receive and are impressed to hear that this exhibit is created by volunteers. The Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes this year have been some of the best so […]
Have you ever heard of a “wattle”?
A tried-and-true way to build a natural fence is by constructing a wattle! Wattle materials will you need? There are several types of this fence you can craft, ranging from simple low-path edging to tall woven masterpieces. This is the structural component of a building technique, which was commonly used for thousands of years, known […]
Community Partner Support from Cobb EMC
When it comes to the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s (CNC) Wildlife Department, the saying “it takes a village” could not be truer. Each year, CNC rehabilitates over 375 native Georgia birds of prey. These raptors come to the Center most often because of human contact – hit by a car, shot, or sickened by eating a […]
Double Vision for Kids Contest Winners Announced
The CNC Nature Exchange staff is always looking for ways to connect with young nature enthusiasts so this year they hosted the Third Annual Double Vision for Kids Contest. For this contest, young artists were encouraged to take a photograph of something interesting out in the natural world. It could be a photo of animals, […]
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 […]
Help Others Connect with Nature
By Christie Hill, Naturalist ManagerDocents come to us in all ages and stages of life. All have an interest in the natural world and a passion to share it with others. Our docents are CNC ambassadors whose role is to be here to interact with our visitors. They know how to light a spark in others’ […]
Green Your Giving this Holiday Season
By Amy Meeker-Taylor, Member and Visitor Engagement ManagerAre you looking for ways to make your holiday a little green? Parties and celebrations are a fantastic way to reconnect and reflect on the past year. With minimal effort, your celebrations and gift giving can model sustainable practices for your guests. Check out these tips for creating […]
6,000 Second Graders at CNC this Fall
By Sam Leaf, Partnership & Outreach Specialist One of the perks of working at CNC is that at any moment, I can leave my office, step outside, and be immersed in nature. This includes not only the sights of nature but the sounds as well. You can enjoy the sounds of a hawk soaring in […]
Georgia Forestry Association Awards CNC with Evergreen Award
By Alicia Thompson, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement On July 30, CNC was recognized at the Georgia Forestry Association’s annual conference with the Evergreen Award. The Award serves to recognize both the partnership between our organizations, as well as the talent and dedication of CNC staff to sharing the love of forests. CNC’s education […]
CNC Partnerships with Fulton County
By Alicia Thompson, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement Chattahoochee Nature Center’s multi-faceted partnership with Fulton County serves to support the center in many ways, one of which is to help connect Fulton County residents with nature. This summer, CNC worked closely with a few distinct groups in the county and served over 1,000 residents […]
How Rain Affects Wildlife
By Kathryn Dudeck We have been experiencing a lot of summer storms lately. We know how rain affects us but have you ever wondered how rain affects wildlife? We talked to Wildlife Director, Kathryn Dudeck to find out some ways that the rain affects wildlife.Nocturnal animals such as raccoons, opossums, and coyotes are seen more […]
New Trash and Recycling Bins
Brooke Francis has been an amazing volunteer who has made a great impact at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. She was in the summer camp Leadership and Naturalist Training Program for the past two summers at Camp King Fisher and is also a Girl Scout who built three new recycle bins for the Nature Center as […]
Spotlight on Grounds Crew Volunteers at CNC
At CNC, we are thankful to all of our volunteers who help out in a variety of ways. We asked Bea Hatcher, one of our talented Naturalists to tell us about her experience as a grounds volunteer. Here is what she had to say. On Wednesdays at 8AM, we meet at the Chattahoochee Nature Center […]
The Urban Kings Project Continues
Image Courtesy of Samantha Kennett In 2019, a citizen science project was launched studying eastern kingsnakes in Metro Atlanta called The Urban Kings Project. Since then, hundreds of community members have participated by reporting sightings of their neighborhood kingsnakes. This year be the fourth and final year of data collection for the project. Here is […]
Go with the F.L.O.W. this Summer at CNC
This summer, CNC is grateful to be able to offer our 127 acres as space where you can go with the F.L.O.W. – Fun, Learning, Outdoors, and Wellness – and connect with nature. Through fun festivals, robust programs, exciting exhibits, and beautiful trails and gardens, you will find there is so much to do and […]
Spotlight on Wildlife Volunteers at CNC
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we have been recognizing our volunteers and all of the great work that they do here. Today we wanted to highlight our volunteers in the wildlife department. More than 75 injured, non-releasable animals call CNC home. Our volunteers learn important skills and assist the wildlife department in providing for […]
Pervious Pavers Installed in CNC Parking Lot
Required as a component of stormwater management for our permit with the City of Roswell, approximately 5,500 square feet of pervious pavers were installed in three locations in the Chattahoochee Nature Center parking lot. They were installed in the parking lot because the required stormwater management for the boardwalk replacement could not be provided near […]
Spotlight on Master Gardeners at CNC
As we reach National Volunteer Week 2022, we wanted to take the time to thank all of our dedicated volunteers who help keep CNC afloat. Our volunteers make it possible for us to have wonderful exhibits, care for our animals, give back to the community, and provide camp support, programs, and learning opportunities for all […]
Spotlight on the Unity Garden Volunteers at CNC
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 […]
River Boardwalk Trail Allows for Greater Access to the River
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 […]
Spotlight on Education Volunteers at CNC
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 […]
New Wildlife Technician Joins the CNC Team
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 […]
Travel Camp Returns in 2022
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 […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Clarence Jackson
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 […]
Grand Opening Celebration for the Chattahoochee Nature’s Center New River Boardwalk Trail
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 […]
Announcing the Winners of the 2021-2022 Enchanted Woodland Trail
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 […]
Two years of lifesaving partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
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 […]
It’s COLD! How do animals survive frigid temps?
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 […]
Your Help is Needed in Reporting Winter Monarch Sightings
Photo courtesy of Monarchs Across Georgia Committee, Environmental Education AllianceLast winter, volunteers from across the Southeast and Gulf states provided more than 5,800 observations of monarch butterflies. This winter, the partnership of universities, agencies and other organizations called Monarchs Overwintering in the Southeastern States is requesting the public’s continued involvement in […]
Exciting Changes Happening at the Aviaries
By Kathryn Dudeck, Wildlife Director Looking back on the history of the aviaries they have come a long way in location and design! In 2002, our large exhibit raptors were moved from their enclosures by Frog Pond to make way for a redesigned and relocated entrance, parking lot, and Admissions area. New aviaries were built […]
Fairies move into a cello house along the Enchanted Woodland Trail
An abandoned child-sized cello that once belonged to a now world-renowned musician has been converted into a house by a family of woodland fairies along the Enchanted Woodland Trail. You can visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center and explore the trails to discover the cello house and many more fairy and gnome homes. They use […]
Woodland Whimsy Reading List
Come visit CNC and our Enchanted Woodland Trail, featuring natural and upcycled fairy houses and gnome homes! When you go home, the woodland whimsy doesn’t have to end! Check out the Enchanted Woodland reading lists put together by our friends at the library to help us celebrate this exhibit. Be sure to log your points […]
Naturally Artistic Highlights Local Artists
November 5, 2021 Visit CNC and enjoy Naturally Artistic, a homegrown exhibit that celebrates the connection between art and nature. You’ll enjoy creations from local artists, participate in making art, and be encouraged to see the world around you with a fresh set of eyes. This year we present 5 areas where you can get […]
CNC Continues to Host Blood Drives
November 5, 2021 Tamara Kinmon, Events Director at CNC will tell anyone how blood drives are near and dear to her heart. April 2020 many businesses closed in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, including CNC. Hosting a mobile blood drive was a natural way to offer the community an […]
Nature Exchange Trader Feature: Emily Ross
By Emily Ross, Nature Exchange Trader Have you ever wondered where some of the incredible animal skeletons come from that can be seen in the lower level of the Discovery Center? We’d like to introduce you to Emily Ross who creates many of these amazing skeletons. We asked Emily to give us some background information […]
Connection to the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration
By Andrea Hearn, Digital Media Coordinator Did you know that Chattahoochee Nature Center has virtual programs that make it possible for us to bring the nature center to you? Virtual programs with CNC provide people of all ages the opportunity to meet live animals, see firsthand views of our ponds and river, and hone in […]
Bountiful Berries & Awesome Okra
By Jacqueline McRae, Horticulture Manager Naturally, there is a lot happening on the grounds here at CNC as the seasons move from summer to fall. The Horticulture team has been working hard in the native plant gardens and in the Unity Garden. Plants are still providing food for birds and other wildlife and the Unity […]
Top 10 reasons why your child should unplug at Camp Kingfisher during their school break
Looking for a place to send your kids during school breaks? Look no further! Camp Kingfisher offers an outdoor camp experience filled with hiking adventures, animal encounters, and outdoor play on a 127-acre riverside campus. Campers learn about nature and start to understand the precious ecosystem of the Chattahoochee watershed with hands-on science education. Check […]
I spy with my little eye
I spy with my little eye… A truck, a crane, planks, and tools? What? Not the typical items you would expect to see at a nature center. The lower area of CNC’s 127-acre campus is currently the host to the crews and equipment needed to rebuild our 35 plus-year-old, 3,000-foot river boardwalk. While we apologize […]
Sustainability in the Nature Store with Liberty Graphics
Designing and printing since 1977, Liberty Graphics was established when they, as a locally based community of artists and artisans, were looking for a means of support that would not disturb the natural beauty of their rural setting in Liberty, Maine. With design emphasis on the wonders of the natural world and production […]
Give back to the community
Learn how you can help the community by volunteering in the Unity Garden at CNC. What is the Unity Garden? How do I get involved? Watch and learn how the Unity Garden gives back and find out how you can be part of it!Learn more about volunteering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I4jOLmlAAY
Connect with Nature at CNC
Meet Mark Gialanella, Community Programs Coordinator, as he shares information on the canoe programs at CNC along with other ways you can connect with nature. Watch the video and then make your canoe reservation today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZZrwJOYTK8
Georgia Forestry Foundation Thrive Outside Education Partnership
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rur3ZidFgrg Chattahoochee Nature Center, in partnership with Trust for Public Lands, hosted 9 days of programs this summer as part of the Thrive Outdoors Initiative that served hundreds of campers from both Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and City of Atlanta’s Camp Best Friends. The Thrive Outside Atlanta Community is led by […]
A Community United
Juan Unzueta, a teaching actor from the Alliance Theatre presents Do You Love the Dark? By Maya Lawrence, this year’s pick from the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club.As we look back on this first month of summer, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for our community partners who made June so special for […]
Can pulling weeds really be meditative?
By Jacqueline McRae, Manager of Horticulture and Gardens Out on the grounds here at CNC, the Horticulture Team is truly gardening for wildlife year-round. In summer there is much work to be done to keep nectar flowing for the butterflies, bees, and other pollinators that visit the grounds. Every day we tend to the […]
Ready. Set. Paddle.
By Andrea Hearn, Digital Media Coordinator There is no better time of year to get out and explore your local waterways. Whether you are planning a family fun day or a romantic night out, our canoe experiences provide you with the perfect backdrop. Whether this is your first time out on a canoe, or […]
Spring is in full swing, and it’s on the wing!
By Rebekah Dolan, Visitor Services Associate With the return of longer hours of sunlight and warmer weather, you are probably seeing many critters flying and buzzing around – some of which you may have not seen before. Each spring, thousands of birds and insects migrate north to reach their summer breeding and feeding grounds […]
The (Un)usual Suspects
April 19, 2021 By Emma Schell, Scheduling Coordinator Spring has sprung, and while that means warmer weather and blooming flowers, it also means the arrival of something many people dread: pollen. While it may be a nuisance to our noses, pollen is an essential part of plant reproduction. In order for many plants to […]
Bloom Where You Are Planted
April 19, 2021 By Frank Viera, CNC Docent It was March 2020 and I had no idea how much my life would change and what an influence nature would have in helping me cope and even bloom. Until March of 2020, I was more active than not, walking to and from the bus stop to […]
The CNC Volunteers that Could
April 13, 2021 By Libby Lintel, Volunteer Coordinator What a crazy year has just passed: unexpected, challenging, heartbreaking, and life-changing. As we reach National Volunteer Week 2021, I am reminded of one of my favorite children’s stories, “The Little Engine that Could” by Watty Piper. Upon rereading the tale, it seemed to be a wonderful […]
Everyone needs a Spring Break
March 16, 2021 By Tracy Begley, Marketing Specialist 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 […]
Tips for Starting a Successful Butterfly Garden
Always include a nectar source and host plants March 16, 2021 There are two parts to any successful butterfly garden: nectar sources and host plants. Nectar is an important source of food for many pollinators, and luckily there are many different types of annuals and perennials that provide this resource. To attract native pollinators to your […]
Go Green this Spring
March 11, 2021The Rentals Department at the Chattahoochee Nature Center is hosting its’ first ever Wedding Expo this spring to bring couples and Atlanta’s finest and most diverse vendors in the wedding industry all together in one place. It will be one stop shopping for couples to get to know all the various businesses and […]
Staff Highlight: Fabiola Clermont
March 9, 2021 By Lori Watterson, CNC Naturalist CNC is lucky to have amazing staff with varied backgrounds and experiences. Fabiola (Fabie) Clermont is the Special Events Coordinator at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Read on to get to know her background and her perspective on being a woman of color in the natural sciences field. […]
The Flower That Grows in the Dark
Meet the ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora) February 10, 2021 By Emma Schell, Scheduling Coordinator When you think of Georgia wildflowers, you might imagine milkweeds stretching towards the sky, wild indigo with its rich blue petals, or the echinacea that is sold in some health stores. A wildflower can be defined as any flowering plant that […]
Grow Where you are Planted
Two plants that are great examples of tenacity and resourcefulness February 15, 2021 By Jana Pearce, Visitor Experience Manager This spring at CNC we are celebrating the tenacity, resourcefulness, and gratitude that have helped to get us and others through a challenging year. Making the most of what you have is a beautiful mindset for […]
Looking for a camp this summer? Check out the reviews before you decide!
Camp Kingfisher – a CNC tradition since 1993. At Camp Kingfisher we love our campers – sharing nature and making memories together each summer on our 127 acres. We were fortunate to host camp in a modified format in 2020, and maintained the magic of summer in addition to overwhelmingly positive feedback from our hundreds […]
Get excited about #CampKforLife!
A summer of unplugged fun Check out a video from Camp Kingfisher! While it is from 2017, hence no masks, it is a great overview of what happens at camp and what is special about the Camp Kingfisher feeling! Get excited about #CampKforLife! Camper registration for 4 year-old to 7th grade Travel Camp, if operating, […]
Connect with Nature and Community
January 21, 2021 By Jana Pearce, Visitor Experience Manager The Enchanted Woodland Trail is a great way to stay connected to nature during the winter months, take in the often overlooked details of the forest, and receive the physical and mental benefits of being active outdoors not to mention celebrating magical, nature-inspired art! An additional […]
Insects, Worms, and Minnows – Oh My!
Help keep the turtles in Kingfisher Pond healthy December 22, 2020 When you visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center most likely you will take a walk along the wildlife walk and see the Bald Eagles, hawks, owls, and the resident beaver. All resident wildlife along the wildlife walk are injured and/or non-releasable and taken care of […]
Making fairy houses and gnome homes a family affair
December 15, 2020 The Enchanted Woodland Trail, open through the end of February, has been a favorite winter activity for visitors at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. It provides an opportunity to slow down, get outside, and explore the winter woods. Finding each fairy house or gnome home keeps everyone moving along the trail and excited […]
Animals Don’t Necessarily “Hibernate” in Winter
You are probably familiar with hibernation, but what about brumation, torpor, or even diapause? November 23, 2020By Kathryn Dudeck, Wildlife Director When we think of winter in Georgia, shorter days, sleet, light snow, cold rain, and a drop in temperature all usually come to mind. But it’s not just the humans who prepare for the […]
Fairy Folk and Fungi
The Science Behind Fairy Rings November 20, 2020Emma Schell, Scheduling Coordinator Every winter, CNC invites the local fairies and gnomes to build their tiny houses, bungalows, cabins, and more along the forest trails. You can see their amazing creations in the Enchanted Woodland Trail exhibit along the wood trails throughout the winter. When you […]
Camp Kingfisher Summer 2020 Wrap Up
A Message to Camp Families November 11, 2020By Debby Head, Camp Director I hope you all are finding time to enjoy the cooler weather and beauty that this season brings. After a roller coaster of a spring and summer it has been nice to slow down a bit and reflect on the 2020 camp season. […]
Member Reservations and Visitation
Tricks for Making a Member Reservation and Visitation December 22, 2020 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 […]
Do you know the Box Turtles favorite thing to eat?
Enjoy catching up with this “fungi” To catch up with the Box Turtle we took a trip to the woodland forest to track him down. He is so well camouflaged that it took a bit to find him, and he was answering our questions soooo slow that we asked him to email them to us. […]
The Kingfisher Can’t Wait to see you at Halloween Hikes
What has the Belted Kingfisher been up to since Halloween Hikes last year? Why hello everyone! Did you miss me? I was just fishing over at the pond at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and it made me remember how much fun I had last year seeing you all at the Halloween Hikes! Can you believe […]
A Visit to the Chattahoochee River to catch up with the River Otter
You will be “otterly” entertained Halloween Hikes is a time to catch up with lots of woodland and watershed creatures and learn about their natural lives. Trail guides lead groups along the well-lit trails for a close encounter with some creatures that can be hard to spot in their natural habitat. We caught up with […]
Hanging out with Howie Pollute
Investigating all your pressing questions Howie Pollute has a lot to say about what is hanging around these days. They have been part of Halloween Hikes for a long time! Read on to learn more behind the scenes information on Howie Pollute and of course their favorite joke! It is a really “crusher”! First […]
Interview with the Red-tailed Hawk of Halloween Hikes
Answers to all your burning questions Along the well-lit trails of Halloween Hikes you will meet many woodland characters. They love to greet each group and share information about their natural lives in an entertaining way. But have you ever wondered what they are doing when not at Halloween Hikes? Or what they do to […]
The Benefits of Doing Yoga Outdoors
And the Benefits of Taking your Practice Outside As the weather is about to cool down with the arrival of fall, everyone will be ready to spend more time outdoors. Having the opportunity to exercise outdoors is one of the best things you can do for yourself. A favorite among many yogis is taking your […]
Deepti and Namar’s Baraat and Ceremony
A rare and beautiful union of the Muslim and Hindu faiths, colorful and unique By Fabiola Clermont, Venue Sales Assistant July 31,2020 The Baraat began with the groom being carried by the beautiful white horse named Firecracker from our meadow through the luscious greenery on the paths and to the lakeside pavilion. He was preceded […]
Good Neighbors
We are here to help By Christie Hill, Naturalist and Docent CoordinatorAugust 27, 2020 You may have recently seen a snake somewhere near your home. You are lucky to live near a snake. There’s a good chance you moved into their neighborhood, instead of the other way around. But no worries. Snakes are not demanding […]
Finding a Connection to Nature through feeding birds
By Rebekah Dolan, Visitor Services AssociateAugust 24, 2020 I think my first experience of feeding birds was when I was a child growing up in New York City and my mother would take my siblings and I to the park on Saturdays to feed the seagulls. I remember being fascinated by how the gulls would […]
Over 2,000 pounds of Fresh Produce Delivered to North Fulton Community Charities
The largest weekly donation of 2020 occurred in July Written by Tracy Begley, Website and Marketing SpecialistAugust 5, 2020 Despite the challenges of limited volunteers due to COVID-19, the Unity Garden at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) continues to provide fresh produce to North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) on a weekly basis. The largest weekly […]
Tall Tales of the Natural World
Highlighting Tales around our Favorite Animals with wings, scales, and tails By Emma Schell, Scheduling CoordinatorAugust 1, 2020 This fall at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, we are highlighting some of our favorite animals with wings, scales, and tails, but we also want to take a look at some of the TALES surrounding these critters. Folklore […]
Urban Kings: Project Update
The Dangers of Landscape Netting in your Garden By Samantha Kennett, Wildlife Technician at CNCJuly 28, 2020 On June 26, 2020, technicians for the Urban Kings Project received a call from a concerned community member. They were excited to report the Kingsnake they’d found in their yard, but troubled by the fact that it was […]
Explore the Native Gardens at the CNC
Native Plant Scavenger Hunt By Taylor Lamb, Horticulturist at CNCJuly 26, 2020 There is no better time than now to get outside and stretch your legs and your brain! In the horticulture department at the CNC, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of native plant species, and we thought it would be fun to challenge […]
SING! “Song of the Chattahoochee”
with Meridian Herald and Hosted at the Chattahoochee Nature Center Jane Thorpe, Meridian Herald Executive DirectorJuly 14, 2020 End your day right with a live-streamed concert of songs about the beauty of nature and water on July 26, 2020. Taking place at the Chattahoochee Nature Center at 6:00 PM, after the gates close, the virtual […]
Urban Kings: A Citizen Science Project
Written by Samantha Kennett, Wildlife TechnicianJune 16, 2020 Citizen Science. It comes in a multitude of forms. You can participate in bird counts with the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, survey for frogs with the Metro Atlanta Amphibian Monitoring Program, even help classify galaxies for Zooniverse. If you haven’t heard yet, there is another local project […]
Connecting with the Chattahoochee River
A Journey Down an Amazing River Written by Larry Strott, Canoe Coordinator at the CNCJune 15, 2020 The Chattahoochee River starts as a small spring trickling out of an Appalachian Mountain hillside called Jack’s Knob, located about 10 miles north of Helen in Chattahoochee Gap. The tiny pool formed as water flows out of the […]
How to Invite Butterflies to Your Garden & Help Pollination
Planning is needed to invite pollinators Edited by Henning von Schmeling, Senior Director of OperationsJune 12, 2020 We have all heard the stories of bees and other insects dying out in large numbers. It’s a mysterious phenomenon, however our buzzing friends are not the only ones facing difficulties in populations. Pollinators of all kinds – including […]
The Flower Power of Pollinators
The secret message in the color of flowers By Liz Platner, Outreach and Partnerships CoordinatorOriginally Posted on March 23, 2018Updated on June 12, 2020 You may think that roses are red and violets are blue, but that’s because your eyes are human eyes. If you were a pollinator, you would see there’s a secret message […]
Protecting raptors and other wildlife near roads
Think about the food chain all around us Written by Christie Hill, Naturalist CoordinatorJune 9, 2020 It seems like we have come a long way since people casually tossed trash from cars. However, now that we understand more about what things are biodegradable we are prone to think less of tossing an apple core, banana […]
Moving turtles safely across roads
Written by Christie Hill, Naturalist Coordinator and Kathryn Dudeck, Wildlife DirectorJune 9, 2020 Turtles are amazing animal ambassadors at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and in their honor we wanted to share what to do if you see a turtle trying to cross a road. The Wildlife Department at the Chattahoochee Nature Center saw 250 rehabilitation […]
The Unity Garden continues to provide fresh produce for local food bank
Unity Garden staff work hard to maintain garden without volunteer support By Tracy Begley, Website and Marketing Specialist, and Julie Hollingsworth-Hogg, Horticulture Manager As CNC begins the process of reopening to the public, we are happy to have visitors back on the property. There were too many quiet days, and we have enjoyed hearing kids […]
Partnering to Support the Communities of Atlanta to Thrive Outside
By Kim Hakimian, Partnership CoordinatorMay 22, 2020 For more than a year, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, The Trust for Public Land, Atlanta Audubon, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Trees Atlanta, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Greening Youth Foundation have been working together to get kids outdoors through The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community initiative. The Thrive Outside initiative […]
Get started with birding
Backyard birding makes it easy to connect with nature Written by Jana Pearce, Visitor Experience Manager With the onset of social distancing and working from home has come a hidden opportunity for us to reengage with old hobbies and discover new ones. I began birding as a way to spend time with my dad, who’s […]
CNC: Connecting You with Nature at Home
As an outdoor venue dedicated to healthy activity and overall wellness, the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) is taking the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. The well-being of our guests and staff are of the utmost importance. CNC is temporarily closed to the public. Essential staff will be on site as needed to maintain the property, continue […]
Get outside and be healthy
It’s been a rough couple of weeks. Everyone is cooped up indoors and getting on each other’s nerves. Your favorite Nature Center is closed to the public. What can be done? A good alternative is to get outside! The mental and physical benefits of spending time outside are numerous. Whether it’s playing, running, breathing in […]
Enchanted winners named for CNC’s fairy trail contest
The judging was tough, but finally a winner has emerged in the contest for best fairy house at the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Enchanted Woodland Trail. The winner is “Tower Town” by Mary Jo Wood and her grandchildren, Malkolm, 10, and Touie, 8. This unique design had three separate buildings each with a different purpose, including […]
The Diana Chronicles: Kingsnake, king snack
The victim, Diana the Kingsnake, May 2019 When working with wildlife, things don’t always go exactly how you’d expect them. One of the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Wildlife Technicians, Samantha Kennett, stumbled upon a surprising act of nature through her work with the Urban Kings Project. This project is a […]
A turtle’s shell is more than its home
By Samantha Kennett CNC Wildlife Technician A common myth regarding turtles is that they can leave their shell for another. However, this is not the case. Did you know that a turtle’s shell is a made of bone and is a part of the turtle’s spine? A turtle’s shell is as much a part […]
Christmas Owl Surprises Family
A Newnan home received a unique Christmas gift last week, when a live owl turned up in their tree. “No joke, we just found a LIVE owl roosting in our Christmas tree. What?!?!?” said Katie Newman, Dec. 12 on Facebook. Newman said her daughter spotted the Eastern Screech Owl squatting in the tree among other […]
Take A Seat – Boy Scout Builds New Outdoor Classroom
Have you seen some changes on our grounds lately? Local Boy Scout Nick Dunson installed a series of benches to create a classroom near the ruined farmhouse on the property as part of his Eagle Scout certification. He said he was familiar with CNC since he was a child, attending summer camp with Camp Kingfisher. […]
A Girl and Her Mole
By Emily Belinfante, Camp Kingfisher Registrar A few weeks ago, while driving into the Chattahoochee Nature Center, I spotted something in the road. I often play a game called “Is it a turtle?” along Willeo Road, typically resulting in “no, it’s a pinecone.” This, however, was not a pinecone. Or a turtle. I stopped, curiosity […]
Galapagos Gecko Visits CNC
Tiny traveler found in resident’s backpack ROSWELL, Ga. – What flies halfway around the world in a backpack just to visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center? If you answered a leaf-footed gecko from the Galapagos Islands, you are correct! One such tiny traveler came to CNC’s Wildlife Department October 23. According to Kathryn Dudeck, Wildlife Director […]
